Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its strategic use of fashion and culture as tools for global positioning, as the Miss Nigeria Beauty & Fashion Fair 2026 took centre stage in showcasing the nation’s creative strength and cultural identity.
The event, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, on Sunday, 22nd March 2026, was part of the Miss Nigeria Patrons and Board Dinner / Daily Times Young Fashion Designer of the Year Award, and had in attendance a diverse audience of industry stakeholders, creatives and cultural enthusiasts.
In her keynote address, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, highlighted the pivotal role of fashion and the arts in shaping global perceptions of Nigeria, noting that Lagos continues to lead as a hub for innovation, creativity, and cultural expression in Africa.
She described the Miss Nigeria platform as a longstanding institution that has evolved beyond a beauty pageant into a vehicle for promoting leadership, enterprise and national identity since its inception in 1957.
According to the Commissioner, this year’s theme, “She is Made of More,” reflects the expanding influence of Nigerian women as key drivers within the creative and cultural space, contributing significantly to economic growth and global visibility.
She noted that Lagos remains a fertile ground for emerging talents who are redefining fashion by transforming indigenous materials into globally competitive designs, thereby preserving heritage while advancing modern expression.
Represented at the event by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Mrs. Bukola Agbaminoja, the Commissioner also underscored the growing importance of sustainability within the industry, commending initiatives such as the Green Girl Foundation for promoting environmentally conscious practices.
She emphasised that the integration of “Green Fashion” into the creative ecosystem aligns with global trends and supports long-term development.
Highlighting key components of the initiative, she stated that programmes such as the Miss Nigeria Travelogue and the Beauty & Fashion Fair serve as critical platforms for projecting Nigeria’s rich cultural assets to the international community, while also stimulating tourism and investment.
She encouraged young designers and entrepreneurs to harness their creativity as a catalyst for transformation, urging them to create value beyond the runway by driving innovation, generating employment and strengthening Nigeria’s cultural footprint globally.
The Commissioner commended the Miss Nigeria Organisation and its Chairman, Rita Dominic-Anosike, for sustaining a legacy that continues to nurture talent and inspire excellence across generations.
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