The chairman of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group Plc, Mr Umaru Kwairanga, has said the capital market and the creative economy has something in common, which is to transform ideas into an enduring value.
He said this at the closing gong ceremony for the Lagos Fashion Week at the NGX Limited in Lagos last Friday.
The event was attended by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo; an American entertainer, Ms Ciara Wilson; the chairman of Style House Files and Lagos Fashion Week, Mr Tokunbo Akerele; and the chief executive of NGX Group, Mr Temi Popoola, among others.
Mr Kwairanga described the ceremony as a model for how the capital market can support emerging sectors of the economy, praising Mr Sanwo-Olu for his leadership in leveraging the market through bond issuances that have financed critical infrastructure and social projects.
“At NGX Group, we believe the creative economy and the capital market share a common purpose—transforming ideas into enduring value.
“Across the fashion value chain, there are countless SMEs with the potential to become industry leaders if they can access sustainable financing and institutional support,” the NGX chairman stated.
Mr Popoola, while also speaking, said, “The creative economy represents one of the most dynamic frontiers of growth in Africa.
“We see immense potential in connecting creativity with capital, enabling designers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to grow sustainably through the discipline and transparency the capital market provides.”
On his part, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the ecosystem for the creative sector through access to finance, infrastructure, and supportive policies.
“Lagos stands at the forefront of Africa’s creative renaissance, a city where innovation, culture, and enterprise intersect.
“Our ambition is to position Lagos as a global hub for creativity and investment. By deepening linkages with the capital market through institutions like Nigerian Exchange Group, we can unlock financing that empowers creative entrepreneurs to scale sustainably and compete on the world stage,” he stated.
In her remarks, Ms Wilson said, “It’s amazing to see Lagos and Nigeria levelling up, not just creatively, but economically.
“The energy, talent, and innovation here are world-class. Connecting that creativity to the kind of structure and investment the capital market provides is how you build something truly global and sustainable.”
Mr Akerele, while speaking, emphasized the growing economic significance of Nigeria’s creative industries, noting, “Lagos Fashion Week has always championed creativity, sustainability, and enterprise. Engaging platforms like the exchange helps amplify the message that the creative economy is an engine for growth, investment, and social impact.”