Follow Us on Google
A non-banking financial and wellbeing conglomerate in Nigeria, Leadway Group, has announced that the second edition of its Lifestyle Fair will place SMEs at the centre of efforts to connect businesses with consumers and create opportunities for market visibility and growth.
The company disclosed this during a stakeholder engagement in Lagos, announcing that entries for SMEs interested in participating in the 2026 edition opened on Monday, August 31, through Leadway Group’s official social media platforms.
The two-day fair is scheduled to hold on October 24 and 25, 2026, in Lagos, building on the foundation laid by the inaugural edition in 2025.
According to the organisers, the 2026 edition will expand its focus to the intersection of enterprise, culture and everyday Nigerian lifestyle, providing participating businesses with opportunities to showcase and sell their products and services, reach new audiences and interact directly with consumers.
With SMEs at the core of the initiative, the fair is expected to provide a platform for product discovery, direct engagement and meaningful market connections, while highlighting businesses and experiences that reflect the Nigerian lifestyle.
Speaking on behalf of Leadway Group, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Leadway PFA, Olusakin Labeodan, stressed the importance of SMEs to economic growth and employment generation.
Labeodan said SMEs account for about 48 per cent of Nigeria’s economy, noting that supporting them should go beyond financial solutions to creating platforms that enable businesses to gain visibility, connect with consumers and expand their operations.
Other News
“In Nigeria, SMEs account for about 48% of the economy, underscoring their critical role in driving enterprise, employment and economic activity. Supporting these businesses, therefore, must go beyond providing financial solutions.
“The first edition demonstrated the value of creating that connection in a physical space, and this year, we are taking it further by bringing enterprise and the richness of the Nigerian lifestyle together. It is an opportunity to celebrate the businesses and experiences that shape how we live, while creating meaningful avenues for businesses to connect, engage and grow,” he said.
Leadway’s Brand and Communications Manager, Niyi Abiola, said the Lifestyle Fair evolved from the Leadway Media Dash initiative, through which the company leveraged its media assets to support emerging businesses.
According to Abiola, what began as a media support platform has developed into a physical marketplace where businesses can showcase their offerings, engage consumers and pursue tangible growth opportunities.
He said, “The Lifestyle Fair is an evolution of a journey that began with the Leadway Media Dash initiative, where Leadway’s media assets were deployed to give emerging businesses visibility.
“What started as a media support platform has evolved into the Leadway Lifestyle Fair, a platform where businesses can showcase their products, connect directly with consumers, and create real opportunities for growth.”
Leadway said the initiative forms part of its broader approach to SME support, which includes creating platforms for dialogue, visibility and stronger connections among businesses, consumers and other stakeholders within the enterprise ecosystem.
