Lagos Set to Host Culturella Festival, Unveils New Leadership to Drive Creative Economy and Project Africa in Positive Light

Yemisi Dada

Plan is underway to celebrate this year’s Culturella festival in Lagos under the new leadership of Culturati Africa.

Culturati Africa which is the brainchild of the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, for over eighteen years, is aimed at redefining the image of Africa continent especially Nigeria in a positive light to drive creative economy.

At a news conference in Victoria Island, the new leadership of the brand was unveiled as Ms Dolamu Badejo was announced as the Chief Executive Officer succeeding Mr Aregbe who was the former CEO.

In her acceptance speech, Ms Badejo promised to build on the legacy of her predecessor to showcase Africa’s rich culture and heritage through arts, crafts, cultural displays, gastronomy, tourism fashion film and entertainment.

Ms Badejo who is a certified Therapeutic Art life Coach, noted that this year’s Culturella festival mission is to leverage on culture and arts as pivotal tool for enhancing international relations, fostering youths development, promoting social cohesion and unifying the continent to drive economic growth.

“I received the appointment to lead the organization, but know that it takes a village to achieve changes, I count on the shoulders of giants and pillars across the industry to collectively join to reimagining the Africa of our dreams, return cultural awareness and sound values”.

The former CEO, Mr Idris Aregbe who was represented by Mrs Olufunke Adu, stated that the Lagos State government is collaborating to boost youth engagement and empowerment by investing in the creative sector and vocational skills and training for youths in Lagos.

He urged Nigerians especially youths to portray the image of the country positively on social media and avoid derogatory painting of Africa as poor and dirty.

“Lagos has been doing its best under Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu to empower the youths and that is why there are vocational schools of entertainment to engage them and bring about the desired change, while youths must also speaks positively about their country Nigeria to the international community.”

This year’s Culturella festival will bring together Africans from across the globe and lovers of the continent to explore and celebrate the diverse traditions, cultural expression and artisanal craftsmanship across Africa.