· …Promotes FG’s local content policy initiative
Makems Jewellery, a burgeoning force in Abuja’s jewellery industry, captivated the city with its highly anticipated annual exhibition. The event showcased an exquisite array of handmade, locally crafted, and imported jewellery, blending timeless elegance with modern trends. Hundreds of attendees gathered to admire the diverse collection, which highlighted Makems’ dedication to quality, creativity, and craftsmanship. The exhibition not only celebrated the art of jewellery-making but also reinforced Makems’ reputation as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s fashion scene, leaving visitors mesmerized and eager for more
The Makems 2024 Jewellery Exhibition, held on December 7, 2024, at Glowing Ages Academy, Kaura District, Abuja, was a dazzling celebration of artistry and craftsmanship. The expertly curated showcase featured a stunning collection of contemporary and vintage-inspired designs, including Makems’ signature handmade jewellery, earrings, long necklaces, bangles, rings, and male bracelets.
With a strong emphasis on promoting local content, the exhibition aligned seamlessly with the Federal Government’s push for homegrown innovation across industries. The event drew fashion enthusiasts and discerning clients, who not only indulged in the elegance of trendy jewellery perfect for the festive season but also seized the chance to network and connect in a vibrant atmosphere. Makems once again underscored its commitment to blending tradition with modernity, cementing its position as a leader in Nigeria’s jewellery landscape.
Addressing stakeholders and visitors at the event, the Director of Business Development at Makems, Miss Temitope Adejare, said Makems Jewellery makes unique jewellery products locally and also sell imported jewellery products as well.
“Considering what has been happening in the economy in the area of dollar exchange to Naira, you will realise that things that are imported have become so expensive because they are in dollar. So, what we have done at Makems Jewellery is to ensure that we source for local jewellery materials and we have a lot of them that are locally-made in Nigeria on display at this exhibition.
“Makems Jewellery has a passion for making jewellery and we now make do with what we can really do in Nigeria and we have been able to come out with beautiful jewellery pieces that people really love at this exhibition,” Adejare said.
She explained that “what we do is unique to an individual. We do not repeat the design. So, if you buy any Makems jewellery piece, it is the only one that exists in terms of design. Overtime, people have come to know this and they love it also and they like coming for the exhibition.”
According to her, Makems works year round to gather the best of locally-manufactured jewellery products as well as some imported designs and bring people together at the exhibition to come and see the various designs that Makems has brought on display for the season for them to purchase their favourite designs.
“As you can see, we sell imported jewellery pieces as well but as you may have observed, most people would be at the Stand for Nigerian-handmade jewellery products because they are more unique, more durable and are very nice. This means, our locally-produced collection of jewellery appeals more to our clients.
“Why most people run from Nigerian-made products is literally because of the quality. Most of the time, people that do local contents tend to compromise quality standards but what we have done at Makems is to ensure that what we have is of high quality even better than many of the imported jewellery, as the designs are nice and unique and meet the expectation of Nigeria across social divides.
Speaking on affordability, the Business Development Director said because the products are domiciled in Naira, “you find out that it is easier for people to buy.” She optimistically noted that Makems was targeting “exporting our locally-manufactured jewellery products in the long run, thereby helping Nigeria’s Naira-to-dollar exchange to appreciate through local production of the fashion products and exports.”
According to her, “With what we have done at Makems, we have a lot of staff that we have employed and this also means we are creating employment opportunity for Nigerians across the value chain. We are also available online across social media platforms for online purchase of our products.”
In conclusion however, Adejare revealed Makems’ ambitious vision to establish itself as a household name in Nigeria’s jewellery industry. By focusing on indigenous sourcing and production, the company aims to align with the government’s policy of deepening local content and boosting value addition. Makems is committed to delivering durable, stylish, and affordable jewellery, ensuring its products resonate with Nigerians while fostering economic growth. This bold strategy underscores Makems’ determination to redefine the jewellery market in Nigeria over the coming years