Lagos backs 2025 African Cultural Festival
By Aderonke Ojediran
The Lagos State Government has endorsed the 2025 African Cultural Festival, calling it a tool for tourism promotion, economic growth, and diaspora engagement.
With the theme ‘Africa to the World: Culture, Creativity, and Collaboration,’ the festival will include pre-event activities in Lagos starting July.
The main celebration will hold in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, from Sept. 19 to 20, drawing international attention to African heritage.
This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe.
Aregbe said the initiative has received full backing from the governor and aligns with the administration’s THEMES+ agenda.
He described the event as a strategic move to promote cultural diplomacy and diversify the state’s economic base.
According to Aregbe, Lagos’s involvement reflects a deliberate effort to position the state as a global cultural powerhouse.
He added that heritage promotion offers viable opportunities for economic growth and international relevance.
“Though colourful on the surface, this is a chance to share our stories and join the league of global cultural centres,” Aregbe stated.
He noted that Lagos would send a delegation of creatives, entrepreneurs, and innovators to the international event.
Sanwo-Olu, he said, sees the festival as a platform for deep and lasting socio-economic transformation.
“This initiative promotes unity and increases diaspora involvement in shaping Africa’s future.
“Building the Africa of our dreams demands purpose and unwavering commitment from all who believe in her,” Aregbe said.
He revealed that the festival will honour cultural icons such as Nike Okundaye of Nike Art Gallery and Miss Phipps.
These honours will be part of the ‘Celebrating African Elders’ segment of the international showcase.
Other features include the Africa Arise Leadership Summit, ACF Marketplace, and Taste of Africa culinary experience.
Additional highlights include the African I-D-E-N-T-I-T-Y Exhibition, NextGen Connect Youth Forum, and ACF Runway.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the African Diaspora Summit and the official launch of Duduplugs will also be part of the festival.
Duduplugs, described as a creative innovation hub, aims to link Africa’s creative economy to global platforms.
It is expected to boost interest in Lagos tourism and strengthen economic-cultural ties with the world.
The event is powered by ACI Entertainment, with operations in both Lagos and Pennsylvania.
The company’s mission is to showcase Africa’s rich cultural capital and creative economy globally. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
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