By: Tijani Salako.

As Nigeria’s creative economy prepares to take centre stage on the global scene, the Ogun State and Lagos State governments have expressed their readiness to showcase the country’s art, fashion, design, poetry, and music at the opening of Milan Design Week in April next year.

This development was announced at the inaugural edition of Artnovation – Afro-Italian Renaissance (AAR), held at the Italian Consulate General in Lagos. The initiative, which is scheduled to feature at Milan Design Week in April 2026, aligns with one of the world’s largest and most influential design events, renowned for thousands of exhibitions, installations, showrooms, talks, and cultural activities.

Reports monitored revealed that AAR is a flagship creative economy platform jointly driven by the Ogun and Lagos State governments, the Italian Government, and the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI–Solution17).

In his opening remarks, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, endorsed AAR as a strategic platform for creative economy transformation and international engagement, describing creativity as a powerful engine for inclusive economic growth, job creation, tourism development, and global relevance.

The governor noted that, “When culture meets opportunity, economies grow. Ogun State’s creative economy holds immense potential to drive transformation from heritage to livelihoods. Through AAR, we are deepening collaboration with Italy to unlock innovation, investment, and sustainable revenue.”

Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to projecting its creative excellence to the world and amplifying its creative story globally. Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, emphasised Lagos State’s readiness to collaborate with the Italian Government and CYCDI–Solution17, adding that the state would forge partnerships with Italian creative entrepreneurs and institutions.

Also speaking at the event, the Consul General of Italy in Lagos, Mr. Ugo Boni, described the initiative as a living symbol of shared values and creative collaboration.

“The Afro-Italian Renaissance embodies the values of collaboration, creativity, and shared heritage between Italy and Nigeria. Hosting this inaugural edition at the Italian Consulate reflects our commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy and supporting creative-led development across both nations,” he said.

According to the CEO of CYCDI–Solution17 and Chief Curator of Artnovation, Ms. Foluke Michael, the platform goes far beyond an exhibition. She described Artnovation as a cultural movement that unites continents.

“It opens pathways for trade, design, technology, tourism, and global collaboration. From Ogun and Lagos to Milan, Florence, and Rome, the Afro-Italian Renaissance is positioning Nigeria’s creative economy on the global stage,” she noted.

Michael further reiterated that Ogun State’s participation at Milan Design Week 2026 will provide unprecedented global visibility, exposing the state’s creative output to over 400,000 international participants, including investors, institutions, and creatives.