February 27, 2025.
By Idris Buba
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has highlighted the importance of strengthening the synergy between Nigerian creativity and manufacturing. “By leveraging our country’s rich creative resources.
The minister stated this at the kicked off of Ecobank Nigeria supported Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 which began with much anticipation, drew a large crowd of young innovators and industry leaders to the Ecobank Pan African Centre, EPAC, in Lagos.
Musawa, said we can modernize products, promote locally-made furniture, and build stronger economic connections and reaffirmed federal government’s support for such initiatives.
The Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 which runs from Tuesday, February 25 to Sunday, March 2, would showcase the immense potential within Nigeria’s manufacturing and creative industries.
The exhibition would feature 58 designers, including collaborations between manufacturers and designers, offering a glimpse into the future of Nigerian design
Founder of Design Week Lagos,Titi Ogufere, highlighted the exhibition’s mission to showcase the remarkable talent and creativity within Nigeria.
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Ogufere, emphasized the importance of increased support from the government and financial institutions to help Nigerian designers compete on a global scale, in the rapidly growing design market, worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
She noted that “This exhibition is a testament to the talent and hard work happening in Nigeria’s creative industries. We’re here to celebrate and showcase the potential of our local designers and manufacturers.”
“The global design industry offers immense opportunities, and with more support, Nigerian designers can truly thrive on the world stage.” Ogufere added.
The exhibition, with theme, Building a Made-in-Nigeria Brand, aims to emphasize the creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship of Nigerian designers while highlighting the importance of industrialization and export.
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It also reflects a commitment to developing a sustainable industrial ecosystem that supports local talent and fosters economic growth across Africa.
Ogufere, maintained that “We have a wealth of untapped creative potential in Nigeria. It’s time for us to shift focus from foreign markets and showcase what we can do right here at home. The global furniture market alone is valued at over $700 billion, and Nigerian designers can carve out a significant share of that.”
Managing Director and Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, spoke on the bank’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, said “The success of SMEs is key to transforming Nigeria’s economy, and we recognize the importance of collaborating with the right partners.
Lawal who was represented by bank’s, Head of SME, Partnerships, and Collaboration, Omoboye Odu, remarked, that Titi Ogufere and Design Week Lagos, was a perfect fit for us to help elevate Nigerian creatives and provide a platform to scale their businesses.”
L-R: Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Kola Adeleke; Founder, Design Week, and the Design, Innovation and Inventors Hub of Nigeria, Titi Ogufere; Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; CEO, Out of Africa Lifestyle Ltd, Dr Kaine Dosekun, and former Cross-River State First Lady, Onari Duke, at the Ongoing 2025 Design and Innovation holding at Ecobank Pan African Centre, Lagos
