Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Fashion Week Launches Africa’s First Regenerative Fashion Manifesto at London Climate Action Week
Omoyemi Akerele says new blueprint urges African ownership as sector exports ₦22.1trn textiles but imports finished goods
Omoyemi Akerele says new blueprint urges African ownership as sector exports ₦22.1trn textiles but imports finished goods
Lagos Fashion Week unveiled ‘The Blueprint for a Regenerative Fashion Future’ in London on Thursday, presenting Africa’s first comprehensive manifesto aimed at transforming the fashion industry through sustainability and local ownership. The landmark document was launched during London Climate Action Week by the African Fashion Coalition, with support from Lagos Fashion Week and The Earthshot Prize.
The event brought together leading African designers, sustainability advocates, educators and entrepreneurs to develop a framework centred on circularity, inclusion and climate resilience. According to organisers, the manifesto builds on centuries of African knowledge in craftsmanship and community innovation, advocating for a shift towards regenerative production systems that benefit both people and the environment.
Speaking at the launch, Omoyemi Akerele, Founder and Executive Director of Lagos Fashion Week—and a recipient of the 2025 Earthshot Prize—emphasised Africa’s historical contribution to global fashion. She noted that while the continent exports about US$15 billion (₦22.1trn) in raw textiles annually, it still imports more than US$23 billion (₦33.9trn) worth of finished clothing and footwear. Akerele described this gap as an issue of ownership rather than talent: “The resources are ours. The value is theirs. We are celebrated as a source of inspiration but shut out of the industry we inspire,” she said at the event.
The Manifesto emerged from extensive workshops and stakeholder consultations led by Lagos Fashion Week and The Earthshot Prize. Contributors included key figures such as Simone Smit, Director of Africa at The Earthshot Prize; Jackie May, Founder of Twyg; Adama Paris, Founder of Dakar Fashion Week; Mahlet Teklemariam, Hub of Africa Fashion Week; Liz Ricketts, The OR Foundation; Renee Neblett, Kokrobitey Institute; and Sunny Dolat from The Nest Collective.
Simone Smit stated that Africa is now leading in environmental innovation within fashion: “Earthshot solutions are right at the heart of it. The most impactful responses combine innovation with local knowledge,” she said.
The document outlines ten pillars—including cultural heritage preservation, intellectual property protection, waste justice, infrastructure development and conscious consumption—to guide investments and policy towards a more resilient sector across Africa. The coalition is inviting individuals and organisations to endorse the blueprint by signing up on www.lagosfashionweek.com.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Filmmaker Doris Ariole Secures Consecutive Best Director International Nomination at Canadian Festival
Ariole’s recognition at Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival highlights Nigerian cinema’s growing global influence
Ariole’s recognition at Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival highlights Nigerian cinema’s growing global influence
Award-winning filmmaker and founder of Hadassah Productions, Doris Ariole, has received another Best Director International nomination at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) in Canada. The announcement, made public on Thursday in Lagos, marks the second consecutive year Ariole is being recognised for her work on the international stage.
The festival organisers listed Ariole among this year’s nominees for Best Director International, further cementing her reputation as a leading figure in Nigeria’s creative industry. The nomination comes after her previous recognition at TINFF, making her one of the few Nigerian filmmakers to achieve back-to-back nominations in this category.
Industry observers say Ariole’s continuous international acknowledgment signals the increasing relevance of Nigerian cinema abroad. Over the past decade, Nollywood directors and producers have expanded their reach across North America and Europe, with several works featured at global festivals. Stakeholders believe such achievements will encourage more collaborations between Nigerian creatives and their counterparts overseas.
While official reactions from relevant film bodies were not immediately available as at press time, TINFF has previously praised Nigerian directors for their contributions to African storytelling and for raising the profile of African film on the world stage. The festival, held annually in Toronto, aims to celebrate diversity and promote filmmakers from Africa and its diaspora.
With preparations underway for this year’s TINFF ceremony in Canada, industry watchers expect Ariole’s nomination to inspire emerging talents within Nigeria’s film sector. The event is also anticipated to open further opportunities for local filmmakers seeking international exposure.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Partners Oakleaf to Boost Health at Public Service Club Games
New collaboration aims to promote wellness among public servants through integrated health activities during annual sports event
New collaboration aims to promote wellness among public servants through integrated health activities during annual sports event
The Lagos State Government has entered into a partnership with Oakleaf, a health sector stakeholder, to enhance the health and wellness components of this year’s Lagos Public Service Club Games. The announcement was made in Lagos on Saturday, 27 June 2026, as part of efforts to improve the wellbeing of public servants across the state.
According to organisers, the partnership will introduce health-focused activities alongside the traditional sporting competitions. These additions are expected to provide participants with access to basic health checks and wellness education during the games, which serve as an annual convergence for staff from different government ministries and agencies.
The Lagos Public Service Club Games have long been a platform for fostering teamwork and camaraderie among civil servants in Nigeria’s commercial capital. This year’s inclusion of health initiatives comes amid growing calls for workplace wellness programmes within the public sector, with stakeholders noting that regular physical activity and preventive healthcare can significantly boost productivity and morale.
Officials from Oakleaf stated that their involvement would centre on providing free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and other routine assessments throughout the tournament. “We believe that integrating these services will not only encourage participation but also raise awareness about healthy living among workers,” an Oakleaf representative said in a statement released after the agreement was signed.
The Lagos State Government has welcomed the development, describing it as a step towards building a healthier workforce. Organisers indicated that if successful, the partnership could be expanded in future editions of the games. Further details regarding specific health programmes are expected to be released ahead of the event’s official kickoff date.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kogi West Monarchs, Youth Leaders Pledge Support for Security Agencies to Tackle Insecurity
Traditional rulers in Okunland direct withdrawal of chieftaincy dispute from court, urge unity against rising crime
Traditional rulers in Okunland direct withdrawal of chieftaincy dispute from court, urge unity against rising crime
Traditional rulers and youth leaders from the five Local Government Areas of Okunland in Kogi West Senatorial District have pledged to strengthen their partnership with security agencies in a renewed effort to tackle insecurity across their communities. The commitment was made during separate meetings held over the weekend in Kabba, headquarters of Kogi West, as concerns rise about criminal activities in the North-Central state.
At a gathering of the Okun Area Traditional Council chaired by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba (Dr.) Solomon Owoniyi, monarchs reviewed pressing issues affecting peace, security and development within the district. Other royal fathers present included the Elegbe of Egbe, Oba Irukera; the Agbana of Isanlu, Oba Etombi; the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Ibeun; and the Olujumu of Ijumu, Oba Ayeni. The council resolved to work more closely with security agencies and promote community-based initiatives to combat crime.
The monarchs noted that insecurity threatens social cohesion and economic progress in Okunland and called for collective vigilance among residents. They discussed specific challenges within their domains and agreed on a united front to address common problems affecting the area.
On a chieftaincy dispute involving two traditional rulers in Yagba West Local Government Area, the council announced its intervention. The traditional leaders directed that all legal actions relating to the dispute be withdrawn from court immediately. They invited both parties to a reconciliation meeting aimed at reaching an amicable settlement.
Youth leaders present at the meetings also expressed readiness to collaborate with law enforcement agencies by improving information sharing and participating in community policing efforts. Stakeholders emphasised that only through sustained cooperation can lasting peace and security be achieved across Kogi West.
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