American singer and fashion model Ciara Wilson joined Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) for the Closing Gong Ceremony, marking the 2025 Lagos Fashion Week. The event highlighted the growing connection between creativity and capital, as leaders from government and the private sector explored how Nigeria’s creative economy, particularly in fashion, film, and design, can leverage capital market financing to drive innovation and sustainable growth.
Lagos Fashion Week, organised by Style House Files, has become a premier platform for creativity, sustainability, and enterprise development in Africa, enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian fashion. Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the NGX Group for recognising the economic potential of Nigeria’s creative sector, describing Lagos as the “epicentre of Africa’s creative renaissance.” He stated that Lagos aims to position itself as a global hub for creativity and investment, unlocking financing for creative entrepreneurs to scale sustainably and compete globally.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the creative ecosystem through improved access to finance, infrastructure, and supportive policies. The Group Chairman of NGX Group, Umaru Kwairanga, praised the partnership between the Exchange and Lagos Fashion Week as a model for powering emerging sectors, highlighting Lagos’ innovative use of bond issuances to fund infrastructure and social projects.
NGX Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Temi Popoola reiterated the Group’s commitment to driving innovation across all segments of the economy, noting the immense potential in connecting creativity with capital. American singer Ciara Wilson praised Nigeria’s creative energy, describing Lagos as “world-class in its blend of talent, innovation, and ambition.” She emphasized the importance of connecting creativity to the structure and investment the capital market provides to build something truly global and sustainable.
The ceremony also underscored the importance of sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards in creative enterprise, with stakeholders calling for greater adoption of circular economy practices and eco-conscious design to attract long-term investment. With Lagos Fashion Week and NGX bridging the gap between creativity and finance, Lagos State is reinforcing its position as Africa’s investment gateway for the creative economy, signalling a new era where culture meets capital. This partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities for Nigeria’s creative sector, driving growth, investment, and social impact.