26th February, 2025
The 2025 Design and Innovation Exhibition has opened to an enthusiastic reception, drawing a dynamic mix of young innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers to the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos.
Running from February 25 to March 2, the event is spotlighting Nigeria’s growing manufacturing and creative industries.
Titi Ogufere, founder of Design Week Lagos, emphasised the exhibition’s role in celebrating Nigerian talent and creativity.
She underscored the need for stronger support from both government and financial institutions to position Nigerian designers for global success in an industry worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
“This exhibition is a testament to the ingenuity within Nigeria’s creative sector. We’re not just showcasing talent; we’re making a case for more investment in local design and manufacturing,” Ogufere stated.
“The global design industry holds vast opportunities, and with the right backing, Nigerian designers can secure a formidable presence on the world stage.”
With the theme “Building a Made-in-Nigeria Brand,” the exhibition highlights the country’s innovation, craftsmanship, and industrial potential.
It also aligns with broader efforts to develop a sustainable ecosystem that fosters local talent, enhances industrialisation, and boosts economic growth.
“We have an abundance of untapped creative potential in Nigeria,” Ogufere added.
“Rather than relying on foreign imports, it’s time to showcase what we can produce locally. The global furniture market alone is valued at over $700 billion—Nigerian designers have a chance to claim a significant share.”
The event also saw participation from Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, who stressed the need to integrate Nigeria’s creative and manufacturing sectors.
“By leveraging our artistic resources, we can modernise local products, promote homegrown furniture, and establish stronger economic connections,” she said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting such initiatives.
Ecobank Nigeria’s Managing Director and Regional Executive, Bolaji Lawal, represented by Omoboye Odu, Head of SME, Partnerships, and Collaboration, reiterated the bank’s dedication to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“The growth of SMEs is essential to Nigeria’s economic transformation. Partnering with Design Week Lagos is a strategic move to empower Nigerian creatives and scale their businesses,” he stated.
With 58 designers participating and a series of collaborations between manufacturers and creatives, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the future of Nigerian design—one driven by innovation, industrial expansion, and a strong local identity.
