By Pentacept Reporters
For Adenike Ashogbon-Fagbemi, the significance of a business exhibition goes beyond the products on display. It is also about the people behind them, their determination to keep trading and the opportunities that could help their businesses grow.
That outlook shapes the fifth edition of BTN Sales YAKATA, which will take place from November 27 to 29, 2026, at the Ikorodu Ferry Terminal, Lagos. The three-day event, themed “The Sales Carnival”, is scheduled to run daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ashogbon-Fagbemi, Executive Director of BrandTell Nigeria, describes the forthcoming edition as an opportunity to bring enterprise and cultural identity together while recognising the resilience of Nigerian business owners.
“BTN Sales YAKATA is more than a sales event; it is a celebration of the courage, creativity and determination of Nigerian entrepreneurs. With ‘The Sales Carnival’ as our theme, we are bringing business and culture together to showcase the richness of our traditions while celebrating the people who continue to build businesses despite the economic challenges they face,” she said.
Following four previous editions, the event returns with plans to host at least 100 participating business owners across product and service sectors, according to the organisers.
Behind the initiative is BrandTell Business Network, a coalition that organisers say comprises more than 400 brand owners across various industries. The network operates under the umbrella of media and public relations company BrandTell Nigeria.
For participating small and medium-sized enterprises, the exhibition is intended to offer direct access to prospective customers, opportunities to demonstrate their services and a chance to build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs.
Ashogbon-Fagbemi’s emphasis, however, extends beyond what businesses might sell during the three days. She believes the determination already evident among small business owners points to what they could achieve with stronger support.
“These entrepreneurs have shown remarkable resilience and a can-do spirit, even in a difficult economic climate. Imagine what they could achieve with greater access to grants, affordable low-interest loans, government support and effective public-private partnerships. Our SMEs have the drive and ideas; what they need is an enabling environment and the resources to scale,” she said.
Her comments place a wider question at the centre of the event: how can the effort that keeps small businesses operating translate into sustainable growth?
For BTN, part of the answer lies in creating spaces where entrepreneurs can be seen, meet customers and develop connections. Sales YAKATA aims to provide that platform while drawing attention to the contribution of small businesses to local economic activity.
The carnival theme also reflects Ashogbon-Fagbemi’s view that enterprise is closely connected to community. She highlighted the role of culture, traditions and shared values in shaping the products entrepreneurs create, the services they deliver and their relationships with customers.
The opening day, Friday, November 27, will feature the official flag-off, followed by a weekend of business exhibitions, customer engagement and cultural celebration.
Organisers list the event’s partners as MBraiz Innovations, 365 Lounge-Bar, White Eagles Consulting UK, GramPet, TangoBuzz, Hacey Health Initiative, Kiddies Corner, FIRS, Eros Studios, NTDA, IdanNation, Pukka and LASUSTECH.
As preparations continue, Ashogbon-Fagbemi’s message is clear: Nigerian entrepreneurs have demonstrated their willingness to build. BTN Sales YAKATA 5.0 seeks to celebrate that commitment while creating another opportunity for their businesses to reach customers and grow.
