“Eko Oni Baje”: Ciara Hails Lagos, Says City Feels Like Home

“Eko Oni Baje”: Ciara Hails Lagos, Says City Feels Like Home
Her trip also coincides with her 40th birthday celebrations
The singer was seen dancing joyfully with traditional performers while dressed in a bright blue adire gown

Grammy-winning superstar Ciara Princess Wilson has declared her love for Lagos, describing the city as her “home” during her latest visit to Nigeria for the 2025 Lagos Fashion Week.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the American pop icon, who arrived in Lagos on Thursday, joined a line-up of global and local creatives celebrating the 15th anniversary of the fashion event at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island. Her trip also coincides with her 40th birthday celebrations this weekend, making her visit both cultural and personal.

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In a viral video, Ciara expressed her excitement about returning to the city.

“I’m so happy to be here. It’s not my first time in Lagos , I’ve been here a few times, so I know about Lagos,” she said.
“I love Lagos. But you know what? Lagos, from what I’ve seen, it’s like an evolution. When I used to land, I would see all the dirty roads; now it’s pavement.”

In another trending clip, the singer was seen dancing joyfully with traditional performers while dressed in a bright blue adire gown and matching headgear, shouting “Eko oni baje!” meaning “Lagos will not be ruined.”

Ciara Meets Sanwo-Olu

Ciara also paid a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who warmly welcomed her at an event.

“I think you’ve taken over the city,” the Governor joked, smiling.
“Definitely, in a real way. You’ve gone to where the real heart of our city is, the markets, the children, the energy.”
Ciara responded with equal warmth, saying, “I’m really so happy to be here. It’s important to me. I am home.”

Her visit was confirmed on X by Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, who wrote that Ciara was in Lagos to celebrate the state’s growing influence in tourism, art, and fashion.

“Eko Oni Baje”: Ciara Hails Lagos, Says City Feels Like Home

Ciara Stuns in Onalaja at Lagos Fashion Week

Ciara stole the spotlight at Lagos Fashion Week’s opening night in a stunning Onalaja creation, a sheer mesh dress with a gradient blend of coral, orange, purple, blue, and rainbow tones. The outfit, designed by Kanyinsola Onalaja, showcased the Nigerian brand’s trademark fusion of African craftsmanship and modern design.

Her choice of a Nigerian designer for such a major appearance reinforced Lagos Fashion Week’s global mission: promoting African design, sustainability, and innovation on the world stage.

Celebrating 15 Years of Lagos Fashion Week

The 2025 edition of Lagos Fashion Week marks 15 years of nurturing emerging designers, supporting sustainability, and amplifying African identity through style. The event continues to be a hub for fashion entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural influencers from across the continent.

Ciara’s participation added a touch of Hollywood glamour, connecting global entertainment with African creativity.
As the night ended, it was clear that Ciara’s Onalaja moment was more than a fashion statement, it was a celebration of culture, connection, and the spirit of Lagos.