Obasanjo Champions Made-In-Nigeria Furniture, Praises Ecobank’s Design & Build Expo

Lagos, Nigeria – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lauded Nigeria’s potential for economic transformation, highlighting the nation’s abundant resources, talent, and opportunities.

Speaking at the Design and Build Expo 2024, an initiative of Ecobank Nigeria, Obasanjo expressed his strong belief in the capacity of Nigerian businesses to compete on a global scale.

The expo, which concluded this weekend in Lagos, showcased the latest trends and innovations in architecture, construction, and interior design.

Obasanjo’s visit drew significant attention, particularly to the Julius Berger-AFP pavilion, where he voiced his intention to furnish a new house entirely with Nigerian-made furniture.

He expressed his profound admiration for the high-quality products displayed by AFP, stating, “I want to have a house completely designed with furniture made in Nigeria like these ones; this is very important to me. I am impressed with what I am seeing here; and I like it so much.”

The former president was accompanied by Ecobank Managing Director Mobolaji Lawal and welcomed by AFP General Manager Oliver Cohnen.

Other notable attendees included Omoboye Odu, Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, who emphasized the bank’s commitment to fostering collaboration and showcasing sustainable practices within the industry.

Prince Chief Adedoyin of Doyin Industries and Lagos State Lands Bureau Permanent Secretary Kamar Olowoshago also visited the AFP stand, both expressing their amazement at the quality of the Nigerian-produced furniture.

Ecobank MD Mobolaji Lawal, in his welcome address, highlighted the expo’s role in promoting economic growth and facilitating connections between industry professionals.

He stated that the event aimed to empower businesses, offer tailored financial solutions, and strengthen relationships within the real estate, design, and construction sectors.

The expo’s objectives also included promoting sustainable building practices, fostering partnerships, and providing insights into market trends and emerging technologies.

Obasanjo’s endorsement of locally-made products underscores a growing movement to support Nigerian businesses and leverage the country’s untapped potential.

The Design and Build Expo 2024 appears to have successfully showcased the capabilities of Nigerian designers and manufacturers, inspiring confidence in the nation’s economic future.