Ecobank Nigeria reaffirms commitment to construction, design sector growth

Ecobank Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s construction and design sector by empowering businesses, fostering economic development and strengthening partnerships across the industry value chain.

Mrs Omoboye Odu, Head of SME, Partnerships and Collaboration, Ecobank Nigeria, disclosed this during a news conference on Monday in Lagos to announce the upcoming five-day Design & Build Expo 2024.

The event, slated for Nov. 27 to Dec. 1, will showcase the latest trends, innovations, and sustainable practices in architecture, construction, building materials, and interior design with the theme “Building Nigeria Together”.

According to Odu, the expo aims to be a hub for innovation, collaboration, and networking, providing industry professionals with opportunities to learn, connect, and discover technologies shaping the future of construction and design.

She said that the five-day exhibition, a hub for innovation and collaboration, aims to be the go-to destination for industry professionals, offering an opportunity to network, learn and collaborate.

Odu noted that the event will feature 54 exhibitors with access to tailored financial solutions, including mortgage plans, construction loans and investment opportunities to support their projects.

The banker explained participants would also benefit from expert insights through knowledge exchange sessions on architecture and finance from Thursday Nov. 30 to Saturday, Dec. 2.

She alao said that the expo would also provide networking opportunities, enabling exhibitors to connect with like-minded professionals and build lasting relationships.

Odu highlighted that the event serves as a form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by Ecobank, offering a platform for established and upcoming companies to showcase Nigerian businesses’ capabilities to both local and international audiences.

She maintained that Ecobank had been instrumental in fostering creativity and innovation through some initiatives.

Odu cited some of these initiatives as the Adire Lagos Experience, Photography, Art, and Design Exhibition (PADE) to commemorate World Photography Day in 2022 and partnerships with renowned artists and organisations.

According to her, the Design & Build Expo 2024 is another step in this direction, by providing a platform for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and learn.

Odu listed the bank’s partners to include Saba Steel Industrial Nigeria Ltd, Coleman Wire & Cables, Donna Spectre Ltd., Dulux Paints and HTL Africa, an architectural firm and ITB Nigeria Ltd, a construction company.

Others are Mota Engil Nigeria, a multinational construction company; Chapel Hill Denham, an investment banking, securities trading, and investment management firm as well Spazio Ideale, an interior design company.

According to her, the bank remains a key driver of the Nigerian Creative Industry, Partnerships and Small, Medium and Enterprises (SMEs).

Odu added that the bank recognises the industry as an essential driver of economic growth, wellbeing and global connectivity, noting that this resonates with its Pan African Bank’s policy of promoting the economic development of the African continent.