Lagos State and EnterpriseNGR made history on Saturday, November 11, as the first African participants in the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Show, with a spectacular procession that celebrated the rich cultural heritage and economic prowess of Lagos State as well as the entire Nigeria.
The success of the historic participation set the stage for a series of engagements culminating in the InvestLagos Reception, held a few days after the Lord Mayor’s Show.
In partnership with EnterpriseNGR, Lagos recently inaugurated the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC) Council to bolster Lagos’ standing as a global financial centre. The LIFC Council thereafter took its “InvestLagos” strategy and “Open for Business” message to the Lord Mayor’s Show, inviting the world to participate in the vast opportunities Lagos State has to offer foreign investors.
The pioneering journey, undertaken with a mission to position Lagos as Africa’s premier financial centre, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the global stage.
The float design showcased the progress and dynamism of Lagos State, a thriving financial centre with over 25 million residents. Featuring familiar icons integral to Lagosians’ daily lives, the design incorporated symbols of innovation and growth, including the recently launched Lagos Blue Line train. Naira design patterns, elements of the Nigerian coat of arms, iconic Danfo and Keke Marwa vehicles and the Eyo Masquerade collectively depict the city’s cultural richness and significant economic prowess.
The float was more than a celebration of Lagos’ resilience but a proclamation of its remarkable journey and achievements on the global stage. The float also told the story of the fruitful and important partnership between EnterpriseNGR and Lagos, emphasising the valuable outcomes that come from collaborations between public and private sector.
The vibrant parade featured executives of EnterpriseNGR and the Lagos State Government adorned in the colourful splendour of Aso-Oke as well as traditional Eyo dancers, a symbol of Lagos’ cultural heritage, who graced the procession, bringing to life the city’s deep-rooted traditions. Our Heritage UK, a UK-based African cultural charity group, added to the rhythm, infusing the parade with the spirit of traditional music and dance. The CEO, Ms. Obi Ibekwe and other executive members of EnterpriseNGR were on the float, sharing the exciting story of Lagos, EnterpriseNGR and celebrating the growing global influence of African nations.
At the event, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said: “Our participation in the Lord Mayor’s Show was a resounding success. This visit had a more strategic purpose. It was a manifestation of our commitment to a bold vision – positioning Lagos as Africa’s beacon of financial innovation. The newly inaugurated LIFC Council played a pivotal role in showcasing the investment potential of Lagos on a global platform. As our procession made its way through the streets of London, we let it be known that Lagos State was not just participating in a historic parade; we were striding into the global spotlight, inviting the world to witness our dynamism and echoing the message that our great State is open for business, with a myriad of investment opportunities available to all.”
Chairman of EnterpriseNGR, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, noted: “Our historic participation in the Lord Mayor’s Show underscored the critical role public-private partnerships play in driving transformative change within and beyond Nigeria’s financial and professional service sector. Our successful joint participation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that contribute to the economic prosperity of Lagos and Nigeria.”
Also, the Chief Executive Officer of EnterpriseNGR, Obi Ibekwe, commented: “When we embarked on this historic project to showcase Lagos on the global stage, we recognised the profound significance of attracting the investments required to drive sustainable development and growth for the State. I am honoured to be at the forefront of the great strides being taken to foster the symbiotic relationship between investors, the State, and the wider communities required to deliver that growth.”