She is not new to many Lagos socialites. For one born in Lagos and raised in Lagos Island, you should know that Erelu Abibat Odunbaku-Bello isn’t a small fry in Lagos social establishment.
Tall, pretty and dark-complexioned, she is a rare Lagos breed who has refused to bleach her skin.
Always glowing, Abibat’s friends and family members gathered a few weeks ago to rejoice with her as she opened a new fabric shop in Lekki Lagos.
Located at 4b Fola Daniel Close, Lekki Phase1, Abikelagos fabric store is a go-to for luxury fabrics.
“I decided having another walk-in store in Lekki because some of our customers can never come to our fabric store in Kosoko, Lagos. Moreover, the Lekki store is solely for luxury fabrics and for many of our clients living around there,” the stunning Chief Executive Officer explained to Owambevibes.
How did she get into fabric merchandise? “Well, I was born and raised in Isale Eko and grew up among traders. It was easy to start off with fabrics because I grew up with everyone around me selling fabrics. It’s almost 28 years now that I embraced the business and I don’t have regrets,” she revealed.
For the CEO, AbikeLagos, this is the beginning of reaching for more expansion. “I am into entertainment, real estate and hospitality business but I love selling fabrics. I have my clients who would also buy if I carry such fabrics to their homes. I had to come online to market AbikeLagos because there are some women and men who would never know where my shop is located in Lagos Island. Social media is the new marketing tool and we are here.”
Not known to be fussy about anything, the Erelu of Owode Egba and who also earned a chieftaincy title as the Erelu of Otto and Mainland Kingdom is happily married to Mr. Idris Bello who marked his birthday lately.
“I appreciate my husband for allowing me express my entrepreneurial skills without restrictions and also being a good support over the years. But for him and the peace of mind where would I have the strength to be involved successfully in business? Any successful woman has a good man prodding her on,” Abibat said.
Erelu is very fashionable and cannot be caught not dressed to the nines.
“Don’t forget that I grew up in Lagos and we are known to dress well. Thank God for endowing me with great looks too.”
Advice for women? “Being a woman is not all about parties and fashion. What are you doing to make impacts? Will people see you and smile knowing you would bring light to their darkness? I’m not against looking good but I believe in making faces light up with smiles anytime I enter a place. Let’s make more of impacts and not just making fashion statements,” she said.
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