LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin By Oyebola Owolabi
The 18th Culturella Festival will promote cross-cultural dialogue on a global scale, the Lagos State government has said.
Special Adviser to the governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, said the festival, which will be in partnership with Culturati Africa, will boost youth engagement and empowerment.
Aregbe, represented by Mrs. Olufunke Adu, urged Nigerians, especially youths, to portray the country positively and avoid derogatory painting of Africa as poor and dirty.
He noted that the 2024 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 Africa.
He said: “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, even as youths must also speak positively about Nigeria to the international community.”
Chief Executive Officer of Culturati Africa, Dolamu Badejo, noted that this year’s Culturella festival is to leverage on culture and arts as pivotal tools to enhance international relations, foster youth development, promote social cohesion and unify the continent to drive economic growth.
She also urged Nigerians, particularly the youths, to always project Nigeria and Africa positively through culture, arts and tourism to the world.
Badejo, who harped on the need to intensify efforta in telling African stories, urged the media, government agencies, research institutions and all stakeholders to engage in relaying positive narratives of Africa, to spur 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 rebuild the fractured pieces and stories of our continent from a healed and renewed narrative. We can together fill our cracks with gold.”
Head of Brands, Tantacom Experiential Projects Ltd., a communications partner with Culturati Africa, John Fadejola, said the festival would hold from December 6 to 8.
Fadejola, who unveiled the pre-event activities, said there would be fashion soiree to showcase the beauty of African fabrics. Also, persons who have contributed to the growth of the continent would be honoured at the Culturati African personalities in October, he added.
