Events

Lagos set to host spectacular boat regatta in December

Published

2 years ago

December 14, 2024

Get ready for the Lagos Boat Regatta 2024, set to dazzle audiences with cultural displays, thrilling competitions, and maritime traditions.

The Lagos Boat Regatta 2024, one of the city’s most anticipated cultural celebrations, is set to take place on December 21 at the scenic Five Cowries Creek.

Organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, this grand event promises an unforgettable experience for both residents and visitors, showcasing Lagos’ rich aquatic heritage.

Originally planned for Easter, the Regatta has been moved to December to allow organisers more time to enhance the programme and ensure an inclusive celebration.

According to Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, the additional time has been used to refine the event, ensuring it reaches new heights in both scale and impact.

The announcement, relayed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja, underscores the state’s commitment to elevating this cultural landmark to an extraordinary level.

The Lagos Boat Regatta will feature over 200 boats, each beautifully adorned and parading across the waterways in a stunning display of the city’s diverse cultural traditions.

Local fishing communities will take centre stage, providing valuable insights into their heritage while exploring new opportunities for economic growth through the event.

Visitors can expect to see vibrant celebrations of Lagos’ unique maritime culture, creating an atmosphere of excitement and wonder.

One of the key highlights of the event will be the thrilling rowing competitions. Teams from the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State—Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Epe—will compete for top honours.

In addition, private boat owners will showcase their uniquely designed vessels, adding an extra layer of spectacle and engagement for the audience.

More than just a cultural festival, the Lagos Boat Regatta is also part of a broader strategy to position Lagos as a premier tourism destination in Africa.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka emphasised that this year’s Regatta aims to elevate Lagos’ profile as a leading global tourism hub, highlighting the state’s pristine beaches, expansive waterways, and thriving hospitality industry.

To ensure maximum participation, the organisers have set up dedicated viewing centres at strategic locations along the Lagos coastline, including Five Cowries Creek (LASWA), Falomo, Wealth and Crown at 24 Ademola Street Ikoyi, Eco Bank Headquarters Victoria Island, and The Boat Yard off Admiralty Way Lekki Phase 1. Spectators can secure their spots in advance through the official website, making access to the festivities both convenient and enjoyable.

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture extends a warm invitation to all Lagosians and international visitors to join in the celebrations.

With vibrant cultural displays, thrilling competitions, and a spectacular showcase of Lagos’ aquatic culture, the Lagos Boat Regatta promises to be an event that will leave lasting memories for all who attend.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks 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.”