The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the United States Consulate, has once again underscored the vital role of cultural preservation and tourism promotion at the highly anticipated Culturati 2024 Festival held at Freedom Park on Lagos Island.
This year’s event, which took place over the weekend, was themed ‘Celebrate Diversity and Unity’ and drew attention to the richness of African culture.
It was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture in partnership with Culturati Africa and several private sector players.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, highlighted that the festival serves as a significant economic development tool for Lagos while emphasising the importance of youth engagement in preserving their cultural heritage.
He stressed the need to resist the growing western influence on Nigerian culture, calling on the younger generation to embrace their roots and traditions.
Public Affairs Officer for the US Consulate in Lagos, Julie McKay, also spoke passionately about the event’s role in fostering cultural exchange.
She pledged that the US Mission would continue to invest in initiatives that promote cultural preservation, pointing to a substantial $1.2 million investment to support such efforts across Nigeria.
“This is an excellent opportunity to connect, learn, and share cultures,” McKay said, highlighting the Consulate’s commitment to Nigeria’s cultural growth.
CEO of Culturati Africa, Adetola Bakinsola, also spoke on the significance of this year’s festival, which featured a community library aimed at promoting literacy and cultural education.
She emphasised that the festival was not just a celebration of arts but also a powerful tool to ensure that traditional music, fashion, crafts, and storytelling are passed onto future generations.
The Atayero of the Aramoko Kingdom, Oba Olusegun Aderemi, joined the chorus of voices calling for greater attention to Nigeria’s creative industries, urging a shift away from an over-reliance on crude oil exports.
He warned that the increasing influence of foreign cultures was endangering Nigeria’s valuable traditions.
The 2024 edition of Culturati also included awards recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the creative industry, including Queen Helen Prest-Ajayi, Miss Nigeria 1979.
Culturati 2024 showcased the works of over 100 small and medium-sized entrepreneurs and featured performances from top artists like Reekado Banks, Just Adetoun, and cultural groups such as Ile Iyan.
The event was a vibrant display of Nigeria’s rich heritage, with ethnic cuisines adding to the cultural experience.