Naija Market Day hosted its first winter Christmas Bazaar in Winnipeg on Dec. 20 and 21, bringing together local businesses, cultural vendors and community members for a two-day celebration of entrepreneurship and culture.
The event featured clothing, jewellery, food and handmade goods, alongside giveaways and family activities. While Nigerian-owned businesses made up a large portion of the market, organizers emphasized the event is open to vendors from all backgrounds.
Abiodun Adetu, event coordinator for Naija Market Day, said the market was created to replicate the feel of local African markets while fostering inclusivity.
“Back home, and every other country, there is always a local market outside of the regular retail store, and so we thought that we should bring the same thing here,” Adetu said. “Our market is open for everybody to come in to do business.”
Adetu explained that Naija Market Day began in Winnipeg two years ago and has since expanded to more than 15 cities across Canada, including Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto. The Christmas Bazaar marks one of the organization’s first winter markets.
Fatima Idowu, one of the vendors and owner of EE Stores shared her experience with the Manitoban. EE Stores is a business that specializes in African ceremonial clothing and fabrics such as lace and Aṣọ Òkè.
For instance, Idowu mentioned the Aṣọ Òkè is a ceremonial attire traditionally worn at weddings and birthdays often conveying luxury and regality.
Her aim is to make traditional clothing more accessible to West African communities in Manitoba.
“I want [Nigerians] here to know that they don’t need to send people all the way to Nigeria to get them African attire. They can get it here at a very reduced price.”
“We still go out with our African attire because it speaks volumes, it tells stories,” Idowu added. “You can’t take it away from us.”
Naana Konadu Nyamekye, a third-year psychology student at the U of M and owner of Beads Unleashed, showcased hand-made beaded items including bracelets, keychains and earrings.
“I used to do it as a kid just for fun,” Nyamekye said. “When I came here, I decided to monetize my craft and also just create a platform for people to be able to get a lot of beautiful, beaded items.”
Nyamekye encouraged students interested in entrepreneurship to take the first step despite their fear. “The beginning can look scary, but you never know what can come out of you just starting the process,” she said. “Don’t doubt yourself.”
Michael Wenegieme, who attended as a representative of Scotiabank, said the market provides a valuable opportunity to support community-led entrepreneurship.
Wenegieme highlighted Scotiabank’s commitment to support women-led businesses through the Scotia Women Initiative.
He described it as “an initiative that helps mentor, monitor and encourage women in businesses.”
Kashan Samuel, an international vendor that added to the market’s diversity, brought clothing, jewellery and shawls from Pakistan.
“We want to bring out our culture, introduce it to more people,” Samuel said. “We think that our products are more suited to the winters.”
