AFROPOLIS LAGOS 2024: COMMISSIONER CALLS FOR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION FROM CREATIVES, OTHERS

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka has called for active participation from members of the public ahead of AFROPOLIS Lagos 2024, describing it as a platform for youths to showcase their creativity and innovation.

She made the call while delivering a keynote address at the AFROPOLIS Lagos Town Hall Meeting held on Wednesday at the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos, adding that the event scheduled for October 26 – November 3, 2024, is designed as a platform where African creatives, Lagos youths and the general public can come together to showcase their talents and exchange creative ideas.

The Commissioner expressed her appreciation to the co-organisers, sponsors, and guests for their contributions and active participation in the discussions just as she highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to supporting and nurturing creative industries by investing in infrastructure and launching funding programmes for young creatives.

On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe expressed heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders who made the AFROPOLIS Lagos Town Hall Meeting 2024 a success. He expressed confidence that the event will promote cultural tourism, support creative entrepreneurs, and develop infrastructure for the arts in Lagos.

Mr. Qudus Onikeku, the founder of AFROPOLIS, provided insight into the event, stating that it celebrates the intersection of performance, community, and creative innovation. He noted that this year’s event will span nine days, from October 26 to November 3, at the JRandle Centre for Yoruba Culture and Heritage, Onikan, Lagos, stressing that the event is expected to attract over 1,000 creatives, vendors, and exhibitors, with more than 20,000 visitors, buyers, and delegates from Nigeria, Africa, the Diaspora and beyond.

“This event is a significant step towards achieving the vision of making Lagos the cultural capital of Africa, and the team looks forward to continued collaboration and success”, he stated.

Also in attendance at the Town Hall meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja; Consul General of Germany, Weert Borner; Consul General of Netherlands, Michel Deelen and Veteran Dancer Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau also known as Kaffy, among others.