Caption : The launch of Lagos cultural mission movement at the Nike Arts Gallery
By Omolara Akintoye
The Lagos State Government has unveiled its Cultural Mission Initiative, designed to showcase Lagos’s cultural heritage globally and foster partnerships with countries worldwide.
Through this laudable initiative, government aims to boost local and international tourism to Lagos and increase trade between tourists and their hosts.
Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, revealed that the vision behind the initiative is to make Lagos Africa’s cultural powerhouse, where joint festivals, educational exchanges, and tourism promotions will be organised.
At the launch of the Lagos Cultural Mission Movement held at Nike Arts Gallery, Lekki, recently, the event tagged “Advancing the Essence of Culture,” featured art exhibitions, cultural performances, and displays of traditional cuisine, attended by representatives from over 20 embassies.
While stressing that the mission will solidify Lagos as a global hub for culture, arts, and tourism, Aregbe highlighted that the initiative will strengthen diplomatic ties with nations worldwide.
According to him, the Lagos State Cultural Mission Initiative will establish a year-round calendar of activities aimed at creating ongoing opportunities for learning, collaboration, and global partnerships.
“We are using this mission to promote international collaboration and advance cultural diplomacy between Lagos and other nations.
“Through this mission, we are creating lasting cultural partnerships that will not only benefit Lagos but also build bridges and foster mutual respect and collaboration with our international friends. Together, we are advancing culture and elevating Lagos as a global meeting point for creativity and connection,” he said.
Aregbe said the youth would have a platform to engage with elders, learn about the state’s cultural heritage, and help prevent its extinction.
“We need to be able to tell our own story, sit down, and learn more about our values. We created this Lagos Cultural Mission to share our story and appeal to lovers of Lagos.
“Let’s see how we can help each other, how we can support more youth on the streets. We have many people ready to add value to Lagos, and we want to continue providing them with a platform,” he added.
Also speaking, the founder of Nike Arts Gallery, Nike Okundaye-Davies, appealed to the federal government to make entry visa easy for tourists, saying this will encourage more visitors into Nigeria.
“We want the minister to make visa easy for those who want to invest. It is difficult to get a Nigerian visa, we need to address this”.
