Sanwo-Olu Hails Ecobank Design & Build Expo, Says It Aligns with Lagos Vision for Sustainability

Sanwo-Olu Hails Ecobank Design & Build Expo, Says It Aligns with Lagos Vision for Sustainability

L-R: Creative Director at Patrick Waheed Ltd. Patrick Koshoni; Creative Director, NANA Collective, Adeyemo Shokunbi; CEO, National Theatre, Nigeria and Founder of Soto Gallery, Tola Akerele; representative of Lagos State Governor/CEO, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Bukola  Agbaminoja; Managing Director/Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal; Founder/CEO, Lash  Interior Design, Aishat Lawal; President, Nigerian Institute of Architects, Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi and MD, Jaza Energy, Adeboye Fowora  at the Ecobank Design and Build Exhibition held in Lagos

 

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the Ecobank Design & Build Exhibition, describing it as a platform that perfectly aligns with the state’s vision of building a modern, livable, and sustainable Lagos.

Speaking through Mrs. Bukola Agbaminoja, CEO of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, at the closing ceremony of the Expo, the Governor applauded Ecobank for hosting what he described as a highly impactful and well-organized event.

He urged financiers to consider infrastructure and housing as viable projects with long-term social and economic value rather than abstract concepts. Sanwo-Olu also challenged architects, builders, and engineers to embrace innovation that reduces environmental impact, prioritizes energy efficiency, and fosters inclusivity for women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

> “The Design & Build platform goes beyond visual displays, offering practical insights into environmentally friendly and resilient solutions for urban growth. Our future depends on what we build today, how we build it, and for whom we build it,” the Governor noted.

The President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Mobolaji Adeniyi, also lauded Ecobank for contributing significantly to the growth of the sector, stressing the institute’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with private sector players to deliver quality, sustainable projects.

The second edition of the Ecobank Design & Build Expo ended on a high note with over 60 top-tier exhibitors in attendance. The exhibition drew participants from government, academia, industry, regulatory bodies, and the diplomatic community. Attendees took part in interactive sessions, explored emerging global trends, networked with decision-makers, and enjoyed increased brand visibility. Many exhibitors commended the organization of the event and called on Ecobank to sustain the initiative.

Highlights of the Expo included:

A premier showcase of Nigerian creativity in design, building, and construction.

Daily knowledge-sharing sessions with leading architects, interior designers, and urban planners.

Immersive kitchen installations and live cooking experiences featuring renowned chefs and brands such as Lafarge, Sacvin, Maison Valor, MIXTA, AFP Julius Berger, Plascon Paints, CTW, Floor Nigeria, and Goggins.

Expert-led sessions featured notable speakers including Arc. Christian Benimana, Co-founder of the African Design Centre and Principal at MASS Design Group; and Prof. Taibat Lawanson, Leverhulme Professor of Planning and Heritage at the University of Liverpool.

Panel discussions brought together some of Nigeria’s most influential voices in design and construction, such as Patrick Koshoni, Tola Akerele, Aishat Lawal, Adeyemo Shokunbi, Adeboye Fowora, Nwamaka Okoye, Sandra Edoho, Malik Afegbua, Remi Dada, Adewunmi Adegbola, Omon Anenih, Tomi Olatunbode, and Jumoke Pinheiro.

With its mix of innovation, knowledge exchange, and networking opportunities, the 2025 Ecobank Design & Build Expo has firmly established itself as a leading platform for shaping Nigeria’s built environment. Industry players say the conversations it has sparked around sustainability, cultural relevance, and inclusive growth will continue to influence the sector long after the exhibition.