Culture

Lagos Tourism Development Gets Major Boost with Projects

Published

11 months ago

September 28, 2025

Lagos tourism development gets a boost as the State invests in Badagry chalets and coastal attractions to position itself as Africa’s top destination

Lagos tourism development has received renewed government backing as the State embarks on strategic infrastructure projects aimed at cementing its place as Africa’s leading destination for leisure and cultural experiences.

Also read: Lagos Tourism BBC Engagement Showcases Culture on Global Media Stage

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, disclosed the plans on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Chief Executive Officer of AKWAABA Africa Travel Market, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, to her office in Alausa, Ikeja.

According to her, the State Government is constructing 68-bed chalets in Badagry, a significant investment designed to boost hospitality offerings and attract both local and international visitors.

“These projects are part of efforts to reposition Lagos as Africa’s leading destination for tourism and leisure. The chalets will unlock Badagry’s potential and enhance the image of Lagos tourism,” Benson-Awoyinka said.

While noting that Lagos is richly endowed with natural and cultural attractions, the Commissioner lamented that many residents remain unaware of the treasures around them.

She encouraged citizens to explore the State’s hidden gems and embrace its vibrant heritage.

She also highlighted the choice of Tarkwa Bay Beach as the venue for this year’s World Tourism Day celebration, describing it as symbolic of the Ministry’s renewed focus on coastal tourism and investment.

“Our focus is shifting to Lagos’ beaches, with bustling markets and coastal opportunities for growth,” she explained.

Ambassador Uko praised the State Government’s proactive approach, particularly its emphasis on beach tourism, calling it a forward-looking step that would strengthen Lagos’ reputation as a coastal hub.

He also welcomed the Ministry’s renewed attention to natural attractions and expressed readiness to partner with the State to drive sustainable growth in the sector.

Also read: Lagos Tourism Fair 2025 targets N5 Billion in sales to boost Trade, SMEs

With new chalets, cultural promotion, and an emphasis on coastal development, Lagos is positioning itself to harness tourism as both an economic driver and a cultural unifier.

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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.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

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.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

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.”