The Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Le Look Nigeria Limited, Chief (Mrs.) Chinwe Florence Ezenwa has made public the company plans to mark its 40 years anniversary.
Ezenwa who was prior to her foray into private sector as an entrepreneur worked in public service for decades serving in various positions including Acting Managing Director and CEO, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) revealed that the event is scheduled to hold on October 1, 2025 place at Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
She also disclosed that the 40 years celebration of the company which produces the Le Look brand of bags will have two sessions, morning and night even as she added that the night session will feature the presentation of award with the theme: “Legacy of Resilience: Empowering Entrepreneurs for Africa’s Economic Future.”
Her words: “Le Look 40th Anniversary is a milestone that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the power of Nigerian enterprise. Founded in 1985, Le Look has grown from a small women-led business into a proudly Nigerian manufacturer, exporting unique, locally crafted bags to international markets. Over four decades, we have stayed true to our mission of strengthening local manufacturing; creating jobs and transferring skills; opening doors for women and youth in enterprise; supporting Nigeria’s non-oil export drive and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) agenda. This anniversary is more than a celebration—it is a call to sustain entrepreneurship in Africa’s fast-changing economy.”
Ezenwa who is known for her knack for perfection in spite of the fact that she is a septuagenarian further revealed that no fewer than 300 distinguished guests, including senior government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and entrepreneurs across generations are expected at the event.
According to her, the event will also feature keynote address and fireside conversations with veteran entrepreneurs as well as panel sessions on business longevity. Other features are AfCFTA readiness; youth and women forums on inclusive business practices; exhibitions by government and trade agencies will be part of the activities.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that Le Look Nigeria Limited has grown to a global brand besides the establishment of subsidiaries including the Le Look Bags Academy (LLBA) with branches in Abuja, Enugu and Lagos. It also manufactures Afro-centric luxury-life style branded bags inspired by African culture and sensibilities. These handbags are crafted from African prints in celebration of the rich African heritage with international and modern fashion flair. It offers multiple product categories, including ready-to-wear, handbags, Apple-support products and other carry-on unique and durable accessories.
Over the years, LLBA has partnered international and government institutions to promote trade and build capacities for the continent.
It is on record that the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) partnered with the firm last year to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and empower local artisans, particularly women and youth in Lagos. This collaboration includes the launch of an export skills acquisition center and a fashion innovation hub to equip individuals with skills in bag-making and international trade to meet growing global demand for handcrafted bags.
Similarly, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria is in partnership with LBA to launch a training programme designed to equip unemployed youth with limited formal education, primarily women, with practical skills in bag-making as a sustainable livelihood mechanism.
Since its establishment, LLBA has served as the leading hub for mastering bag-making and digital technology skills as it provides a unique, personalized approach to equipping learners with the necessary skills to succeed in the dynamic global landscape.
Giving an insight into the company mileage over the years, Ezenwa said: “Our partnership with designers in Africa has catalyzed the resurgence of retailing locally made goods across the continent. Through our studio in Lagos, we provide on- the-job training, school tuition and health care benefits. Our philosophy is simple-to be the first and foremost African luxury brand with global reach.”
It is on record that Le Look Nigeria Limited is the first Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) to receive the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certificate from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
As a certified AEO, it benefits from trade facilitation, reduced costs and improved efficiency in its export and import activities, supporting Nigeria’s goal of becoming a leading trade hub.
Following the milestone, the NCS High Command has given Le Look Nigeria Limited a unique number 0001 under AfCFTA guided trade Initiative to receive the Certificate of Origin to trade across the African continent.
