Sanwo-Olu launches Lagos Shopping Festival

…set to host Africa’s biggest 72-hour shopping and entertainment event

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially unveiled the Lagos Shopping Festival (LSF), a flagship event designed to position Lagos as Africa’s leading hub for commerce, creativity, and entertainment.

The unveiling ceremony took place during a courtesy visit by the festival’s organizers and corporate sponsors to Lagos House, Ikeja. Scheduled to run from December 23 to 25, 2024, the Lagos Shopping Festival will deliver an unprecedented 72-hour experience of non-stop shopping and entertainment.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a milestone for Lagos and a testament to the power of partnerships between the government and private entities.

“The Lagos Shopping Festival is more than an event—it is a convergence of commerce and entertainment. This festival will not only support local businesses and create opportunities but will also showcase the vibrant spirit of Lagos, making our state a beacon for tourism, commerce, and entertainment in Africa,” he said.

The governor commended the efforts of the organizers, Chain Reactions Africa, for their dedication to incubating and refining the concept since its inception in 2020. He also lauded corporate sponsors, including Zenith Bank Plc, Tolaram Africa Group, and Guinness Nigeria Plc, for their unwavering support in bringing the festival to life.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, highlighted the festival’s significance, sharing how a smaller-scale event in April served as a successful proof of concept, generating over N250 million in sales within three days. “This is the power of partnership when the government collaborates with private entities,” Aregbe said.

Festival Director of Organization and Logistics, Ms. Damilola Pedro, reflected on the project’s journey, recounting its initial presentation to Governor Sanwo-Olu during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This project is your legacy, Mr. Governor. It will place Lagos among global cities like Istanbul and Dubai that host world-class shopping festivals,” Pedro said.

Girish Sharma, CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, expressed excitement about the festival, describing it as a perfect fusion of commerce and entertainment.

“Lagos is the commercial heartbeat of Nigeria and Africa’s entertainment capital, and the Lagos Shopping Festival captures its essence. Guinness is thrilled to support this groundbreaking event that brings together shopping and entertainment on an unprecedented scale,” Sharma said.

The Lagos Shopping Festival will transform the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island into a vibrant hub featuring live performances by top artists, non-stop rave parties, family-friendly attractions, and discounted shopping opportunities. The event promises to boost local businesses, provide affordability during the festive season, and foster inclusivity for all participants.

Governor Sanwo-Olu called on Lagosians, visitors, and businesses to take part in the festival, describing it as a transformative event that will redefine December in Lagos for years to come.

“This December, we will join the league of global cities to stage our own shopping festival—a legacy that will unite families, friends, Nigerians in the diaspora, and Lagosians in celebration,” he added.