As part of its commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Polaris Bank, in partnership with Nigeria’s event management company, Eventful Limited, has announced the sponsorship of the 6th edition of the Lagos Fashion Souk.

The two-day Fashion Souk/business fair has been scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 9, and Sunday, July 10, 2022, at the Harbour Point facility in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Announcing the event, Polaris Bank’s Group Head Strategic Brand Management, Nduneche Ezurike, stated: “As a SMEs-friendly Bank, it is always our delight to explore opportunities to grow Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises.

“Polaris Bank’s lead sponsorship of the 6th edition of the Fashion Souk, underscores our acknowledgment of the SMEs as the catalyst for Nigerian’s economic growth.

“This year’s Fashion Souk is unique as it provides an opportunity for Eid-el-Kabir holidaymakers with an unforgettable shopping experience as visitors will behold the creativity of the Nigerian entrepreneurs, especially in the beauty and fashion space,” Ezurike said.

He added that Polaris Bank’s continued partnership with Eventful Ltd in the last two years stimulated the entrepreneurial spirit of many Nigerians, especially the new-age innovators in the key sectors of the national economy.

He further commended the company for blazing the trail in showcasing the enterprise amongst Nigerians.

Speaking on the importance of Souk, the Founder and Chairman of Eventful and Convener of the Fashion Souk, Mrs. Yewande Zaccheaus, said: “Eventful Limited has been deliberate in using the platform of the Fashion Souk to create the much-needed road to market for budding fashion entrepreneurs whilst also expanding the target market of the more established designers.

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“In partnership with Polaris Bank, we are proud to once again contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy,” she said.

According to her, over 130 SMEs in Nigeria’s fashion industry, cutting across manufacturers, retailers, and dealers, are billed to showcase their creativity and product lines at the Fashion Souk.

According to December 2021 industry report, the Sub-Saharan African fashion market is worth $31 billion, with Nigeria holding an expanding share of 15 percent.

In line with its SME focus, Polaris Bank has partnered with and supported businesses in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy, including health, education, manufacturing, agriculture, export, and others.

The Bank has advanced credits to these sectors in excess of N20bn for the acquisition of medical equipment, machines, distribution and logistics of medical products, stationaries, furniture, working capital for businesses, among others.

The Star