The 2026 edition of the Molèbi art and craft exhibition has brought together more than 300 participants from the creative, cultural and business communities in Ibadan, Oyo State, in a move to promote African heritage while creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation within the creative industry.
The exhibition, held on May 31, at Mauve 21 Event Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan, provided a platform for artists, artisans, fashion entrepreneurs, content creators and other creative professionals to showcase their products, network and explore opportunities for business growth.
The event featured handmade crafts, original artworks, Afrocentric fashion and accessories, cultural products, poetry, live performances, folklore, African music and games, among other activities designed to celebrate the continent’s cultural heritage and encourage creativity.
Organised by Molèbi, a cultural and creative brand focused on promoting, educating and entertaining through art, fashion and heritage, the exhibition highlighted the potential of the creative economy to support small businesses, strengthen local enterprise and provide alternative sources of livelihood for young people. Beyond the cultural displays, the event offered participants opportunities to connect with potential customers, build professional relationships and increase awareness of their products and services. The exhibition also created opportunities for content creation and engagement with audiences interested in African art, fashion and culture.
For entrepreneurs operating in the creative sector, platforms such as the Molèbi exhibition can provide opportunities to test market interest, improve product visibility and build networks that may translate into business partnerships and sales.
The exhibition also underscored the role of cultural entrepreneurship in preserving indigenous knowledge and artistic traditions while adapting them to contemporary markets. From handmade products and original artworks to fashion and accessories inspired by African aesthetics, the showcased works demonstrated how cultural identity can serve as a foundation for innovative business ideas.
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The organisers said Molèbi remained committed to promoting culture, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship by creating opportunities for emerging and established creatives to thrive.
The involvement of businesses, media organisations and digital platforms highlighted the importance of collaboration in building a sustainable creative ecosystem, particularly for entrepreneurs seeking visibility and access to wider audiences.
With more than 300 attendees, the exhibition represented an opportunity to bring together different segments of the creative value chain, from makers and performers to businesses, media professionals and consumers.
Molèbi said it would continue to organise initiatives aimed at celebrating African culture, supporting local talent and fostering meaningful connections across the creative industry.
The organisation expressed its intention to build on the exhibition’s reception by hosting more programmes that preserve cultural heritage, encourage innovation and empower the next generation of African creatives.
As Nigeria continues to explore opportunities for economic diversification, initiatives that connect cultural expression with enterprise development offer a pathway for creatives to transform their talents into viable businesses while contributing to the preservation and promotion of African identity.
The event was supported by sponsors and partners, including Planet Bottling Company, Sumal Foods, Deloy Consulting and Likeminds Hospital. Media partners included Fresh FM, Splash FM and Honor FM, alongside Helenjoe Entertainment and other supporters.
Digital media platforms and creative communities, including WhatUp Ibadan, Ibadan 247, Creative Hub Ibadan, Ibadan Slayer, See Ibadan Businesses and Password TV, also contributed to publicising the exhibition and extending its reach. Other supporters included Ayo Adams and Funmilayo Dudu.
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