Lagos reiterates commitment to promoting cross-cultural dialogue on global scale

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to promotion of cross-cultural dialogue on a global scale by partnering with private organisations and stakeholders in key sectors.

Speaking at a news conference in Lagos, the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, said Lagos State Government in conjunction with Culturella Africa is set to lighten up the Centre of Excellence with this year’s Culturella festival under the new leadership of Culturati Africa.

He said Lagos State Government is collaborating with Culturella Africa to boost youth engagement and empowerment by investing in the creative sector and vocational skills and training for youths in Lagos.

Aregbe, who was represented by Mrs. Olufunke Adu, urged Nigerians, especially youths to portray the image of the country positively on social media and avoid derogatory painting of Africa as poor and dirty.

He disclosed that this year’s Culturella festival would bring together Africans from across the globe and lovers of the continent, to explore and celebrate the diverse traditions, cultural expression and artisanal craftsmanship across Africa.

“Lagos has been doing its best under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to empower the youths and that is why there are vocational schools of entertainment to engage them and bring about the desired change, while youths must also speaks positively about their country Nigeria to the international community,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Culturati Africa, Dolamu Badejo, noted that this year’s Culturella festival mission is to leverage on culture and arts as pivotal tool for enhancing international relations, fostering youths development, promoting social cohesion and unifying the continent to drive economic growth.

Badejo disclosed that Culturati Africa’s annual arts and culture event would be known as “Culturella Festival”, noting that the 2024 edition would be redirected to function as a research centre, meant to tell African stories in the positive way.

Badejo, who harped on the need to intensify effort in telling African stories, urged the media, government agencies, research institutions and all stakeholders to engage in relaying positive narratives of Africa, to spur tourism growth.

She said: “I am elated to respond to the announcement made earlier today regarding my appointment as the new CEO of Culturati Africa. We want to see how our stories can be relayed right from our future to the past to change Africa’s image.

“I am counting on the shoulders of giants and pillars across industry sectors, our very loyal stakeholders, new investors and the support of the culture, arts, stakeholders communities to collectively join in the vision of re-imagining the Africa of our dreams.

“We should ensure a return to cultural awareness and sound values and to re-build the fractured pieces and stories of our continent from a healed and renewed narrative. We can together fill our cracks with gold.”

Speaking earlier, John Fadejola, Head of Brands Tantacom Experiential Projects Ltd., a communications partner with Culturati Africa, said the 18th edition of the annual Culturella Arts and Culture Festival would hold from Dec. 6 to 8.

Fadejola who unveiled the pre-event activities ahead of the festival said there would be fashion soiree to showcase the beauty of African fabrics.

He added that individuals who have contributed to the growth of the continent would be honoured at the Culturati African personalities in October.

Also speaking, a cultural ambassador who is the Founder and President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, also stressed the need for sustainable tourism and cultural preservation in Nigeria and across the African continent.

He said he is working in collaboration with Culturati to promote African arts and culture through various platforms, including festivals, exhibitions, and educational programme, adding that the “partnership reflects a shared vision of elevating African culture on the global stage, empowering local artists, and preserving cultural traditions for future generations.

“We are working to create synergies between tourism and cultural promotion, ensuring that African heritage remains a vibrant and integral part of the continent’s development.”