Hannah Anthony
A Nigeria’s leading fintech company, confirmed its role as one of the prominent sponsors of the Ogba Okrika Thrift Market Fair in Lagos.
The Ogba Okrika Thrift Market Fair replicates the traditional Katangua, Yaba, Balogun, and Tejuosho markets amongst others in Lagos where second-hand and 1st-grade clothing are sold; the initiative features over 700 traders, drawing large crowds of shoppers to the venue.
In a statement made by ‘Mr Soldout’ the organizer on its Instagram page, the Okrika Thrift Market Fair series aims to bring a high-quality thrift market experience to the Ogba and Ikeja axis, every last weekend of the month, from August to December with the Nigerian Institute of Journalism field serving as the venue.
The bustling sight of the colourful Ogba Okrika Thrift Market Fair looks busy and attractive, with the display of a wide range of goods; shoppers can be seen chatting, negotiating and purchasing goods ranging from skin care products to first-grade and new clothing, and jewellery, perfumes, shoes, children’s school bags and edible foods from the vendors.
Similarly, among other supporting organization, the busy Kuda Business stand can be spotted with roll-up banners and a canopy, depicting its brand, bordering the NIJ’s entrance gate, and desk toppers arranged on a long table, specifying the names of businesses.
The NIJ Online Journalism Students spokesperson, speaking with one of the clothing vendors who pleaded anonymity, expressed her excitement about the market drive. “I would like to commend the people who came up with this idea. I have been participating in this fair and have every reason to say it has been rewarding. It has been a nice experience,” she said.
Beebee Splendor’s House, a jewellery vendor, also spoke about her enthusiasm and challenges. “I have not missed any of the market fairs. Although, the first month’s sales were massive. The second month was dull and the only challenge we had was when it rained.
Photo credit: Hannah Anthony
“There is going to be the last Ogba Okrika Thrift Market Fair for 5 days, coming up on the 15th to 20th of December. I want to ‘sold out’. I want to sell all my old stocks,” she said.
Speaking on business’ commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of the Okrika business demographic, the Media and Program Manager of Kuda bank, Samuel Adeniyi said, “In line with organization’s support to the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, the bank sponsors the Ogba Okrika Market Fair, since its inception in August.
“We publicize the fair on our social media and business pages to sensitize buyers, promote sales and encourage the growth of vendors’ businesses. Another benefit they get is that we give them softPOS- Point of Sales with an account number in their business names,” he said. Kuda Business’ innovative approach to banking services makes receiving payment easy, modifying the common reliance on cash transactions. Buyers who are buying off POS and asking for an account number to pay into can easily access it.
“We give all the vendors desk toppers where their business names and account numbers are imprinted, so they can just place them in their stores. “For those businesses who don’t want to use transfers or POS, we give them QR codes. We offer free transfers with no charges and low-cost maintenance. It is free, like free banking,” he said.
