Titi Ogufere, founder of Design Week Lagos Exhibition, stressed that Nigeria’s creative and manufacturing industries have significant potential to attract investment and reshape the country’s economic future.
Speaking at the exhibition in Lagos, themed “Building a Made in Nigeria Brand”, Ogufere highlighted the vast talent in sectors such as furniture design, product design, toy design and doll making, demonstrating the untapped potential of local creative skills.
“Our country is brimming with creative talent and through this exhibition, we want to showcase innovative work being done in these sectors that often go unnoticed,” she said.
Ogufere drew comparisons between Nigerian industries and well-known global brands like Italy that are built on local creativity. She stressed the importance of meeting local market demands rather than relying on imported products that do not meet Nigeria’s specific needs.
“We have become too reliant on imports and now is the time to support local creativity and innovation,” Ogufere said.
He called on both government and financial institutions to invest in and nurture the thriving creative sector. The exhibition featured 58 designers and 25 manufacturer-designer partnerships, highlighting the potential of local collaborations to lead to groundbreaking products.
“These collaborations not only showcase unique designs, but also highlight the economic potential of a strong creative ecosystem,” Ogufere added.
He also stressed the importance of using locally sourced materials, which not only improve product quality but also meet international standards, boosting Nigeria’s export prospects.
“The exhibition is a call to action for stakeholders to support local content. Design is a key driver of economic growth,” he said, urging government institutions and financial institutions to invest in the vibrant sector.
Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director and Regional Manager of Ecobank Nigeria, also commended the exhibition, stressing that the bank’s partnership demonstrates its commitment to fostering innovation and capacity building in the country’s economy.
“We are proud to be part of the process of promoting local innovations and sustainable practices across various sectors,” Lawal said.