The highly anticipated 8th edition of Lagos Leather Fair – LLF2025 has concluded with unprecedented success at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, marking a transformative milestone in Africa’s evolving leather industry.
Under the forward-thinking theme “Designing for Tomorrow,” West Africa’s largest leather exhibition attracted a remarkable turnout of makers, designers, investors, and industry stakeholders from across the continent over two groundbreaking days.
The weekend began with a Private Preview on June 27 at Balmoral Convention Centre, offering a relaxed atmosphere for exhibitors and special guests to connect, unwind, and prepare for the busy days ahead.
The Lagos Leather Fair – LLF2025 was then formally opened by Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Honorable Commissioner for Arts and Tourism, who welcomed guests and reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s support for creative enterprise and cultural industries. Guests then enjoyed music, light finger foods, and ambient networking while brands finalized their booth set-up.
In attendance were notable dignitaries, including Fegho John Umunubo, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria (Office of the Vice President) on Digital and Creative Economy, Ibukun Awosika, Founder/CEO of The Chair Centre Group and Non-Executive Director at Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Bola Adesola, Senior Vice-Chairman at Standard Chartered Bank Group, all of whom have been champions of enterprise, leadership, and innovation on the continent.
The Fair opened its doors to a world of leather, legacy, and limitless creativity, further underscored by the presence of the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, who represented the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Governor, Hon. Ajigbotafe shared: “Our administration remains unwavering in its commitment to transforming the leather industry through innovation, sustainable practices, and economic diversification. We will continue to support initiatives like the Lagos Leather Fair that empower entrepreneurs, promote local industries, and position Lagos as a hub of creativity and industrial excellence.”
The first day established LLF’s commitment to capacity building and practical empowerment through a comprehensive program of knowledge-sharing sessions. Scott C. Eneje, of Digivo, facilitated a hands-on workshop titled “Digital Tools for Leather Creatives,” providing participants with actionable insights on leveraging technology to enhance design, streamline production, and increase brand visibility.
Industry leaders Adenike Ogunlesi, Founder, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble; Feyisola Abiru, CEO, H&Y Furniture Manufacturing LTD; Salewa Osakwe, Head Reinsurance, Special Risk Leadway Group; and Ugochukwu Monye, Creative Director, Ugo Monye, sparked vital conversations during the panel “Made-in-Africa: A Movement or a Mirage?”, unpacking the evolving perceptions and realities of scaling, sustainability, and local production in Africa.
The second day elevated the fair’s impact through sessions focused on critical business fundamentals. The opening workshop, “Mastering the Art of Winning Grants,” delivered by Olugbenga Ogunbowale, the Grant Master, revealed the staggering reality facing African creatives, and emphasised major challenges in funding applications such as self-doubt, poorly written pitches and the fear of rejection. African SMEs face a $331 billion funding shortfall, with the continent capturing just 2.9% of global creative funding – a mere $58 billion out of a $2 trillion market.
The dedicated Leather Installation, beautifully curated by Kanyinsade Ademuson of Seventh Space, showcased the magic and versatility of the material.
