Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praises the organisers of the Lagos Shopping Festival for creating a new economic pillar, marking the success of the 72-hour event.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the successful conclusion of the Lagos Shopping Festival (LSF), which wrapped up at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan at 4am on Thursday, December 26.

The much-anticipated event, which ran for an impressive 72 hours, marked a significant milestone in the state’s growing festival economy.

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Sanwo-Olu praised the organisers, Chain Reactions Africa Ltd, one of Africa’s leading Public Relations consulting firms, for their impeccable execution of the festival.

He lauded their efforts in contributing to the development of a solid festival economy in Lagos State.

“We are gradually building a festival economy for our great State. This idea of a 72-hour shopping festival is another strategic pillar on which the full edifice of a festival economy at Yuletide can rest,” said the governor.

The event was a notable success, with thousands of young people gainfully employed in various aspects of the event management and commercial value chain.

These included roles in design, stage setup, sound systems, lighting, crowd control, volunteer coordination, branding, and exhibition booth installations.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also expressed his gratitude to the Lagos Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), security, and safety agencies who worked tirelessly throughout the event.

He highlighted the smooth running of the festival, noting that it was concluded without any medical emergencies or disruptions, a testament to the organisers’ excellent planning and the collaboration of state agencies.

The festival focused on strategically scaling and optimising small businesses, providing valuable connections between shoppers and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).

The event also received significant corporate support from major brands, including Tolaram Group, Guinness Nigeria, Zenith Bank, and First Bank, which contributed to the event’s success.

In recognition of the festival’s importance, the governor noted that it was not only an opportunity to boost the local economy but also to provide a platform for small businesses to thrive.

This inaugural edition of the Lagos Shopping Festival is expected to become a key annual event, strengthening Lagos’s position as a leading destination for both commerce and culture in Africa.