Events

Destination Lagos Awards 2024: A night to celebrate culture, tourism, and excellence

Published

2 years ago

December 27, 2024

Lagos celebrates tourism and culture with the Destination Lagos Awards 2024, honouring contributions to the city’s growth and development.

Today, Friday, December 27, 2024, Lagos will shine once again with the highly anticipated Destination Lagos Awards 2024 and the glamourous beauty pageant, Oju-Ibile Eko, taking place at the John Randle Cultural Centre in Onikan.

The event promises to be a spectacular celebration of the state’s cultural heritage, tourism, and the contributions of influential figures in the industry.

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This year’s awards come on the heels of the IPADA Initiative Celebration 2024 fiesta, which has captivated global attention over the past ten days.

The recent festivities included a host of exciting events such as the Lagos Boat Regatta 2024, where vibrant displays from Lagos’ five Ibile divisions dazzled audiences with intricately decorated boats, live performances, rowing competitions, and much more, leaving attendees with lasting memories of Lagos’ aquatic excellence and cultural vibrancy.

The Destination Lagos Awards 2024 is the brainchild of renowned tourism expert Apata Nunanyon Sampson, the Project Director and National Vice President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN).

Sampson has worked tirelessly to position Lagos as a global tourism destination, and today, the event will honour the efforts of key stakeholders, including Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who will be recognised for his unparalleled commitment to the tourism sector.

Sampson praised Governor Sanwo-Olu’s visionary leadership, which has significantly contributed to the development of Lagos’ tourism sector.

“The Governor’s administration has been instrumental in promoting tourism in Lagos State. His vision for tourism development is unparalleled, and we are proud to recognise his efforts through the Destination Lagos Awards,” Sampson stated.

Today’s event will not only spotlight the achievements of individuals and organisations in the tourism and hospitality industry, but also celebrate Lagos State’s diverse and rich cultural heritage.

The activities lined up include cultural performances, an Art and Crafts exhibition showcasing the finest works of local artists and artisans, a Fashion Display featuring the latest trends in Lagos’ vibrant fashion scene, and a beauty pageant, Oju-Ibile Eko.

There will also be an exclusive performance by the Indian community in Lagos, adding an international flair to the celebration.

The Destination Lagos Awards 2024 will also provide a platform to recognise outstanding contributions to the growth and success of the hospitality sector, with awards set to be presented to key figures and organisations that have played a pivotal role in shaping Lagos as a global destination of choice.

Speaking ahead of today’s event, Mr. Diwesh, Managing Director of Donias and Head of the Expatriate Communities Committee for the event, shared his excitement for the unique opportunity that this occasion represents.

“The Destination Lagos Awards 2024 is a chance to showcase Lagos’ diverse cultural landscape and celebrate those who have contributed to its growth in tourism.

We are committed to making this event a resounding success and reinforcing Lagos’ position as a premier global destination,” he said.

The Destination Lagos Awards 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event that highlights the best of Lagos’ culture, tourism, and hospitality sectors while cementing the state’s reputation as the Centre of Excellence.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”