By Imisioluwa Afunmiso,
The Ogun State Government, in partnership with Artnovation, is set to project African culture onto the global stage at the scheduled Milan Design Week in Italy holding from April 22 to 26, 2026.
The cultural and fashion showcase, themed “The Rock That Remembers,” will highlight Ogun State’s rich heritage, tourism potential, and investment opportunities, with a special focus on Olumorock.
Speaking at the official launch of the Artnovation: Afro-Italian Renaissanc (AAR) exhibition held at the Italian Consulate in Lagos, Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun described the initiative as a strategic platform to deepen cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Italy, while driving growth within the state’s creative economy.
He noted that the collaboration aligns with his administration’s commitment to leveraging creativity for economic development, job creation, tourism promotion, and sustainable revenue generation.
“We reaffirm our commitment to using creativity to drive economic growth, create jobs, boost tourism, and ensure sustainable revenue, building on our support for arts, culture, and local enterprises such as Adire and the renewal of Olumo Rock,” he said.
He added that Ogun State’s participation in the global design event would enhance its international visibility, expand trade prospects, and foster stronger bilateral collaboration with Italy.
Foluke Michael, Chief Curator at Artnovation, disclosed that the exhibition will commence with an exclusive VIP screening on April 22 at Collegiate Milano Bovisa, located at Piazza Emilio Alfieri 5, Milan, while the main exhibition will run from April 23 to 26.
According to her, a major highlight of the programme is a special event titled “From the Rock to the World,” scheduled for April 23 at 4:00 p.m explaining that the exhibition will feature a curated selection of five paintings, five fashion installations, hand painted textures, and indigenous textiles from Abeokuta, including Adire fabrics, alongside Milanese lace.
She further said the initiative aims to bridge African heritage and European renaissance influences through art, fashion, and design, creating new opportunities for innovation, partnership, and trade.
“By connecting Olumo Rock and Duomo di Milano, we are creating a new spark, one that transforms culture into economic opportunity,” she said.
She explained that the exhibition explores how natural and architectural landmarks preserve memory, shape identity, and inspire contemporary design, while bringing together creators, institutions, and global audiences.
Other partners involved in the initiative include Collegiate Milano Bovisa and Università LUM School of Management.
The Milan showcase is expected to position Ogun State as a key driver of Nigeria’s creative economy while strengthening international cultural exchange and investment prospects.