The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lelook Bags, Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, has launched Just Bags, a new digital platform she describes as the “Amazon of African bags.”
The platform, unveiled at the 40th anniversary of Lelook Bags, is designed to unite African bag makers under one marketplace, expand visibility for local artisans, and position African prints as a global fashion statement.
“I thought about Just Bags because we are not the only ones making bags, and the more the merrier,” Ezenwa told journalists at the anniversary.
“If we have all the bag makers in Nigeria on the platform, the world will see this as the go-to place for bags. It might even attract foreign direct investment because people will see consistent quality products coming out of Africa.”
In four decades of operations, Lelook Bags has exported more than one million bags worldwide, winning acclaim in Europe and among Nigerians in the diaspora. According to Ezenwa, Just Bags will allow African manufacturers to collectively take on bulk orders that individual producers cannot handle alone.
“There’s no way I alone can produce a million bags at once. But if I train others and we come together, then with Just Bags, we can meet those demands,” the septuagenarian said.
She highlighted the strong international appeal of African prints, especially adire fabrics, which she says German buyers particularly love.
“African prints are the only way we can promote our heritage and our culture. If you can’t wear it, at least you can carry it,” Ezenwa remarked.
As part of the anniversary, Ezenwa also inaugurated the Lelook Fellows mentorship initiative, through which she plans to introduce young entrepreneurs to continental trade opportunities.
Linking her vision to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), she described the agreement as a “prosperity highway” and a “game changer” for African businesses. “In the next one year, I’ll be in at least three more African countries thanks to AfCFTA,” she declared.
Earlier, students from several tertiary institutions had pitched their innovative ideas for business growth, mentorship and collaboration to Lelook and the brightest minds were co-opted as Lelook Ambassadors in their respective institutions including; University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Caleb University, Yaba College of Technology, among others.
The top three students also received N1million, N500,000 and N300,000 cash prizes respectively while five other participants got N100,000 each.
Ezenwa also rewarded her long-serving members of staff; including her sister and seven others who have been with Lelook Bags since it commenced business 40 years ago.
Meanwhile, eminent Nigerian personalities graced the 40th anniversary dinner including; the Minister for Women Affairs and Social Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Chairman, Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun; former Minister for Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen OFR; President of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro; Principal Partner, Jean Chiazor and Partners, Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN; among others.
Speaking at the event, the Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim said; “Mummy LeLook as we fondly call her, tonight we honour your courage and your legacy. As the first Nigerian entrepreneur to export under the AfCFTA, you placed our women on the continental stage. That act was not just trade; it was trailblazing. You showed that Nigerian women can compete globally and win.”
“Looking at the story of Le Look at 40, speaks not only to a business celebration; but a story rooted in hope, love, compassion, resilience, second chance at live and vision. It is the success story of a single woman who, after serving in the Federal Civil Service, chose to build an enterprise that has grown into a national treasure.”
Also speaking, former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen noted that she has been extremely overwhelmed by Ezenwa’s success and inspired by her.
“Beyond business, she has impacted lives. I was at the recent graduation ceremony where hundreds of people finished from her Academy. It was a memorable accomplishment because we could see that it meant a lot to the graduands.
“I appeal to the government and influential Nigerians to support the work Lelook is doing for young entrepreneurs. When I was in office, I took Lelook bags to all my international engagements and people always rushed to ask where I got the bags,” Pauline said.
