Lagos Ramps Up Global Campaign for Adire, African Fashion— Commissioner hosts Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, UK envoy to push cultural export
LAGOS, NIGERIA — June 11, 2025:
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to promote indigenous fashion on the global stage, with a renewed focus on Adire textiles and the wider African fashion industry.
In a high-level meeting held in Lagos, the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, hosted Her Majesty Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, founder of Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria, alongside the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter.
The strategic dialogue centred on harnessing the cultural and economic value of Adire—an iconic Yoruba hand-dyed fabric—as a global export and symbol of Nigeria’s creative excellence.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka reiterated the state's commitment to supporting initiatives that not only elevate traditional textiles but also stimulate growth in the creative economy.
“As the fashion and creative capital of Nigeria, Lagos remains a catalyst for innovation, style, and enterprise,” she said. “We are proud to support platforms that celebrate our cultural heritage, empower local designers, and project African fashion onto the world stage.”
The Commissioner described the engagement as a significant milestone in Lagos State’s mission to promote Adire and other indigenous fabrics through strategic partnerships and international exposure.
The meeting also featured discussions around the upcoming 15th edition of Africa Fashion Week London, a landmark event for the African fashion industry that has consistently showcased African designers and textiles to a global audience.
Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, a prominent cultural ambassador, has been at the forefront of the African fashion renaissance, and her continued collaboration with Lagos State is expected to deepen the global appreciation for Adire and other traditional African fabrics.
The initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s broader agenda to boost tourism, preserve cultural heritage, and position Lagos as a premier destination for fashion, arts, and creativity in Africa.
