Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu opens Afropolis Lagos, celebrating African arts and innovation in a fusion of tradition and modernity.

The maiden edition of Afropolis Lagos Festival, an international arts, creativity, and innovation event, was declared open by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, at the JK Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History on Saturday.

Afropolis Lagos, themed “The New Myth,” sets out to merge African traditions with modern artistic expression, creating a vibrant platform for storytelling, culture, and creative exploration.

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Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted that the festival symbolises a “melting point of ideas,” blending traditional African values with modern narratives.

“The myths we inherit form the foundation of our identity,” he noted, “yet, as our world evolves, so too must our stories.” He urged Africans to create new narratives that honour heritage while capturing resilience and potential.

Sanwo-Olu also emphasised the significance of storytelling, describing it as a transformative force that shapes societies and fuels change.

“New myths are imaginative spaces for dreams, painted boldly, where African futures can take shape,” he said, stressing the need for narratives that challenge stereotypes and celebrate diversity, creativity, and resilience. Afropolis, he added, is a testament to the boundless energy within Africa’s creative sectors.

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, invited attendees to enjoy a full programme of events, spanning music, dance, film, technology, innovation, and more from 26 October to 3 November.

“This festival showcases Lagos beyond engineering and science; it’s about celebrating our essence through culture,” she said. The event promises dynamic performances, including dance, poetry, comedy, games, and discussions.

Festival founder and QDance Centre head, Qudus Onikeku, credited collaboration as central to the event’s vision. “Without collaboration, Lagos cannot become the creative hub we envision,” he said.

Onikeku thanked festival collaborators and the diverse international participants from 11 countries, spanning from Colombia to Cameroon, and numerous Nigerian cities.

The festival’s opening was highlighted by a drama performance titled *Ijuba* by the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, and a captivating dance display by QDance Centre on themes of reincarnation and the Yoruba goddess Oya. With Afropolis Lagos, Africa’s cultural legacy finds a dynamic space to inspire, innovate, and connect.