LCCI, International Cocoa Diplomacy Partner To Organize EKO Chocolate Show
Oba Dokun Thompson and HRM Queen Angelique-Monet Gureje-Thompson, Yeyeluwa Olori of Eti-Oni with Vice President and Chairman, Trade Promotion Board, LCCI, Prince Abimbola Olashore.
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and International Cocoa Diplomacy (ICD) will collaborate to organize this year’s EKO Chocolate Show as part of the Lagos International Trade Fair, which will take place from November 7 to 16 at Tafa Balewa Square, Lagos.
The EKO Chocolate Show will take place in the first two days of the trade fair.
Speaking at a press conference to announce the show in Lagos on Monday, Vice President and Chairman, Trade Promotion Board, LCCI, Prince Abimbola Olashore, said that the Lagos International Trade Fair has become a platform for partnership and for showcasing all the possibilities that Nigeria possesses.
He praised the International Cocoa Diplomacy for partnering with the chamber to promote the use of cocoa in Nigeria, Africa and the world.
Olashore praised Oba Dokun Thompson of Eti-Oni, Osun State, for championing value addition to cocoa in Nigeria and called on other people to emulate him in what he is doing.
Also speaking at the event, Assistant Director, Trade Promotion, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Sola Oluwadare, said that the trade fair has become a festival for partnerships and collaboration and called on people to participate in the event.
Also speaking at the event, Oba Dokun Thompson said that African art, practices and tradition are no longer just for entertainment but tools for development. “They have become tools for generational wealth that can be used to transform our communities,” he said.
He stated that Africa and Nigeria are at a crossroads on how to add value to their raw materials. His Majesty said that the essence of EKO Chocolate Show is to capture who Africans and Nigerians are.
HRM Queen Angelique-Monet Gureje-Thompson, Yeyeluwa Olori of Eti-Oni, Osun State, Nigeria, said that the event will be a celebration of cocoa culture, community chocolate and creativity.
She lauded LCCI for partnering with her organization, saying that that EKO Chocolate Show started in April 2019 as a stand-alone event held annually around Easter but this year, International Cocoa Diplomacy, the main organizer of the show reached an agreement to host the show as part of the several programmes and various industry sectors showcased during the Lagos International Trade Fair.
According to her, this decision was to demonstrate what collaboration and partnership can achieve for cross learning purposes as well as exchange of ideas towards improved and increased global trade for a greater value add economy that is transformational and sustainable.
Her Majesty thanked Nigerians for their interest in EKO Chocolate Show of the Royal Cocoa Festival, Royal Cocoa International Film Festivals and African Royal Cocoa Puppetry Theatre Festival.
Yeyeluwa Olori of Eti-Oni EKO said, “Chocolate Show 2025 represents Africa’s most prestigious chocolate industry event, uniquely positioned at the intersection of cultural celebration, economic development, and international commerce.
She added, “As Nigeria’s gateway to global chocolate markets, this ground breaking event offers sponsors and partners an unparalleled opportunity to associate their brands with African excellence, agricultural innovation, and cultural diplomacy while accessing premium audiences across consumer, business to business, and diplomatic segments.”
According to her, “This year’s edition promises to be very exciting with seven days of events and activities, adding that, “it comprises a world-class chocolate exhibition as well as a stakeholders’ forum, the Royal Cocoa International Film Festival and will premiere the Royal Cocoa International Arts Exhibition and historic Royal Cocoa Symphony Orchestra Concert creating Africa’s first integrated chocolate-culture-commerce platform that positions Lagos as the continent’s chocolate and trade capital.”
She posited that the main goal is to bridge the gap between Africa’s cocoa production dominance (70% of global supply) and value-added chocolate manufacturing through strategic partnerships, knowledge transfer, and market development.2023 International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum (ICCF) Kicks Off in London
