The Lagos State government is to deepen the state’s cultural heritage and promote cross-cultural dialogue on a global scale, in conjunction with Culturella Africa at the 2024 edition of the Culturella Festival.
Idris Aregbe, the special adviser to the Lagos State governor on tourism, arts and culture, disclosed that the state government is collaborating with the private sector to boost youth engagement and empowerment by investing in the creative sector, vocational skills and training for youth in the state.
“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 speak positively about their country Nigeria to the international community,” said Aregbe, who was represented by Olufunke Adu.
Aregbe urged young Nigerians to portray the image of the country positively on social media and avoid derogatory paintings of Africa as poor and dirty. He also disclosed that this year’s Culturella festival will 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 the continent.
Dolamu Badejo, CEO, Culturati Africa, stated that the 2024 Culturella Festival mission is to leverage culture and arts as pivotal tools for enhancing international relations, fostering youth development, promoting social cohesion and unifying the continent to drive economic growth.
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She stated that Culturati Africa’s annual arts and culture event known as ‘Culturella Festival’, noting that the 2024 edition would be redirected to function as a research centre, meant to tell African stories positively.
Badejo also harped on the need to intensify efforts in telling African stories and urged the media, government agencies, research institutions and other stakeholders to engage in relaying positive narratives of Africa, to spur tourism growth. “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,” Badejo stated.
John Fadejola, head, brands Tantacom Experiential Projects Ltd., a communications partner with Culturati Africa, stated that the 18th edition of the annual Culturella Arts and Culture Festival would hold from December 6 to 8.
Fadejola, who unveiled the pre-event activities ahead of the festival, stated that there would be a fashion soiree to showcase the beauty of African fabrics, among other attractions.
