American singer, dancer, and style icon Ciara has pledged to use her global platform to celebrate the creativity and beauty of Lagos as the city’s much-anticipated Lagos Fashion Week 2025 officially began on Thursday.

Ciara, who touched down in Lagos earlier in the day, joined Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) closing gong ceremony, where she expressed admiration for the city’s fashion culture and entrepreneurial drive. The four-day event, which marks the 15th anniversary of Lagos Fashion Week, runs from October 29 to November 2, 2025, and features top African designers, models, and creatives. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Speaking to reporters at the NGX floor, Ciara said she felt deeply inspired by Lagos’ evolution into one of Africa’s leading creative capitals. “I will be using my platform to showcase the beauty of Lagos,” she said. “My heart beats differently whenever I’m here. The city’s growth and creative energy are inspiring, and I’m excited to see what the designers and young talents will unveil this week.”

The Grammy-winning artist, who has long been known for her love of African culture and fashion, emphasized that Lagos represented a blend of innovation and resilience. “Lagos is not just a city — it’s a movement. There’s something powerful about its energy, and I want the world to see that through fashion, music, and culture,” she added.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also addressed guests during the ceremony, applauding the organizers of Lagos Fashion Week for their consistency in positioning the state as Africa’s creative heartbeat. He noted that the event has not only elevated Nigerian designers on the global stage but also contributed significantly to the local economy by promoting exportable creative talent.

“Over the past 15 years, Lagos Fashion Week has become more than a showcase of style — it is now a major driver of innovation and investment,” the governor said. “It reflects the spirit of our city: resilient, inventive, and forward-thinking. Our administration remains committed to supporting those pushing locally created brands to the global market.”

Sanwo-Olu highlighted that the ongoing partnership between the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Exchange would continue to open financial and global opportunities for fashion entrepreneurs, particularly among young people. He described fashion as a critical sector in the state’s economic development plan, capable of creating thousands of jobs and promoting Nigeria’s soft power on the world stage.

He further stated, “Lagos symbolises Nigeria’s potential to lead Africa’s economic and creative future. We are proud of what this platform has achieved and look forward to seeing our designers grow into global brands.”

This year’s Lagos Fashion Week is themed “In Full Bloom”, signifying a new era of creativity and collaboration within the African fashion ecosystem. Organizers say the theme reflects both the maturity and the forward momentum of the continent’s fashion industry, which continues to gain recognition internationally.

Since its inception in 2010, Lagos Fashion Week has evolved into a prestigious annual showcase attracting local and international attention. It has provided a launchpad for several emerging African designers who now display their collections on runways from Paris to New York. The 2025 edition is expected to feature collections from over 60 designers, alongside exhibitions, business forums, and sustainability-focused workshops.

Ciara’s presence at this year’s event underscores Lagos Fashion Week’s growing global relevance. Her participation has already generated significant buzz across social media platforms, with fans praising her connection to Nigeria and her efforts to spotlight African fashion. Industry insiders believe her involvement will further strengthen international media coverage and collaborations between African creatives and global fashion houses.

As the shows continue across different venues in Lagos, expectations remain high for what promises to be one of the most dynamic editions of Lagos Fashion Week yet. The blend of art, fashion, and culture, organizers say, captures the very essence of the city — bold, diverse, and full of life.

For many in attendance, Ciara’s words at the opening ceremony resonated deeply. Her message of pride, collaboration, and visibility aligns perfectly with Lagos Fashion Week’s mission to place African creativity on the global map.