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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has returned to the runway of Lagos Fashion Week, walking for Nigerian menswear designer Ugo Monye during the event’s 2026 edition. The governor made his appearance on Saturday night, October 31, at the Federal Palace Resort, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the final evening of the……
Lagos State Governor,Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has returned to the runway of Lagos Fashion Week, walking for Nigerian menswear designer Ugo Monye during the event’s 2026 edition.
The governor made his appearance on Saturday night, October 31, at the Federal Palace Resort, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the final evening of the main runway shows.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed his participation in a social media
Sanwo-Olu disclosed his participation in a social media post, saying he stepped away from his regular governance activities to support the designer and the state’s growing creative industry.
“I stepped away from the usual business of governance to walk the runway for the incredibly talented Ugo Monye at Lagos Fashion Week.
“Lagos continues to grow as a home for fashion, creativity and culture and I am always happy to support the people driving this growth.”
The appearance marks Sanwo-Olu’s second documented runway outing
The appearance marks Sanwo-Olu’s second documented runway outing at the fashion event since he assumed office in May 2019.
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His first appearance was in October 2023, when he joined models to close the presentation of Nigerian designer Emmy Kasbit.
At the time, the governor wore a light blue patterned blazer over a dark T-shirt and blue trousers, with photographs capturing him blowing a kiss towards the audience during the presentation.
Explaining his participation, Sanwo-Olu linked the fashion industry
Explaining his participation, Sanwo-Olu linked the fashion industry to economic development, writing in a social media post:
“Closing the Emmy Kasbit show yesterday, I’m reminded of how creativity isn’t just about fashion; it’s an economic force.”
Saturday’s presentation by Monye was part of the closing programme of the main runway shows, which also featured Nigerian fashion labels Fruché and Ejiro Amos Tafiri.
Monye, who launched his fashion brand in 2009,
Monye, who launched his fashion brand in 2009, initially designed clothing for both men and women before gradually shifting its focus towards menswear.
The designer has featured at several editions of Lagos Fashion Week, including the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 editions.
His brand has also attracted notable personalities outside the professional modelling industry. In 2024, Nigerian singer Davido walked for the label in a brown traditional ensemble accessorised with beads, a matching cap and a staff.
Beyond his runway appearances, Sanwo-Olu has maintained engagements
Beyond his runway appearances, Sanwo-Olu has maintained engagements with stakeholders in the fashion and creative industries.
During the 2025 edition of Lagos Fashion Week, he hosted designers and other creatives at Lagos House, Marina, at a reception attended by American singer Ciara.
He also joined Ciara for a closing-gong ceremony at the Nigerian Exchange as part of activities marking the fashion week.
Founded by Omoyemi Akerele in 2011, Lagos Fashion
Founded by Omoyemi Akerele in 2011, Lagos Fashion Week provides a platform for African designers to showcase their collections and connect with buyers, journalists and fashion enthusiasts.
The 2026 edition, which runs from October 28 to November 1, is themed “CRAFTED: Heritage. Innovation. Circular Futures.” Following three evenings of main runway presentations, the programme concludes on Sunday with offsite showcases.
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