Lagos govt to shutdown Onikan Oct. 26 for 9-day Afropolis Lagos festival
Ayodele Olalere
Lagos State government will, from October 26 to November 3, 2024, shutdown the Onikan axis of the state in a 9-day cultural festival tagged ‘Afropolis Lagos 2024.’
The festival,which is going to be a 24-hour activity, is to celebrate the rich Yoruba culture and is in partnership with a private organisation committed to the promotion of Yoruba culture.
At the town hall meeting to announce the incoming festival held at the J.K Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and Heritage, Onikan , the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said Afropolis is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, adding it would offer opportunities for African artistes to showcase their talents, exchange ideas, and collaborate.
Awoyinka added that Lagos is renowned as the largest black cultural melting pot in the world leading in various creative sectors such as music, fashion, gaming, tech, design, film and dance.
She said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture have been supporting the creative industries with significant investments in infrastructure,
According to her, Afropolis will feature displays of indigenous crafts, digital art, among others, adding that Onikan in Lagos Island was chosen because of its historical significance.
“This area has long been a cultural hub, and hosting Afropolis here is a fitting tribute to its legacy. The J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, in particular, stands as a beacon of our rich heritage and offers the perfect backdrop for this celebration.
“The festival will feature a curated marketplace, traditional and contemporary performances, exhibitions, and much more it will bring together creatives, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond,” she said.
Awoyinka said the festival would increase the GDP of Lagos State as local food vendors, hotels, banks, local traditional groups would have opportunities to sell their products all through the nine days.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Idris Aregbe expressed excitement that ‘the youth can find a way to express their energy.
” The Lagos State Government is here to promote and support the youth. My advice to the youth is that we are watching you and we will always find a way to promote your talent,” he said.
The founder and artistic director, Afropolis, Qudus Onike noted that Lagos is the biggest black city in the world but is yet to be turned into a black Africa city in the area of celebrating Africa culture.
He added that several international and local artistes will perform on each day of the festival with other activities including dancing, football competition, fashion parade, lectures, conferences among others.
According to him, the aim is to showcase Lagos as the topmost destination for Africa culture.
