By Maryanne Awuya
Nigeria’s creative industry is breaking into the international market as three Nigerian creative designers – Idowu Ohiole, Fatima Hassan, and Lilian Oche – are set to represent Nigeria at the third edition of the Saudi International Handicrafts Week (Banan).
Persecondnews reports that the event will feature artisans from over 25 countries, offering a platform for authentic cultural exchange, market expansion, and global visibility.
The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy said in a statement released on its official X account on Friday, August 29, that the trio will represent the country at the 14-day global event scheduled for November 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
According to the statement, Hassan will showcase “Àrantiwa Clothing”, an indigenous fashion rooted in Adire, Aso Oke, and Ankara, during the event, while Oche will display “Locheness”, handcrafted beaded bags and jewellery that blend tradition with modern design.
Also, Ohiole will display “Ohiole Lagos”, a premium African leather bags that balance functionality and style.
Their participation is a direct outcome of the Ministry’s Creative Collection initiative, launched during the Fashion Focus Stakeholder Engagement in June 2025, aimed at spotlighting export-ready talents in Nigeria’s creative space.
Congratulating the selected artisans, the Ministry affirmed its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s creative economy through international partnerships and opportunities that project Nigerian talent on the global stage.
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