Sanwo-Olu walks Lagos Fashion Week runway in Ugo Monye collection
- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu joined models on the Lagos Fashion Week runway on Saturday.
- He wore a collection by Nigerian designer Ugo Monye and drew loud cheers from the crowd.
- The governor said on X that he stepped away from governance duties to support the fashion industry.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu took a turn on the runway at Lagos Fashion Week on Saturday, walking in a collection by Nigerian designer Ugo Monye.
According to Punch, the governor joined the models on the catwalk and drew loud cheers as members of the audience recognised him among the participants.
After the show, Sanwo-Olu posted on his X handle that he had stepped away from his usual duties to take part. He said he walked for "the incredibly talented Ugo Monye" and that Lagos keeps growing as a home for fashion, creativity and culture.
Why it matters
Fashion is one of Lagos's visible creative industries, and the state government has long presented itself as a backer of the sector. A governor appearing on the runway is a public signal of that support, and it puts a spotlight on Nigerian designers in front of buyers, media and fashion lovers.
Lagos Fashion Week was founded in 2011 by Omoyemi Akerele. It runs over several days and showcases Nigerian and other African designers, giving them a platform to present their collections to buyers and press. Over the years it has become a regular stop on Africa's fashion calendar.
For ordinary Nigerians, the event is part of the wider creative economy that employs tailors, models, stylists, photographers and fabric traders in Lagos and beyond.
Sanwo-Olu's appearance drew attention online, with photos and video from the show shared on social media, including on his own account.
