By ANGELA ATABO

Nigeria’s creative economy is set to take centre stage on the global scene as Ogun State prepares to showcase its art, fashion, design, poetry and music at the prestigious Milan Design Week 2026.

Milan Design Week, which holds in April 2026, is one of the world’s biggest and most influential design events, with thousands of exhibitions, installations, showrooms, talks, and parties.

This development was announced at the inaugural edition of Artnovation – AfroItalian Renaissance (AAR) held at the Italian Consulate General in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports AAR is a flagship creative economy platform jointly driven by Ogun and Lagos states, the Italian Government, and the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI–Solution17).

In a statement on the inauguration made available to NAN on Tuesday,

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, endorsed AAR as a strategic platform for creative economy transformation and international engagement.

He described creativity as a powerful engine for inclusive economic growth, job creation, tourism development and global relevance.

“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,” the governor stated.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, equally 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 the state’s readiness to collaborate with the Italian Government and CYCDI–Solution17.

He added that Lagos 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 AfroItalian 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 is far more than an exhibition.

“Artnovation is not just an event; it is 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 AfroItalian Renaissance is positioning Nigeria’s creative economy on the global stage,” she noted.

Michael reiterated that Ogun participation at Milan Design Week 2026 will offer unprecedented global visibility, exposing the state’s creative output to over 400,000 international participants, investors, institutions and creatives (NAN)