Determined to open up economic opportunities for Nigerian youths, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, has initiated a major platform for culture buffs in the city of Lagos.

The event was the 17th edition of the annual Culturati fiesta held in Victoria Island, Lagos, with the theme “Creating opportunities in African culture for economic development via strategic investments in arts and tourism.”

According to Aregbe, the theme underscores the festival’s commitment to exploring the boundless potential of African culture as a catalyst for creativity and economic growth within the realms of music, arts, food, and tourism.

“This annual cultural festival has become a cornerstone event, fostering a deep appreciation for the tapestry of African culture. It also serves as a powerful vehicle for sustainable progress and economic development,” he said.

Aregbe said that African culture can be translated into a sustainable vehicle for youth empowerment, tourism promotion and other economic initiatives that resonate with global sustainable development goals (SDGs) given the latent economic potentials therein.

He added that the event showcases exciting and educating activities that weaved around African culture, with culturati food fiesta. “We were able to portray the rich assortment of African food and beverages, connecting various people to African food delicacies, components and economic opportunities.

“Boosting the local tourism and hospitality sector as brands and audience featured engagement with a number of interactive segments that amplified the beauty and diversity of African culture with the culturati market showcasing the ingenuity of craftsmen.”

The culturati food court was saturated with an assortment of delicacies portrayed the richness of African cuisine while the culturati fashion show equally presented best dressed African of the evening. Four persons who were considered by the audience carted home a cash prize of N250,000 each.

Aregbe said with a penchant for creating value, culturati has brought tourists from around the world to Lagos for a delightful experience of the variety of culture, foods and beverages.

He stressed that the dire unemployment situation in Nigeria precipitated the cultural movement SISI-OGE in 2006 to bring attention to the potentials in African culture.

“Over the course of a decade, SISI-OGE metamorphosed into culturati, which has become Africa’s largest cultural fusion, continually creating business opportunities for many young cultural buffs to leverage on, rewarding cultural excellence while celebrating Africa’s rich and diverse heritage,” he said.

Aregbe, however, noted that this year’s edition was a lot more robust as it was targeted at opening up economic opportunities in African culture for youth empowerment, tourism promotion and general economic development.

Dignitaries that attended the event included chairman, House Committee on Tourism Arts and Culture Hon. Solomon Bonu; the Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde; Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and Permanent Secretary, Mrs Oloruntoyin Atekoja, among others.