Mrs. Olufunke Adu and others after the news conference

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering cross-cultural dialogue on an international level by collaborating with private entities and stakeholders in essential sectors. During a press conference held in Lagos, Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, announced that the government, in partnership with Culturella Africa, is poised to illuminate the Centre of Excellence with this year's Culturella festival, now under the new leadership of Culturati Africa. 

Aregbe emphasized that the Lagos State Government is working alongside Culturella Africa to enhance youth engagement and empowerment through investments in the creative industry and vocational training for young people in Lagos. Represented by Mrs. Olufunke Adu, he encouraged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to positively represent the nation on social media and to refrain from depicting Africa in a negative light. 

He revealed that this year's Culturella festival aims to unite Africans from around the world and enthusiasts of the continent to explore and celebrate the rich diversity of traditions, cultural expressions, and artisanal skills found throughout 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.

The CEO of Culturati Africa, Dolamu Badejo, stated that the mission of this year’s Culturella festival is to utilize culture and arts as a crucial instrument for strengthening international relations, fostering youth development, promoting social cohesion, and unifying the continent to drive economic growth.

Badejo announced that Culturati Africa’s annual arts and culture event would henceforth be known as the “Culturella Festival.” He emphasized that the 2024 edition will be transformed into a research center dedicated to narrating African stories in a positive light.

Badejo stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to tell African stories and urged the media, government agencies, research institutions, and all stakeholders to actively engage in disseminating positive narratives about Africa to stimulate 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.”

In a recent statement, John Fadejola, the Head of Brands at Tantacom Experiential Projects Ltd., which collaborates with Culturati Africa, announced that the 18th edition of the annual Culturella Arts and Culture Festival is scheduled to take place from December 6 to 8.

Fadejola revealed the pre-event activities leading up to the festival, highlighting a fashion soirée designed to celebrate the elegance of African textiles.

He also mentioned that individuals who have significantly contributed to the continent's development will be recognized at the Culturati African personalities event in October.

Additionally, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, a cultural ambassador and the Founder and President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism and the preservation of culture in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

He noted his collaboration with Culturati to advance African arts and culture through various initiatives, including festivals, exhibitions, and educational programs, stating that this partnership embodies a mutual commitment to enhancing African culture on the international stage, empowering local artists, and safeguarding cultural heritage 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.”