Boosting youth engagement through cultural, artistic expression

As part of measures to display its cultural heritage and promote cross-cultural dialogue on a global scale, Lagos State government in conjunction with Culturella Africa have concluded plans to hold the 2024 edition of the Culturella festival in the state.

The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, who disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos, said that the state government is collaborating with the private sector to boost youth engagement and empowerment by investing in the creative sector, vocational skills and training for youths in the state.

Aregbe, represented by Mrs. Olufunke Adu, urged Nigerians, especially youths to portray the image of the country positively on social media and avoid derogatory words painting Africa as poor and dirty.

He also disclosed that this year’s 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 from 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.”

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Culturati Africa, Dolamu Badejo, said that this year’s Culturella festival aims to leverage culture and arts as pivotal tools for enhancing international relations, fostering youth’s development, promoting social cohesion and unifying the continent to drive economic growth.

Badejo urged Nigerians, particularly the youths to always project Nigeria and Africa at large positively through culture, arts and tourism to the world. She noted that Culturati Africa’s annual arts and culture event would be known as “Culturella Festival”, noting that the 2024 edition would be redirected to function as a research centre, meant to tell African stories in a positive way.

Badejo, who stressed the need to intensify effort 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.

Earlier, Mr. John Fadejola, Head of Brands Tantacom Experiential Projects Ltd., a communications partner with Culturati Africa, said the 18th edition of the annual Culturella Arts and Culture Festival would hold from December 6 to 8.

Fadejol, who unveiled the pre-event activities ahead of the festival, said there would be a fashion soiree to showcase the beauty of African fabrics. He added that individuals who have contributed to the growth of the continent would be honoured at the Culturati African personalities in October.