Events

Sanwo-Olu Promotes Indigenous Designs in Lagos Expo

Published

12 months ago

September 26, 2025

Sanwo-Olu promotes indigenous designs in Lagos

Sanwo-Olu promotes indigenous designs at Ecobank Build and Design Expo in Lagos, urging collaboration, innovation and quality for global competitiveness

The Lagos State Governor, represented by Mrs Bukola Agbaminoja, delivered his remarks at the Ecobank Build and Design Expo themed “How We Build, How We Live” on Wednesday at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, Victoria Island.

Also read: Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Lagos History Puzzle Book as Creative Milestone

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a modern, inclusive and resilient city through innovative, environmentally friendly designs that serve both present and future generations.

“The bridges, roads, housing and public spaces we create must embody a Lagos that is forward-thinking, inclusive, resilient and sustainable,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Good design and solid construction are not luxury items, they are necessities.”

He commended Ecobank for providing a platform that elevates the work of young professionals, artisans and small businesses who transform creative ideas into functional spaces.

Panelists at the expo emphasised the need for stronger collaboration, standardisation and government support to make local designs more attractive to international markets.

Tola Akerele, CEO of National Theatre Nigeria and founder of iDESIGN, stressed investment in people and training as essential for scaling Nigerian design. She also called for more research, backed by government, to refine local products to global standards.

Aisha Lawal, CEO of Lash Interiors, highlighted challenges in material sourcing and scaling production. She noted that quality assurance requires consistent standards to appeal to global buyers.

Adeyemi Shokunbi, Architect and Creative Director of NANA Collective Studio, spoke about returning to Nigeria after training in the UK to promote indigenous designs. He lamented resistance from institutions but stressed Nigeria’s design potential.

Patrick Koshoni, CEO of Patrick Waheed Design Consultancy, argued that Nigerian designs are inherently globally relevant. He defined local design as embedding culture in projects and said collaboration requires “courage, open minds and patience.”

Mobolaji Adeniyi, President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), echoed calls for collaboration and quality assurance. She acknowledged concerns over low-quality local products but assured that NIA is working with professionals to ensure consistent standards.

Also read: Governor Sanwo-Olu hails success of Lagos shopping festival

The three-day expo features over 60 global and local exhibitors, showcasing innovations in construction, design and sustainable materials, with a strong emphasis on elevating Nigeria’s creative and cultural identity.

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Events

Rechael Okonkwo’s Carnival Brings Free Healthcare to 5,000 Residents

Published

4 days ago

September 2, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Rechael Okonkwo’s carnival provided free healthcare to over 5,000 Nsukka residents, alongside support for widows and children (more…)

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”