Olusegun Ariyo
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the Ecobank Design & Build Exhibition, describing the initiative as perfectly aligned with the state’s vision to create a modern, livable, and sustainable Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs Bukola Agbaminoja, CEO of the Lagos State Film & Video Censors Board, applauded Ecobank for hosting a highly successful event. He urged financiers to view infrastructure and housing not as abstract concepts, but as viable projects with long-term social and economic value. Challenging architects, builders, and engineers, he called for innovation that minimises environmental impact, embraces energy efficiency, and ensures inclusivity for women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
“The Design & Build platform goes beyond visual displays, providing insights into environmentally friendly and resilient solutions for urban growth. Our future hinges on what we build today, how we build it, and for whom we build it,” the Governor noted.
Also speaking, Mobolaji Adeniyi, President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), applauded Ecobank’s contribution to the industry. He emphasized the NIA’s collaboration with private sector players to deliver quality designs and sustainable projects.
The second edition of the Ecobank Design & Build Expo concluded in grand style with over 60 top-tier exhibitors. It attracted government officials, academics, industry professionals, students, regulators, and diplomats. Attendees engaged in interactive sessions, networked with key decision-makers, gained valuable insights into global trends, and enjoyed increased brand visibility. Many exhibitors praised the event’s organisation and urged Ecobank to continue hosting the fair.
Highlights of the Expo included:
- A premier showcase of Nigerian creativity in design, building, and construction
- Daily knowledge-sharing sessions led by top architects, interior designers, and urban planners
- Immersive kitchen installations and live cooking experiences with renowned chefs and notable brands, including Lafarge, Sacvin, Maison Valor, MIXTA, AFP Julius Berger, Plascon Paints, CTW, Floor Nigeria, and Goggins
The expert-led sessions featured prominent voices such as Arc. Christian Benimana, Co-founder of the African Design Centre and Principal at MASS Design Group; and Prof. Taibat Lawanson, Leverhulme Professor of Planning and Heritage, University of Liverpool.
Panel discussions included insights from Patrick Koshoni (CEO, PatrickWaheed Design Consultancy), Tola Akerele (Founder, iDesign), Aishat Lawal (Founder & CEO, Lash Interiors), Adeyemo Shokunbi (Co-founder, PatrickWaheed Design Consultancy), Adeboye Fowora (MD, Jaza Energy Nigeria), Nwamaka Okoye (Co-founder, Design Genre), Sandra Edoho (Creative Director, Vivabella Designs), Malik Afegbua (CEO, Slickcity Media), Remi Dada (Executive Chairman, Spacefinish & Campus HQ), Adewunmi Adegbola (Co-founder, Siriano), Omon Anenih (Founder, Dew Centre), Tomi Olatunbode (CEO & Creative Director, Spazio Ideale), and Jumoke Pinheiro (Head, EPAC Studios).
With its dynamic blend of innovation, inspiration, and industry dialogue, the 2025 Ecobank Design & Build Expo has cemented its position as a leading platform for shaping Nigeria’s built environment. As conversations continue around sustainable design, cultural relevance, and inclusive growth, Ecobank’s role as a catalyst for industry transformation remains clear.
