Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made a surprise appearance at the 2026 Lagos Fashion Week, walking the runway for Nigerian designer Ugo Monye on Saturday. The event, held from 28 October to 1 November, featured over 60 designers from across Africa under the theme “CRAFTED: Heritage. Innovation. Circular Futures.” The governor described the experience as enjoyable, saying he welcomed the opportunity to support people contributing to the fashion industry’s growth.
This was not Mr Sanwo-Olu's first appearance at the Lagos Fashion Week. In 2023, he made his debut on 28 October during Emmy Kasbit’s showcase, where he joined professional models to close the designer’s presentation. He appeared in a light-blue patterned blazer, a dark T-shirt and blue trousers, smiling and blowing a kiss to the cheering audience. He later attributed his participation to his administration’s drive to promote the creative industry and expand its contribution to the economy.
Mr Sanwo-Olu maintained that the sector could contribute more substantially to Nigeria’s GDP and create jobs. He also pledged his government’s continued support for initiatives to develop the industry. He said Lagos and Nigeria were making significant strides on the global stage through art and fashion, urging people in the sector to collaborate toward a brighter, more prosperous future.
Ugo Monye, the designer for whom Mr Sanwo-Olu walked the runway, has been a part of the Lagos Fashion Week for several years, including the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 showcases. His brand initially catered to both male and female customers, with a stronger focus on women, before gradually transitioning to menswear. Monye has also had well-known personalities model for him, including Davido, who appeared on the runway in a brown traditional outfit in 2024.
The Lagos Fashion Week, established by Omoyemi Akerele in 2011, has developed into a major platform for African fashion, drawing attention from audiences and media organisations within and outside the continent. The event allows over 60 Nigerian and African designers to showcase their work to an international audience of over 40,000 retailers, journalists and consumers.
Mr Sanwo-Olu’s relationship with LagosFW goes beyond attending runway shows. In 2025, he hosted designers and other creative industry figures at Lagos House, Marina, during a reception that also attracted American singer Ciara. As part of the fashion week’s programme, Mr Sanwo-Olu joined Ciara at the Nigerian Exchange for the closing-gong ceremony.
The Lagos Fashion Week has boosted the global visibility of African fashion labels such as Orange Culture, Lisa Folawiyo, and Christie Brown. The event continues to provide a platform for African designers to showcase their work and contribute to the growth of the fashion industry.
Key points
- Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu walked the runway at the 2026 Lagos Fashion Week for Nigerian designer Ugo Monye.
- The Lagos Fashion Week has developed into a major platform for African fashion, drawing attention from audiences and media organisations within and outside the continent.
- The event allows over 60 Nigerian and African designers to showcase their work to an international audience of over 40,000 retailers, journalists and consumers.
