Lagos Government, US Consulate Emphasize on Cultural Preservation

The Lagos State Government and the United States Consulate in Lagos have emphasized the importance of preserving Nigerian culture, especially among Lagosians.

This message was at the heart of the Festival of Arts and Culture, Culturati 2024, held at Freedom Park on Lagos Island. The event, which continued into the early hours of Sunday, showcased the city’s vibrant cultural heritage.

Organized by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, the 19th edition of the festival aimed to promote tourism, preserve African traditions, and highlight local talent in the creative industry to a global audience.

Themed: “Celebrate Diversity and Unity,” Aregbe emphasized that the festival was a platform to bolster Lagos’ economic development while encouraging youths to reconnect with their roots.

Julie McKay, Public Affairs Officer at the US Consulate in Lagos, praised the event as an excellent opportunity to learn, share, and connect through culture.

“The US Mission in Nigeria is committed to preserving and sharing culture. We’ve invested over $1.2 million in initiatives to help Nigerians safeguard their cultural heritage. Events like this foster collaboration and understanding, and I’m thrilled to be part of it,” McKay said.

Similarly, the Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom, Oba Olusegun Aderemi, highlighted Nigeria’s wealth of talent, which is recognized globally.

He called for a shift from dependence on crude oil to creative industries.“My advice to youths is to look inward. Foreigners are taking aspects of our culture, which is our heritage. The best we can do is preserve and manage it responsibly. It holds immense value and potential for the future,” the monarch stated.

Adetola Bakinsola, Chief Executive Officer of Culturati, also noted a key highlight of this year’s festival: the launch of a community library aimed at fostering literacy and cultural education among young people.