Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting and advancing Nigeria’s creative industry.
He spoke at a closing gong ceremony at the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) in Lagos in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the Lagos Fashion Week.
Sanwo-Olu commended the organisers of Lagos Fashion Week for sustaining the platform for over a decade.
He described it as a powerful showcase of African creativity and innovation.
The governor said Lagos had become a global melting pot of fashion, art, and entrepreneurship, serving as a springboard for young designers and creators to reach international audiences.
“This is Lagos, the city where everything melts together, where every experience leads to the next, and where innovation never sleeps,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos Fashion Week had grown from humble beginnings 15 years ago into an internationally recognised event that promotes Africa’s creative excellence and economic potential.
He said the state government remained committed to creating an enabling environment where innovation, creativity, and talent could thrive.
“We are building an ecosystem where Africa’s name can remain true. Africa will take a leading place in the global space in the next 20 to 30 years and Lagos will be at the heart of it,” he said.
The governor commended the Nigerian Exchange Group for honouring Lagos Fashion Week, describing the gesture as recognition of the creative sector’s contribution to national growth.
“With the validation of NGX and the support of everyone, we have built a platform for people to thrive, innovate, and take their creativity from local to global stages,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also announced that the state would host a series of cultural, entertainment, and fashion events through December to further celebrate Lagos’ vibrant creative energy.
Also, the Chairman of the NGX Group, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, commended Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership.
He lauded him for his commitment to positioning Lagos as Africa’s creative and commercial capital.
Kwairanga highlighted Lagos State’s innovative use of the capital market to drive development through bond issuances listed on the NGX.
He said that such instruments had helped to fund critical infrastructure and social projects that enhance tourism, real estate, and the creative economy.
The NGX chairman praised the organisers of Lagos Fashion Week and Style House Files for transforming Nigeria’s fashion industry into a global brand.
He commended them for demonstrating that creativity is not just art but an engine for economic inclusion and social impact.
Kwairanga said that the NGX growth board provided opportunities for fashion and creative entrepreneurs to raise capital, strengthen governance, and attract investors to scale their businesses.
“Fashion is not only about design; it is about enterprise, building brands, scaling production, and exporting identity.
“Across the value chain, there are countless SMEs with potential to become industry leaders if they can access sustainable financing and institutional support,” he said.
Kwairanga emphasised that the Exchange was committed to bringing more creative entrepreneurs into the capital market to democratise finance and promote inclusivity.
“We aim to empower designers, photographers, and other creative entrepreneurs not only to raise capital but also to invest and contribute to the nation’s economic growth,” he added.
Speaking on Nigeria’s growing global influence through fashion, film, and music, Kwairanga said the country must build on its soft power.
He called for stronger branding and structured systems to help monetise Nigeria’s creative talents and ensure equitable opportunities.
Kwairanga reaffirmed NGX Group’s commitment to collaborating with the Lagos State Government and Style House Files to strengthen the creative economy and position Lagos as Africa’s investment gateway for creative industries.
“As we ring the closing gong today, let it symbolise the dawn of a new era where creativity meets capital, and where Lagos tells its story through both artistry and enterprise,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of Lagos Fashion Week and Style House Files, Mr Tokunbo Akerele, expressed gratitude to partners, stakeholders, and supporters who had contributed to the success and longevity of the fashion platform over the past 15 years.
Akerele reflected on the initiative’s humble beginnings and the challenges faced in its early years.
He recounted that in 2010, the platform faced ownership and licensing challenges but persevered through strategic collaborations and legal support.
According to him, Lagos Fashion Week has continued to grow in spite of such hurdles, becoming one of Africa’s leading fashion showcases.
He reiterated the platform’s commitment to promoting African designers, encouraging investment in the fashion value chain, and positioning Lagos as a global creative hub.
Mr Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director of NGX Group, reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to driving innovation across all segments of the economy.
Popoola said, “The creative economy represents one of the most dynamic frontiers of growth in Africa.
“We see immense potential in connecting creativity with capital, enabling designers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to grow sustainably through the discipline and transparency the capital market provides.”
Also, American singer, Ciara Wilson, commending Nigeria’s creative momentum, said “It’s amazing to see Lagos and Nigeria levelling up, not just creatively, but economically.
“The energy, talent, and innovation here are world-class. Connecting that creativity to the kind of structure and investment the capital market provides is how you build something truly global and sustainable.”
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
