9th December, 2024
The Lagos State Government and the United States Consulate in Lagos have highlighted the importance of promoting tourism and preserving African culture.
Speaking at the Festival of Arts and Culture, tagged: ‘Culturati 2024,’ held at Freedom Park, Lagos Island, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe; Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate in Lagos, Julie McKay; and other speakers reaffirmed the need to promote African culture.
Lagos Island was alive with energy throughout the weekend during Culturati 2024, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture in partnership with Culturati Africa and other private organisations.
The event, themed “Celebrate Diversity and Unity,” was aimed at promoting tourism, preserving African culture, and showcasing creative talents to a global audience.
Aregbe explained that the festival, held annually, was designed to boost Lagos’ economic development while encouraging youths to embrace their cultural heritage and reject the westernisation of Nigerian culture.
McKay described the event as an excellent opportunity to learn, share, and connect through culture, pledging continued collaboration with Nigeria.
She noted that the US Mission in Nigeria had invested over $1.2 million to support cultural preservation efforts.
Culturati CEO Adetola Bakinson highlighted the community library featured at this year’s event, which promoted literacy and cultural education.
She emphasized the importance of celebrating traditional arts, crafts, music, storytelling, and fashion, ensuring these elements were preserved for future generations.
The Atayero of the Aramoko Kingdom, Oba Olusegun Aderemi, praised Nigeria’s abundant talent, calling for the diversification of the economy from crude oil to creative industries.
He urged youths to preserve and manage Nigerian culture, warning that foreign influence is eroding valuable traditions.
During the event, plaques were awarded to individuals who had made significant contributions to the creative industry, including Miss Nigeria 1979, Queen Helen Prest-Ajayi.
Many participants commended the Lagos State Government for its investment in the creative industry and called for further support to empower youth in the face of economic challenges.
The 2024 Culturati festival showcased the work of over 100 small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in an exhibition and featured performances from various artists and cultural groups.
The event also saw the participation of Reekado Banks, Just Adetoun, Ile Iyan, and representatives from the Chinese Consulate. Various ethnic cuisines were served, adding to the rich cultural experience.
