Lagos, July 18, 2025

In a vibrant fusion of culture, creativity, and climate consciousness, Lagos’ circular economy vision took center stage at VVS Lagos 2025. The event featured a thought-provoking panel session, with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, joining other creatives, students, and professionals for VVS Conversations themed “ESTE FUEGO – Journey of the Descendants.”

In a panel that explored the intersection of culture and circular economy, Mrs. Oshodi provided deep insights into Lagos State’s climate strategy examined through the lenses of fashion, architecture, waste innovation, and grassroots empowerment. She emphasized that the circular economy in Lagos is more than policy; it is being reimagined as both a cultural narrative and an economic driver.

“In Lagos, we’re using waste not just to reduce harm, but to tell stories,” she said. “Fashion becomes both memory and movement.”

Referencing the EcoFashion Initiative, she spotlighted how designers are upcycling textile waste into market-ready products from denim footwear to laptop bags, while creating economic value for underserved communities. She commended Economy Business Network members like OSC Fashions, Diya, and Shoespeeds for fusing sustainability with local pride.

The panel also spotlighted architecture as a vehicle for circular design, with Mrs. Oshodi highlighting the use of eco-bricks made from compressed plastic waste to build affordable community infrastructure.

 “Our buildings must speak our language not just in aesthetics, but in intention,” she stated.

Further emphasizing inclusive green growth, she described how Lagos’ Eco-Circulate Program incentivizes residents to exchange plastic and textile waste for economic benefits, asserting:

“The circular economy in Lagos is not theory. It’s a survival strategy, and a model for shared growth.”

Throughout her session, the Special Adviser championed the role of youth as creative changemakers. From thrifted runway pieces to climate-themed spoken word, she portrayed a Lagos where sustainability is not just functional but expressive, rooted in cultural identity.

 “If culture doesn’t lead, climate strategy will lag. In Lagos, we let the drumbeat lead the data,” she said.

VVS Lagos 2025 once again proved a critical platform for cross-disciplinary collaboration, where fashion meets function and heritage meets innovation. As Lagos deepens its circular transition, the event underscored its emergence as Africa’s creative climate capital.

 “Lagos is not borrowing a green future,” Mrs. Oshodi concluded.

 “We are building it from our past, present, and pride. Through fabric, through structure, through community, we are designing a circular legacy.”