Governor Sanwo-Olu hails Isimi Lagos Festival as a milestone for eco-tourism, boosting investments, job creation, and Lagos’ creative economy.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to advancing tourism and the creative industry.

Speaking at the inaugural Isimi Lagos Festival over the weekend, the governor described the event as the dawn of a redefined hospitality and wellness experience in Lagos.

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

The festival took place at the Isimi Lagos Wellness and Polo Country Estate, located in the serene Epe area. The eco-friendly facility, a trailblazer in sustainable development, boasts over 500,000 trees, renewable energy infrastructure, and attractions such as an outdoor gym, jetty, farm shop, helipad, tech valley, and polo turf.

Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted Isimi Lagos as a vital project poised to boost tourism, attract foreign and private investments, and create job opportunities for young Nigerians.

He said:
“This is the birth of a new, redefined hospitality in Lagos. Isimi Lagos is a testament to the potential of tourism to drive economic growth and youth empowerment.”

The facility aligns with Lagos State’s vision for a dynamic creative economy, with additional projects in the pipeline, including the Lagos Film City and Lekki Airport, both situated in the same corridor.

The festival was graced by prominent figures, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege; Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, Chief Abiola Dosunmu; and industry leaders.

The Isimi Lagos project has been in development for over three years. Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the tenacity behind its creation, noting its role in promoting wellness, self-sufficiency, and sustainable living.

He added:
“This is not just about tourism but about creating a space where people live in harmony with nature, grow what they eat, and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.”

Sanwo-Olu underscored the significance of such initiatives for Lagos’ younger population:
“This project is about the future we envision—an inclusive, creative Lagos where young leaders thrive in a world-class environment.”

The Isimi Lagos Festival represents a turning point in Lagos’ tourism narrative, demonstrating the state’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and community development.

With its focus on eco-tourism and sustainable living, Isimi Lagos is set to become a global benchmark for hospitality and wellness destinations.

Nigeria collaborates with IHS Nigeria to launch a digital museum, showcasing cultural heritage globally and promoting sustainable growth.

Nigeria is embracing digital innovation to preserve its cultural heritage through a transformative collaboration between IHS Nigeria, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE).

This partnership aims to establish a digital museum that showcases Nigeria’s rich historical artifacts, artworks, and cultural monuments globally.

Also read: Culturati Festival 2024: empowering SMEs and boosting Lagos’ economy through culture

The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Digital Culture Initiative led by Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa.

The museum, the first major project under this initiative, leverages cutting-edge technology to provide virtual access to Nigeria’s cultural treasures.

It will serve as a vital resource for students, researchers, and enthusiasts worldwide, fostering education, sustainability, and innovation.

Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa emphasised the project’s significance:

“This collaboration positions Nigeria as a global leader while ensuring the preservation of our cultural legacy. It reflects our commitment to innovation, global partnerships, and sustainable advancement of our creative industries.”

IHS Nigeria, a leader in shared communications infrastructure with operations across 10 countries, brings its expertise to the project. CEO Mohamad Darwish highlighted the partnership’s importance:
“We aim to create a lasting legacy that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, fostering education and sustainability.”

Olugbile Holloway, Director General of NCMM, added:
“This digital museum will engage younger audiences and adapt to global trends. It ensures our heritage remains accessible while providing a platform for learning and cultural appreciation.”

The museum will host virtual exhibitions, making Nigeria’s cultural history accessible to a global audience. It marks a bold step in safeguarding national heritage while advancing sustainable growth in the creative sector.

This initiative not only preserves Nigeria’s past but also enhances its global cultural presence, reinforcing the nation’s leadership in heritage digitisation.

Bayelsa State shines at NAFEST 2024 as Nigeria’s premier cultural festival celebrates unity and diversity through vibrant traditions and creativity.

The 36th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) concluded with a spectacular showcase of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, with Bayelsa State taking the top prize.

Hosted in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the theme “Connected Culture”, the week-long event brought participants and dignitaries from across the nation to celebrate unity through diversity.

NAFEST 2024 featured a vibrant mix of competitive and non-competitive events, highlighting indigenous traditions, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Participants showcased their talents in activities such as Children’s Storytelling, Traditional Board Games like Ayo, Wrestling, Dambe Boxing, Archery, and the crowd-favourite Jollof Wars.

Musical and dance competitions, including Sing-Off Naija and Dance-Off Naija, added rhythmic energy to the festivities.

Bayelsa State excelled in Children’s Arts and Crafts and Archery, clinching the overall winner’s title. Ekiti and Lagos States secured second and third positions, respectively, while Nasarawa State earned acclaim in the Jollof Wars and Dance-Off.

In non-competitive events, the festival presented theatrical brilliance with the premiere of the play “Ibe Ji Mma”, and educational programmes like the Culture Quiz and Essay Writing Competition engaged younger participants.

The Creative Economy Town Hall and Creative Leap Accelerator Programme (CLAP) nurtured entrepreneurial skills, alongside free training sessions for artisans and creatives.

NAFEST 2024 also underscored the importance of local materials and craftsmanship through competitions focused on indigenous designs for interior decoration.

The Arts and Crafts Cultural Market served as a hub for showcasing Nigeria’s diverse products, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.

Speaking on the festival’s success, Mr Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, described NAFEST as a “unifying celebration of Nigeria’s cultural wealth.”

He emphasised that the festival’s theme, “Connected Culture”, reflects the shared values that strengthen bonds across Nigeria’s diverse communities.

“NAFEST is more than an event; it is a platform that fosters unity, cultural pride, and economic opportunity,” Asika remarked, expressing gratitude to participating states and partners.

As the curtains close on this landmark edition, NAFEST reaffirms its role as a vital tool for preserving heritage, promoting tourism, and inspiring national cohesion.

With over five decades of existence, the festival continues to be a bridge that unites Nigerians through shared cultural pride.