Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has drawn cheers from fashion enthusiasts after making a surprise appearance on the runway at Lagos Fashion Week, modelling a collection by Nigerian designer Ugo Monye.
The governor joined professional models on Saturday, catching the audience’s attention as attendees recognised him walking among the participants at the annual fashion event.
Sanwo-Olu’s appearance was seen as a show of support for Lagos’ growing creative industry, particularly the fashion sector, which plays a significant role in the state’s cultural identity and entertainment economy.
Explaining his decision to take part, the governor said he had temporarily stepped away from his usual official duties to support the designer and celebrate the city’s creative talent.
“I stepped away from the usual business of governance to walk the runway for the incredibly talented Ugo Monye at Lagos Fashion Week,” Sanwo-Olu wrote on his X account.
“Lagos continues to grow as a home for fashion, creativity and culture, and I am always happy to support the people driving this growth,” he added.
Lagos Fashion Week is a major annual event showcasing Nigerian and other African designers, bringing together fashion professionals, buyers, media practitioners and enthusiasts.
Founded in 2011 by Omoyemi Akerele, the event provides a platform for designers to present their collections, connect with industry stakeholders and promote African fashion to local and international audiences.
Sanwo-Olu’s runway appearance adds a high-profile political presence to this year’s showcase, drawing attention to the relationship between government support and the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy.
