Culturati has come to stay

Lagos Island was agog till the wee hours of this morning as Lagos celebrate the festival of Arts and Culture tagged Culturati 2024 at the Freedom Park.

Culturati is convened by the Special Adviser to the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, for the past 18 years to promote tourism and preservation of African culture.

Culturati also showcased talents in the creative industry to the global community.

At the well attended event with the theme Celebrate Diversity and Unity, Mr Aregbe noted that the annual festival was to promote Lagos economic development.

Also to foster empowerment and growth, with a call on youths to embrace their mother tongue and avoid westernisation of Nigerian Culture.

Speaking on the need for Nigerians especially youths to preserve Nigerian rich cultural heritage for the next generation, the Atayero of Aramoko kingdom Ambassador Olusegun Aderemi, noted that Nigeria is blessed with talents which are sought after globally.

Hence the for diversification of the nation's economy from crude oil to creative Industries, while the Public Relations Officer of the US Consulate in Lagos, Ms Julie Mckay, assured more collaboration as the US has invested over one point two million dollars to promote tourism in Lagos.

Earlier the CEO, Culturati, Ms Adetola Bakinsola, stated that the highpoint of this year's festival of arts and culture was the establishment of community library to promote increased literacy and cultural education among youths.

"This platform celebrates traditional art, craft, music, storytelling, entertainment, and fashion, ensuring these elements are not only preserved but also passed on in engaging and innovative ways. 

"Supporting this event fosters pride in our African identity and sustains traditions for this generation and beyond,” she said.

There was presentation of plaques to those who have distinguished themselves in the creative industry which included Miss Nigeria 1979, Queen Helen Prest-Ajayi.

Some of the participants commended the Lagos State government for investing hugely in the creative industry to empower the youths and like Oliver twist advocated more empowerment for the youth to be self reliant in the face of economic realities.

The 2024 Culturati festival of Arts and Culture showcased products of over one hundred Small and Medium entrepreneurs in exhibition with performance from different artistes and cultural groups.

"Through the Culturati Academy, we have empowered over 10,000 youths with training in digital marketing, video production, and content creation. 

This year, we will continue to equip more young people with the skills they need to thrive in the creative and cultural industries," she said.

Performing artist were Reekado Banks, Just Adetoun, Ile Eyan and Chinese Consulate, to the delight of hundreds of participants, with various foods from the major ethnic groups in the country served.