Lagos Seafood Festival, set for April 24-26, will showcase Lagos’ maritime heritage, promoting sustainable seafood businesses and tourism

The Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, is set to redefine the state’s maritime economy with the upcoming **Lagos Seafood Festival**.

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Scheduled to take place from April 24th to 26th, 2025, the festival will celebrate Lagos as an aquatic wonder and highlight the commercial potential of its thriving seafood industry.

Themed “Buy, Eat, Party,” the event will be held across three locations in the state: Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island; Anuoluwapo Fish Market, Law School, Victoria Island; and Oluwo Fish Market, Epe.

The primary focus of the festival is to promote aquaculture and culinary tourism, while preserving Lagos’ rich seafood trade. The event aims to foster sustainable business strategies and reinforce the state’s position as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.

The **Lagos Seafood Festival** will feature a blend of culinary experiences, cultural celebrations, and business networking opportunities designed to elevate the seafood industry.

Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, described the initiative as a groundbreaking approach to celebrating Lagos’ indigenous lifestyle.

According to Aregbe, the festival will not only empower seafood businesses but will also attract international buyers, thereby boosting the local economy.

“This is beyond a festivity; it is a celebration of our heritage and a strategic opportunity for the seafood industry in Lagos. We will empower seafood merchants, attract international buyers, and amplify Lagos’ maritime story,” he said.

The Lagos Seafood Festival promises an exciting array of activities for attendees, including gourmet seafood experiences, cooking demonstrations, tastings by renowned chefs, market tours, cultural exhibitions, and workshops.

The festival will also provide vital business networking opportunities, making it an essential event for seafood business owners. Aregbe added that the initiative aligns with the state government’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda to position Lagos as a global tourism and business hub while promoting economic growth in the seafood sector.

The Lagos Seafood Festival is positioned as a strategic campaign to promote Lagos as an aquatic splendour, market the seafood industry, and support sustainable businesses.

Abia State unveils 55 cultural heritage sites and plans to expand its electricity market after Governor Otti signs new power bill into law

The Abia State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy has unveiled a list of 55 unique and viable cultural heritage sites spread across the state.

This announcement, made after Governor Alex Otti signed the Abia State Electricity bill into law on Monday, marks a significant step towards preserving the state’s rich history while boosting tourism potential.

During an Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Otti, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, revealed the notable heritage sites, which include historically significant locations like the Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Bende Local Government Area, and the Ibom Water Falls in Arochukwu.

Other highlights include Mazi Okoroji’s Compound in Arochukwu and the Itubo Olokoro Magistrate Court in Ikwuano, where participants in the famous Aba Women Riot of 1929 were tried.

Kanu noted that these sites would soon be activated and preserved to reflect their historical importance and tourism potential. “These sites will, in due course, be activated and preserved for their historical significance and tourism potential,” Kanu stated, underscoring the state’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

In addition to the identification of cultural sites, the Abia State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, plans to revitalise the National War Museum and the Ojukwu Bunker, transforming these locations into world-class tourism destinations. This is part of a broader effort to promote tourism and preserve Abia’s historical legacy.

The signing of the Abia State Electricity bill also signifies a major milestone for the state’s power sector. Governor Otti expressed the state’s commitment to improving its electricity infrastructure, particularly by establishing the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency.

This will help extend electricity access to the remaining eight local government areas of the state, building on the success of the Aba Ring-fence with Geometric Power, which already covers nine LGAs.

Governor Otti commented, “This is a landmark document that will stand the test of time. It is designed to protect the investments of anyone interested in Abia’s power sector. It also includes provisions for renewable energy.”

The state is also focused on extending the Umuahia Ring-fence to cover additional areas, a key part of the governor’s plan to ensure comprehensive power coverage.

Furthermore, Otti expressed optimism that Abia’s power sector could eventually generate sufficient electricity not only for the state but also to support other parts of the South-East, creating additional revenue streams for the region.

Brazil’s 2025 Rio Carnival celebrates Yoruba heritage with Orisa chants and themes, strengthening ties between Nigeria and Brazil

The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has praised Brazil for its vibrant celebration of Yoruba culture during the 2025 Rio de Janeiro Carnival, recognising the powerful display of Nigerian heritage that resonated with millions of people worldwide.

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The commendation came from Chief Biodun Ajiboye, the Executive Secretary/CEO of NICO, who expressed his appreciation in a statement from Abuja.

The carnival, held from February 28 to March 8, at the famed Sambadrome, drew an estimated eight million visitors from across the globe.

Ajiboye highlighted Brazil’s commitment to promoting Nigerian culture through the pulsating Orisa chants and Yoruba-inspired themes that dominated the carnival.

He stated that these performances not only captivated the audience but also reinforced the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two nations.

“We are inspired by what our Brazilian brothers and sisters are doing, as the Orisa tradition originates from Nigeria; all Orisas have their base here,” Ajiboye said.

“It is heart-warming to see that despite being taken forcefully as slaves, our ancestors kept the flames alive, and their descendants have continued to preserve and celebrate it with such grandeur.”

He praised Brazil’s dedication to preserving Yoruba traditions and recognised the country’s remarkable celebration of its African heritage. “You have shown that you are truly the children of kings and queens; you are not bastards but true heirs of our heritage,” Ajiboye added.

Ajiboye also commended Brazil for its progressive stance on religious tolerance and cultural inclusivity. He described Brazil’s efforts to elevate Yoruba traditions as an inspiration to the world, underscoring the need for global cooperation in preserving cultural legacies.

Looking forward, Ajiboye emphasised that the Nigerian government is committed to deepening cultural ties between the two nations. He revealed that high-level cultural conferences would be planned in both Nigeria and Brazil to strengthen historical connections, promote tourism, and foster religious harmony.

In line with this, NICO is spearheading plans for the World Orisa Congress, an annual event designed to bring Orisa devotees from around the world to Nigeria.

The congress will serve as a platform for scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and government representatives to explore sustainable strategies for cultural preservation and global engagement.

Ajiboye highlighted the Orisa spiritual system as a significant global force, with an estimated 450 million adherents worldwide. He expressed Nigeria’s desire to position itself as the epicentre of Orisa worship, much like Mecca for Muslims or Jerusalem for Jews.

The Executive Secretary also noted that NICO is working on creating a platform to unite devotees from across the world, including Brazil, Cuba, the United States, the UK, and many other nations, to continue the celebration and preservation of Yoruba culture.

Ajiboye expressed hope that through continued collaboration, Nigeria and Brazil could forge new pathways for enhancing cultural understanding and preserving the Yoruba heritage.

He applauded the Brazilian government for its unwavering support for cultural diversity and religious tolerance, encouraging both countries to continue building bridges for future generations.

The Rio de Janeiro Carnival, which dates back to 1723, is recognised as the world’s largest carnival, attracting millions of revellers each year.

In 2025, an estimated two million people per day filled the streets to enjoy floats, samba schools, and elaborate costumes, celebrating Brazil’s rich cultural diversity.

A samba school consists of a community of local neighbours with shared regional or geographical backgrounds, showcasing their cultural heritage through lively performances.