By Grace Alegba

Ms Ogufere, Founder, Design Week Lagos exhibition, says Nigeria’s creative and manufacturing industries are poised to drive investment and transform the nation’s economic landscape.

She said this at the Design Week Lagos Exhibition, with the theme, “Building a Made in Nigeria Brand”, in Lagos.

The event showcases the extensive talent pool in furniture design, product design, toy design, and doll-making, illustrating the untapped potential of local creative expertise.

She said, “We are here to show the possibilities in the Nigerian industry, especially in manufacturing and the creative sector.

“Our country is brimming with creative talents, and through this exhibition, we aim to reveal the innovative work that has been happening behind the scenes, work that often goes unnoticed.”

Drawing parallels with renowned Italian brands built on local ingenuity, Ogufere stressed the importance of designing and manufacturing for the local market.

“We have been overly reliant on imports, often bringing in products that don’t meet our market needs. It’s time for us to support local creativity and innovation,” Ogufere noted.

She urged both government and financial institutions to invest in and nurture this thriving sector.

The exhibition features 58 designers, as well as 25 manufacturer-designer collaborations that demonstrate how local partnerships can lead to breakthrough products.

“These collaborations not only highlighted unique designs but also underscored the economic potential of a robust creative ecosystem.

“The global furniture industry alone is worth over 700 billion dollars Imagine what local manufacturing and design can achieve for Nigeria,” Ogufere added.

“Beyond showcasing finished products, the event also emphasises the importance of using locally sourced materials and reducing the reliance on imported components.”

This approach, Ogufere explained, not only enhances product quality but also boosts the nation’s export potential by meeting international standards.

“The exhibition serves as a call to action for stakeholders to support local content.

“Design is what builds economies. We’re inviting government agencies and financial institutions to recognise the gap and invest in this vibrant sector.

“When we support local manufacturers and designers, we are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth and job creation,” she said.

Also, Mr Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director / Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, emphasised that partnering the exhibition was yet another demonstration of the bank’s commitment to driving innovation, collaboration, and capacity building, which is the backbone of the nation’s economy.

“Ecobank is the solution for African banking, and we are committed to giving our customers the platform to network, collaborate and partner to promote innovation and creativity.

“We are proud to be part of the process to spotlight homegrown innovations and sustainable practices across various sectors,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa