Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged the full support of the state government for the successful hosting of the maiden Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX), describing the initiative as a strategic platform for collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing across the continent.

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.

Welcoming the delegation, the governor described the DICON boss as “a Lagos boy coming home” after Alaya recalled growing up on Tokunbo Street on Lagos Island and admiring Government House from afar as a child.

“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 a historic institution with a longstanding reputation within Nigeria’s military establishment.

“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 AFRIDEX, the governor congratulated the organisers for securing Nigeria and Lagos as hosts of what he described as a major continental defence exhibition.

According to him, the event reflects the growing importance of collaboration in global defence and security operations.

“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 also commended African nations for organising a defence exhibition on the continent instead of depending solely on Europe and Asia for such engagements.

“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 said.

The governor assured the delegation that Lagos State would provide logistics and institutional support for the exhibition, including traffic management, ambulances, emergency response and fire services.

“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’s endorsement of the conference and disclosed plans to host visiting dignitaries and foreign delegates during the exhibition.

“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 further revealed that the state government was already working on plans to develop a world-class exhibition and convention centre to strengthen Lagos’ capacity to host major global 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, Alaya described his visit to Lagos House as an emotional homecoming experience.

“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.

The DICON boss commended Sanwo-Olu for the developmental strides 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.

Alaya explained that AFRIDEX, scheduled for 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, facilitate global collaboration 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 said.

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 stakeholders from across Africa.

He said more than 500 international exhibitors and about 30,000 participants were expected at the event.

The DICON Director-General added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would serve as Chief Host and officially declare the exhibition open.

He appealed to Sanwo-Olu to serve as Grand Patron of AFRIDEX, noting that Lagos would benefit significantly from tourism, hospitality, foreign exchange inflow and increased global 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.