Lagos State has partnered with organisers of African Cultural Festival to strengthen diaspora engagement, attract investment, and reinforce the state’s image as a global hub for culture and tourism.
Gatekeepers News reports that with the theme “Africa to the World: Culture, Creativity, and Collaboration,” the festival aims to promote Lagos as a preferred destination for African Americans and other members of the global African diaspora, while boosting tourism between Nigeria and the United States.
Idris Aregbe, special adviser to the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on tourism, arts, and culture, said the festival will begin with a series of activities across the state in July and culminate in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the United States, on September 19 and 20, 2025.
He said, “Our Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, sees the festival as aligned with our administration’s THEMES+ agenda, particularly around economic diversification and cultural diplomacy, which is why he approved our participation.”
“While it may appear to be a festival of colours, we see beyond that. We see the opportunities it presents to tell our stories and secure a seat among global cultural hubs.”
“I can assure you that this platform is a catalyst for lasting socio-economic transformation. We aim to strengthen diaspora participation, because building the Africa of our dreams demands unity, purpose, and commitment from Africans and all who believe in her future.”
A Lagos delegation comprising creatives, entrepreneurs, and innovators will represent the state at the festival.
Highlights of the event will include the recognition of distinguished personalities like Nike Okundaye, founder of Nike Art Gallery, and Miss Phipps, a renowned African cultural ambassador, during a special segment titled “Celebrating African Elders.”
Other scheduled activities include the Africa Arise Leadership Summit, Taste of Africa, ACF Marketplace, the African I-D-E-N-T-I-T-Y Exhibition, NextGen Connect Youth Forum, and the African Diaspora Summit.
One of the major launches will be Duduplugs, a digital innovation hub designed to connect Africa’s creative and economic sectors to global opportunities and increase tourism traffic to Lagos.
The African I-D-E-N-T-I-T-Y Exhibition, on the other hand, will showcase African heritage through storytelling, visual art, and film.
The event is organised by ACI Entertainment, which operates in both Lagos and Pennsylvania, and is committed to amplifying Africa’s creative economy on the global stage.
