Sanwo-Olu Backs Maiden AFRIDEX Defence Exhibition in Lagos

Sanwo-Olu Backs Maiden AFRIDEX Defence Exhibition in Lagos
DICON DG says AFRIDEX Will Put Lagos, Nigeria on Global Stage
Set to Welcome 30,000 Participants

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured organisers of the maiden Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) of the full support of the Lagos State Government for the successful hosting of the continental defence and security event.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Friday while receiving a delegation from the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), led by its Director-General, Major General Babatunde Alaya, at Lagos House, Marina.

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The governor described AFRIDEX as a strategic platform that would promote collaboration, innovation, technology exchange, and knowledge sharing among African countries and global defence stakeholders.

Sanwo-Olu Backs Maiden AFRIDEX Defence Exhibition in Lagos

Welcoming the delegation, Sanwo-Olu described the DICON boss as “a Lagos boy coming home” after Alaya recalled growing up on Tokunbo Street on Lagos Island and admiring the Government House from afar during his childhood.

“I have prayed for several decades to come into this State House here in Lagos. Thank you so much for coming,” Sanwo-Olu quoted Alaya as saying.

The governor added: “There are several people who are from Tokunbo. For people who do not know, Tokunbo is an important part of Lagos’ history and heritage. Thank you for coming to Lagos House in Marina.”

Sanwo-Olu described DICON as one of Nigeria’s most respected military institutions with a longstanding reputation for excellence within the nation’s defence architecture.

“DICON is a well-known name. It has a long history of excellence and being part of the military establishment of our country.

“I feel truly proud and wish you well as you continue to lead this important federal government asset,” he said.

Speaking on the significance of AFRIDEX, the governor commended the organisers for securing Nigeria and Lagos as host of what he described as a major continental defence exhibition.

According to him, the global defence sector is increasingly driven by partnerships, collaboration, and exchange of ideas.

“What is happening globally now is an era of collaboration. One person cannot do it all.

“It is only at large conferences like this that skills, knowledge transfer, peer review and meaningful conversations can happen.

“We are sharing knowledge, opening up research, critiquing innovations and learning from one another for global benefit,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu further praised African nations for creating a continental platform for defence and security engagement rather than relying entirely on Europe and Asia for such events.

“For Africa to now come together and organise an exhibition of this nature is commendable.

“For choosing Nigeria and by extension Lagos, we feel truly honoured,” he stated.

The governor assured the organisers that the Lagos State Government would provide logistics and institutional support for the event, including traffic management, ambulances, emergency response services, and fire safety operations.

“We have the machinery to support organisations like this with our resources.

“We can provide traffic management, fire services, ambulances and other support required for an international event,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also approved the state government’s endorsement of the exhibition and disclosed plans to host visiting dignitaries, foreign delegates, and defence stakeholders expected at the event.

“We will look at our calendar and see how we can host the VIPs and VVIPs coming for the exhibition.

“We want to give them a cultural experience and showcase the richness, diversity and tourism potential of Lagos,” he said.

The governor revealed that the state government was already working on plans to develop a world-class exhibition and convention centre to further strengthen Lagos’ position as a destination for global conferences and events.

“Lagos should have a big exhibition, convention and conference centre. It is long overdue and it is already part of our development plans,” he said.

Earlier, Major General Alaya described his visit to Lagos House as an emotional homecoming.

“On a personal note, I am very excited to be in Government House because I am also a son of the soil.

“I grew up on Tokunbo Street, Lagos Island, not too far from here. When we were children, we used to walk around Government House.

“This is my first opportunity in my life to be inside Government House,” he said.

Alaya commended Sanwo-Olu for the developmental progress recorded in Lagos State and appreciated the governor for granting the delegation audience.

“We thank Almighty God for giving Lagos visionary leaders over the years who have taken the state to greater heights,” he said.

The DICON Director-General explained that AFRIDEX, scheduled to hold from October 26 to October 29 at Eko Atlantic City, was conceived following a Memorandum of Understanding signed between DICON and DMG Events during the Chief of Defence Staff Conference held last year.

According to him, the exhibition is designed to showcase indigenous defence capabilities, strengthen global defence partnerships, and position Nigeria as Africa’s leading hub for defence and security innovation.

“AFRIDEX is poised to become Africa’s premier defence and security exhibition,” he stated.

Alaya disclosed that the exhibition would feature land systems demonstrations, maritime and air displays, cyber and space exhibitions, indoor and simulation shooting ranges, as well as conferences involving defence ministers and security experts from across the continent.

He added that more than 500 international exhibitors and about 30,000 participants are expected at the event.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will serve as Chief Host and officially declare the exhibition open.

Alaya appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to serve as Grand Patron of AFRIDEX, noting that Lagos stands to benefit immensely from tourism, hospitality, foreign exchange inflow, and increased international visibility.

“We have chosen Lagos as the most suitable place to host the exhibition.

“It is an opportunity to put Lagos and Nigeria on the world stage,” he said.