Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, has officially unveiled the Lagos Shopping Festival (LSF) symbol at a ceremony held at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja. Set to run from December 23rd to 25th, 2024, the Lagos Shopping Festival promises an extraordinary 72 hours of non-stop shopping and entertainment, further establishing the city as Africa’s leading hub for commerce, creativity, and entertainment.
Welcoming the organisers and corporate sponsors of the maiden edition of the Lagos Shopping Festival, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, highlighted the success of a previous fair organized in April, which served as a proof of concept for the larger-scale festival. Representatives from Zenith Bank Plc, Tolaram Group, and Guinness Nigeria Plc were present, celebrating the impressive sales that surpassed the N250 million threshold in just three days. “This is the power of partnership when government collaborates with private entities. The result is always different,” Aregbe said.
Ms. Damilola Pedro, the festival’s Director of Organisation and Logistics, reminded Governor Sanwo-Olu of the initial conceptual presentation made during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. “Mr. Governor, this project is your baby. It is one of the legacies you will be giving to Lagos. Now is the time for us to join the league of other global cities such as Istanbul and Dubai,” she stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to Chain Reactions Africa for their persistence and dedication. “The Lagos Shopping Festival is an idea whose time has come. This December, we will be joining the league of other global cities such as Istanbul and Dubai to stage our own shopping festival,” he said. He described the festival as a convergence of commerce and entertainment, supporting local businesses and showcasing the vibrant spirit of Lagos.
The Governor thanked the management of Chain Reactions Africa, Zenith Bank Plc, Tolaram Africa Group, and Guinness Nigeria Plc for their support. He called on Lagosians, visitors, and businesses to participate in the festival, describing it as “a transformative event that will redefine December in Lagos this year and many years to come.”
The unveiling ceremony featured remarks from corporate sponsors, including Girish Sharma, CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, who expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. “Lagos is the commercial heartbeat of Nigeria and Africa’s entertainment capital, and the Lagos Shopping Festival captures its essence. This partnership reflects our dedication to fostering economic opportunities and supporting the nation’s vibrant entertainment industry,” Sharma said.
The Lagos Shopping Festival will transform the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island into a dynamic space for shopping, live performances by top artistes, non-stop rave parties, and family-friendly attractions. Discounted shopping opportunities will provide affordability during the festive season, supporting local businesses and ensuring inclusivity for all.
The Lagos Shopping Festival is a flagship initiative supported by the Lagos State Government, designed to promote economic and entertainment activities and consolidate the city’s position as a premium destination for business and leisure.
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