By Abiodun Abdullai
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and American singer Ciara Wilson joined the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) for the ceremonial closing gong on Friday, marking the 2025 Lagos Fashion Week and spotlighting new pathways for financing Nigeria's creative economy.
The event, held at the NGX headquarters, underscored the growing intersection between creativity and capital markets, with government and private sector leaders exploring how fashion, film, and design can attract sustainable investment through structured financing.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as the "epicentre of Africa's creative renaissance," emphasizing his administration's commitment to strengthening the creative ecosystem through improved access to finance, infrastructure, and enabling policies.
"Our ambition is to position Lagos as a global hub for creativity and investment," Sanwo-Olu said. "By deepening our engagement with the capital market, we can unlock financing that empowers creative entrepreneurs to grow sustainably and compete globally."
Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, said the collaboration demonstrates how capital markets can power emerging sectors. He commended Lagos State's innovative use of bond issuances to fund infrastructure and social projects.
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"At NGX Group, we believe the creative economy and the capital market share a common purpose — transforming ideas into enduring value," Kwairanga stated.
NGX Chief Executive Officer Temi Popoola added that the Exchange remains committed to supporting the creative sector through financial innovation, noting that "the creative economy represents one of the most dynamic frontiers of growth in Africa."
Also speaking, Ciara Wilson praised Nigeria's creative energy, describing Lagos as "world-class in its blend of talent, innovation, and ambition."
Chairman of Style House Files and Lagos Fashion Week, Tokunbo Akerele, said engaging with institutions like NGX will be critical to unlocking long-term investment and expanding global opportunities for local talent.
The ceremony also highlighted the importance of sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards in creative enterprise, as stakeholders urged stronger adoption of circular economy models and eco-conscious production.
With Lagos and NGX working to connect creativity with capital, the state is strengthening its position as Africa's gateway for creative investment and innovation.
