By Seun Ibiyemi
The Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Bolaji Lawal, has reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy by providing inclusive platforms that connect artists with markets, investors and global audiences.
Lawal made this known at the opening of the third edition of the +234 Art Fair 2026, themed “Inclusivity”, held on Wednesday evening at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre.
Represented by the Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaboration at Ecobank Nigeria, Ms. Omoboye Odu, Lawal described the art fair as more than just an exhibition, noting that it had evolved into a movement positioning Nigerian art as both a cultural expression and a viable business venture.
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“When most people hear ‘+234’, they think of a phone number. We see it as a nation calling the world and the world is responding,” he said.
“This fair is where finance meets creativity, where boardrooms shake hands with brushstrokes, and where capital meets canvas. It shows that art is not only culture and identity, but also a serious economic force.”
Lawal explained that the 2026 edition of the fair focuses on expanding opportunities for emerging and under-represented artists while strengthening the commercial value chain around art.
According to him, Nigeria’s creative sector remains vibrant and increasingly attractive to investors, adding that with structured support it can become scalable, exportable and a significant source of employment for young people.
He noted that inclusivity, from the bank’s perspective, involves opening more opportunities for young artists, amplifying under-represented voices and creating stronger connections between art and enterprise.
“As Ecobank, we are intentional about supporting sectors that diversify the economy, empower youth and create sustainable value,” Lawal said.
He added that the fair, organised in partnership with Soto Gallery, reflects a shared belief that African creativity deserves strong institutions and sustained backing.
Lawal also acknowledged the support of lead partners, including the Africa Finance Corporation, noting that their support extends beyond physical infrastructure to the cultural infrastructure shaping Africa’s global influence.
The fair features curated exhibitions by emerging and established artists, masterclasses, live installations, panel discussions linking finance and the arts, a children’s creative zone, a collectors’ lounge and curated culinary experiences.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Arts Theatre, Ms. Tola Akerele, described the event as an important platform bridging creativity and commerce while expanding access to new artistic voices.
She said the theme of this year’s edition highlights the need to deliberately reach artists outside established networks and provide opportunities for wider participation.
“Inclusivity means going beyond the familiar spaces to discover talents who may not always have access to major platforms,” she said.
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“We received thousands of expressions of interest from artists across Nigeria. That tells us the demand for access is huge, and platforms like this must continue to grow.”
Akerele noted that the fair provides artists with opportunities to engage directly with collectors, investors and the public, enabling dialogue and feedback that can help shape their careers.
“Beyond showcasing art, this is about building confidence, creating visibility and helping artists understand the business side of their craft,” she said.
The +234 Art Fair will run for four days and is expected to attract artists, collectors, investors and members of the public from across Nigeria and beyond.
