The Ipada Festival celebrates African heritage, uniting African descendants from across the globe to reconnect with their roots through music, dance, cuisine, and cultural immersion in Lagos.

The Ipada Festival, a vibrant cultural event celebrating the heritage and unity of African descendants worldwide, has officially commenced at the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lagos.

This nine-day festival, filled with rich traditions and dynamic cultural displays, offers a platform for African descendants and culture enthusiasts to reconnect with their roots.

Also read: IPADA carnival to showcase 1,500 African artists, promote cultural tourism

Diplomats from across Africa and stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sectors have joined the celebrations, which began with a dazzling carnival led by Brazilian descendants adorned in elaborate carnival costumes.

The opening ceremony set a joyful tone, featuring:

• Traditional Music and Dance: Performances resonating with the rhythmic beats of African drums.
• Vibrant Costumes: Elaborate and colourful outfits that reflect Africa’s diverse cultural tapestry.
• Culinary Delights: A showcase of Africa’s mouth-watering traditional cuisines.

Revellers were immersed in the spirit of the event, with laughter and energy filling the air as participants celebrated their shared heritage.

Mr Wanle Akinboboye, the festival’s convener and CEO of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, emphasised Ipada’s mission to entice Africans in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots.

“We have millions of descendants across the Caribbean, USA, Brazil, and Europe. Ipada Festival offers them a pathway back to Africa—not just to rediscover their origins but to contribute significantly to the continent’s economic development,” Akinboboye stated.

The festival aims to position Africa as a collective entity for exploration and investment, presenting the continent as a unified “African shopping mall.” Akinboboye explained:

“We are showcasing the entire continent in one basket. Diasporans can start their journey in Lagos or Abuja and explore Africa from there. We’ve created experiences like transitioning from slave ships to cruise ships, symbolising reconnection and healing.”

With representatives from 55 African nations, Ipada Festival serves as a symbolic invitation for Africans abroad to engage with their heritage and contribute to the continent’s growth.

By combining cultural celebration with economic potential, the festival underscores the importance of the diaspora’s role in Africa’s development.

Lagos stands as the ideal gateway for this initiative, offering rich cultural experiences and a connection point for exploring the continent.

The festival is not just a celebration but a movement to redefine African unity, tourism, and global integration.

As the drums echo and colours dazzle, Ipada Festival reaffirms Africa’s enduring spirit and the promise of a shared future rooted in heritage and collaboration.

The Lagos Shopping Festival 2024, set for 23-25 December, promises 72 hours of non-stop shopping, entertainment, and cultural fusion, cementing Lagos as Africa’s leading hub for business and leisure.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, officially unveiled the Lagos Shopping Festival (LSF) symbol, heralding the much-anticipated maiden edition of the event scheduled for 23rd to 25th December 2024.

The festival, held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos Island, is set to transform the city into a bustling hub of commerce, entertainment, and tourism for 72 continuous hours.

It aligns Lagos with global cities like Istanbul and Dubai, renowned for their vibrant shopping festivals.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the LSF as more than a shopping event, highlighting its transformative potential for Lagos’ economy.

“This festival is a convergence of commerce and entertainment,” the governor said. “It supports local businesses, creates opportunities, and showcases the vibrant spirit of Lagos, making our state a beacon for tourism, commerce, and entertainment in Africa.”

The governor praised the resilience of organisers, particularly Chain Reactions Africa, which incubated the idea during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite setbacks, they refined and prepared the festival for its grand debut.

Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, highlighted the festival’s economic promise. Citing the success of a pilot fair earlier this year, he noted that three days of sales surpassed ₦250 million.

Corporate sponsors such as Zenith Bank Plc, Tolaram Africa Group, and Guinness Nigeria Plc have been instrumental in bringing the vision to life.

Girish Sharma, CEO of Guinness Nigeria, described the festival as “a creative fusion of commerce and entertainment” that reflects Lagos’ dynamic essence.

What to Expect

The Lagos Shopping Festival will feature:

• Shopping Extravaganza: Discounts on a wide range of products, making luxury and essentials accessible during the festive season.
• Entertainment Galore: Live performances by top Nigerian artistes, rave parties, and family-friendly attractions.
• Economic Inclusion: Opportunities for local businesses to showcase their products and services.

Damilola Pedro, Director of Organisation and Logistics for the festival, reflected on the project’s journey. “Mr Governor, this project is your baby.

It is one of the legacies you will leave Lagos,” she said, crediting Sanwo-Olu’s guidance in shaping the festival’s scope and format.

The governor expressed his hope that the LSF would become an enduring feature of Lagos’ tourism calendar. “This December, we are redefining how the festive season is celebrated in Lagos and positioning our city as a premium destination for leisure and commerce,” he said.

Lagos, often regarded as the commercial heartbeat of Nigeria and Africa’s entertainment capital, is poised to leverage the LSF to attract global tourists, drive economic growth, and showcase its cultural vibrancy.

With its dynamic blend of shopping, entertainment, and tourism, the Lagos Shopping Festival 2024 is set to redefine the holiday experience in Africa’s most vibrant city.

The Plateau Christmas Carol Festival 2024 unites faith, culture, and tourism, ushering hope and harmony to Plateau State and beyond.

The Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival 2024 marked a transformative moment for Plateau State, combining faith, cultural heritage, and economic revitalisation.

Under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, this maiden event, held at the Ten Commandments Prayer Altar in Jos South, aimed to restore hope and unity in a state historically marred by division and conflict.

Also read: Culturati Festival 2024: celebrating Africa’s diversity and unity in Lagos

The festival, themed “Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival,” was a collaboration between the state government, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and religious leaders.

It drew a crowd of over 15,000 attendees, including prominent figures like former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and past Plateau governors Joshua Dariye and Jonah Jang.

Governor Mutfwang described the festival as a pivotal step towards Plateau’s recovery and fulfillment of its prophetic destiny. “For too long, we have fought many battles,” he said.

“Now is the time to unite as one people and harness the blessings God has bestowed upon this land for the greater good.”

The event provided a platform for communal healing and economic growth, with local hotels fully booked and traders thriving during the festival.

Traditional choirs from the Ngas, Berom, and Mwaghavul communities delivered captivating performances, while gospel artists Solomon Lange, Panam Percy Paul, and Neken Chuwang inspired the audience with songs of hope and reconciliation.

Gen. Yakubu Gowon praised the governor’s leadership, calling the festival a symbol of healing and a testament to the people’s desire for peace.

Obasanjo echoed similar sentiments, urging Plateau’s residents to embrace their diversity as a strength and an opportunity for growth.

Religious leaders such as Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, and Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kwashi delivered powerful sermons, emphasising the significance of unity and faith in rebuilding the state.

The festival also highlighted Governor Mutfwang’s broader vision for Plateau State. Declaring December 2024 as Tourism Month, he promised to make the state a beacon of tourism and cultural celebration.

“Jos will shine brightly this Christmas season, showcasing the beauty and spirit of Plateau,” he affirmed.

The success of the Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival has ignited calls for the event to become an annual international celebration, attracting tourists and pilgrims from around the world.

This aligns with the governor’s commitment to transforming Plateau into a hub of peace, prosperity, and cultural pride.

By merging faith, tourism, and community spirit, the Plateau Unity Christmas Carol Festival has set a new standard for how cultural events can inspire and rebuild.

The festival exemplifies the power of shared purpose and unity in steering Plateau toward a brighter, harmonious future.

“Together,” Governor Mutfwang declared, “we will reclaim Plateau’s divine destiny as a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.”