Ogun, Lagos join Italian Govt to boost Nigeria–Italy creative economy through Artnovation
By Editor
THE Governments of Ogun and Lagos States, in collaboration with the Italian Government and the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI–Solution17) have reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging the creative economy as a strategic driver of cultural diplomacy, economic growth, and international collaboration through Artnovation – Afro-Italian Renaissance (AAR). The landmark first edition of Artnovation – Afro-Italian Renaissance was held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Italian Consulate General in Lagos, convening senior government officials, diplomats, creatives, investors, and cultural leaders from Nigeria and Italy.
Artnovation – Afro-Italian Renaissance is a flagship creative economy platform initiated by the Italian Consulate General in Lagos and CYCDI–Solution17, designed to promote innovation across the creative industries, deepen cross-cultural exchange, and unlock new economic opportunities through global partnerships. The initiative strengthens cultural diplomacy while expanding creative and economic ties between Nigeria and Italy.
Secretary to the State Government, Bar. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who represented the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed Lagos State’s readiness to collaborate with the Italian Government and CYCDI–Solution17 to project Lagos’ creative excellence globally, while partnering with Italian creative entrepreneurs and institutions to amplify the Lagos story on the world stage.
At the same event, Ogun State formally endorsed Artnovation – Afro-Italian Renaissance as a strategic platform for the transformation of the creative economy and international collaboration. The endorsement was announced by the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who described creativity as a powerful catalyst for inclusive economic development, job creation, tourism growth, and global relevance.
Consul General of Italy in Lagos, Mr. Ugo Boni (left); Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; CEO of CYCDI–Solution17 and Chief Curator of Artnovation, Foluke Michael and Chief Nike Ekundaye at the event
“When culture meets opportunity, economies grow,” Prince Abiodun said. “Ogun State’s creative economy holds immense potential to drive transformation—from heritage to livelihoods. Through Artnovation – Afro-Italian Renaissance, we are deepening collaboration with Italy to unlock innovation, investment, and sustainable revenue.”
Artnovation centres on the fusion of heritage and innovation, creating a collaborative platform across art, fashion, poetry, music, design, food, and creative technology. It celebrates the creative brilliance of both nations while laying the foundation for future engagements, including participation at Milan Design Week 2026.
Speaking on the initiative, the Consul General of Italy in Lagos, Mr. Ugo Boni, stated,“The Afro-Italian Renaissance embodies the values of collaboration, creativity, and shared heritage between Italy and Nigeria. Hosting this inaugural edition at the Italian Consulate reflects our commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy and supporting creative-led development across both nations.”
The initiative draws inspiration from the 14th-century Italian Renaissance, when cities such as Florence and Venice reshaped global art, fashion, poetry, and music, while recognising Nigeria’s own historic creative renaissance—from the Adire dye pits of Abeokuta and Osogbo, to the Benin bronze guilds and cultural expressions such as the talking drum, highlife and Afrobeat.
According to the CEO of CYCDI–Solution17 and Chief Curator of Artnovation, Foluke Michael, “Artnovation is not just an event; it is a cultural movement that unites continents. It opens pathways for trade, design, technology, tourism, and global collaboration. From Ogun and Lagos to Milan, Florence, and Rome, the Afro-Italian Renaissance is positioning Nigeria’s creative economy on the global stage”
Michael further announced that Ogun State will be showcased at Milan Design Week 2026, providing global visibility for the state’s art, fashion, design, poetry, and music to an audience of over 400,000 participants, investors, institutions, and creatives.
The launch featured an Afro-Italian Art Exhibition by renowned master artist Mr. Tola Wewe, officially unveiled by Governor Abiodun, alongside an Afro-Italian Renaissance Runway, poetry narrations, musical fusion performances by Afrofusion artist, Yega, and a high-level cultural exchange reception attended by Nigerian and Italian communities, diplomats, creative, and business leaders.
Artnovation – AfroItalian Renaissance represents more than an exhibition. It is a declaration that creativity is the new currency of unity, diplomacy, and sustainable development. The initiative is positioned to open new frontiers in trade, tourism, fashion, design, creative technology, and cultural exchange, marking a new era of strategic partnership between Nigeria and Italy.
From Ogun and Lagos to Milan, the Afro-Italian Renaissance has begun.
