Olawunmi Ajibike
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Thursday deepened conversations around cultural exchange and economic cooperation during a series of high-level engagements at Milan Design Week 2026 in Milan.
At Fondazione Luciana Matalon, the governor held talks with the foundation’s president, Nello Taietti, exploring avenues to strengthen cultural relations between Ogun State and Italy.
Discussions centered on promoting African creativity, heritage, and artistic excellence on the global stage, while laying the foundation for long-term cultural collaboration.
Governor Abiodun stressed the need to build lasting cultural bridges that connect African heritage with global audiences, reaffirming Ogun State’s commitment to leveraging its cultural assets as drivers of international cooperation and economic growth.
The governor later attended “The Rock That Remembers” exhibition at the Artnovation platform in Piazza Emilio Alfieri. The showcase highlighted Olumo Rock, presenting the historic site to an international audience of designers, investors, and cultural stakeholders as a symbol of African identity and history.
As part of the event, Abiodun participated in a fireside chat themed “From Culture to Economy,” where he underscored culture as a key driver of development. He outlined Ogun State’s vision for expanding cultural tourism and emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships between Africa and Europe in fostering innovation, investment, and shared prosperity.
The engagements are part of Ogun State’s broader strategy to position its rich cultural heritage as a vital contributor to economic development while enhancing its visibility on the global creative stage.