Lagos, Nigeria – June 11, 2025 – In a bold step to position Lagos as a global fashion and culture capital, the Lagos State Government has intensified its international campaign for Adire and African fashion exports, with strategic partnerships and diplomatic engagement taking centre stage.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, on Tuesday hosted a high-profile cultural diplomacy session featuring Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, a renowned Adire ambassador and global fashion advocate, alongside the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.
The meeting served as a catalyst for expanding Nigeria’s rich textile heritage and boosting the international visibility of homegrown fashion such as Adire, a centuries-old indigo-dyed fabric native to the Yoruba people.
Speaking at the event, Benson-Awoyinka said the renewed campaign is aligned with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to create a thriving creative economy, adding that Lagos is ready to leverage its diverse cultural assets to drive economic growth, job creation, and tourism.
“Adire is not just fabric, it is our identity, our history, and a major economic opportunity. We are deliberately repositioning Lagos as a global hub for African fashion, and our doors are open for collaboration,” the Commissioner said.
Queen Ronke, founder of the Adire Oodua Textile Hub, shared insights on how Adire is gaining global traction and how Lagos can become a leading exporter of the African fashion economy by empowering local artisans, training youths in textile production, and opening trade channels.
“Adire is a symbol of our African pride. The world is looking to Africa for authentic creativity, and Lagos can lead that narrative,” she said.
British diplomat Jonny Baxter expressed strong interest in exploring areas of cultural and trade collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He commended Lagos for elevating its cultural diplomacy and pledged support in promoting Adire and other African textiles in global markets.
As part of the campaign, the Lagos State Government is planning Adire exhibitions, trade missions, and talent exchanges to connect local producers with international buyers, fashion institutes, and cultural organisations.
With this renewed drive, Lagos is not just preserving heritage but transforming it into a globally recognised brand, proving once again that culture is not only a pillar of identity but also a viable export commodity for Nigeria’s non-oil economy.
