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Prodiva set to celebrate Nigeria’s unity in diversity on Independence day

Prodiva

Prodiva Set to Celebrate Nigeria’s Unity in Diversity on Independence Day

As Nigeria is set to mark its 65th Independence Day on October 1, 2025, a new cultural initiative, Prodiva, has unveiled plans for a vibrant celebration of the nation’s prosperity through its diversity.
The event, titled “Prodiva Independence Fiesta”, is the brainchild of Bolatito Ajibode, a veteran banker turned entrepreneur, who is passionate about showcasing Nigeria’s unique cultural identity.
The celebration is being organized by Prodiva, a name derived from Prosperity and Diversity, and will take place at Muri Okunola Park in Lagos, according to a statement obtained on Monday.
Sponsored by Ginger Up Nigeria Limited, makers of healthy ginger-based beverages like Ginger Up and Ginger Shot, the fiesta will feature a panel of young Nigerian entrepreneurs.
These trailblazers, many of whom have launched successful small and medium-scale businesses, will share their journeys—challenges, triumphs, and lessons—in a bid to inspire the next generation.
“Our goal is to energize young Nigerians to believe in what is possible here at home,” Ajibode said.
“We want to motivate them to build rather than flee, to see opportunity rather than despair.”
The keynote speaker at the event is Ifedolapo Runsewe, the innovative founder of Freee Recycle Limited in Ibadan, which has gained national attention for its transformative work in tyre recycling.
In addition to motivational talks and cultural showcases, the event will also offer free exhibition booths for partner brands and businesses to display their products and services.

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Ajibode, who describes herself as “a woman with green blood” for her unwavering love for Nigeria, said the Lagos edition is just the beginning. Prodiva Independence Fiesta is envisioned as an annual, nationwide movement, rotating across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“By God’s grace, it will become a national event,” she said. “After the second edition in Lagos, we plan to move to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kano—eventually hosting it simultaneously in all six zones.”

A Cultural Fabric with a Purpose
The inspiration behind Prodiva is more than just a celebration—it’s also about creating a unifying cultural identity. Ajibode first launched the Prodiva fabric in 2020 to mark Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary.
Unlike Ghana’s iconic kente cloth, she felt Nigeria lacked a fabric that truly represents all its peoples.
Prodiva fabric is a carefully designed textile that incorporates symbols from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones:

North Central – Lush green landscape, representing the region’s vast agricultural potential.

North East – The handcrafted calabash, used for serving cow milk, symbolizing tradition.

North West – The Arewa knot, a symbol of unity and political identity.

South West – The Oduduwa crown, signifying heritage and authority.

South East – The Ofor staff, representing justice and truth in Igbo culture.

South South – The Fedora black hat, also known as the Niger Delta cap, symbolizing resource control and identity.

“Despite being the largest consumer of Ankara in Africa, Nigeria lacked a signature fabric like Ghana’s kente,” Ajibode noted. “So I decided to create one that reflects who we are—diverse, yet united.”
With support from design experts at Yaba College of Technology, the Prodiva fabric was born and has since gained traction as a proudly Nigerian attire. It will also be promoted during the Independence Fiesta, encouraging Nigerians to wear local instead of imported fabrics.

From Kitchen Startup to National Brand
Ajibode’s story mirrors the very essence of Prodiva. In 2016, while still a top executive at Stanbic IBTC Bank, she began making a ginger-and-honey mixture at home for her husband. When imported ginger granules disappeared from shelves, she saw an opportunity. With support from her employer’s Outside Business Interest (OBI) policy, she started Ginger Up Nigeria, now the country’s pioneer in commercial ginger-based drinks.
Today, the company employs over 50 people and is steadily building a footprint beyond Nigeria.
After a 32-year banking career across three major banks, Ajibode retired in July 2025 from her most recent role as Deputy Managing Director of the Lekki Free Zone Development Company, where she served for three years.
She now focuses full-time on growing her ginger beverage business and promoting Prodiva as a cultural and entrepreneurial movement.
For Ajibode, this event is more than just a celebration—it’s a call to action.
“We are the prosperity in our diversity,” she said. “And it’s time we told that story to the world.”