SANWO-OLU EXPRESSES DETERMINATION TO MAKE LAGOS HUB FOR CREATIVITY IN AFRICA

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has revealed the state government’s determination to make Lagos a hub for creativity in Africa and beyond.

The Governor gave the commitment on Saturday while speaking at the Opening Ceremony of “AFROPOLIS Lagos 2024” with the theme: “We Need New Myths,” held at the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos Island.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat noted that his government is committed to making Lagos beyond a city that not only tells its own stories but also provides a stage for the stories of Africa to reach a global audience.

He emphasised that African cultural heritage is not only a source of pride but also a catalyst for economic development, social cohesion, and a tool for international diplomacy.

Sanwo-Olu noted that his government appreciates and recognises the transformative power of art and culture in shaping societies. Hence the state government is committed to supporting the creative industry, by providing the platforms, infrastructure, and opportunities needed for their talents to flourish.

His words: “As a government, we recognise the transformative power of art and culture in shaping societies. This is why we are committed to supporting the creative industries, providing the platforms, infrastructure, and opportunities needed for their talents to flourish.

“Our cultural heritage is not only a source of pride,it is a catalyst for economic development, social cohesion and a tool for international diplomacy. Lagos is Nigeria’s cultural capital, a city of infinite creativity and hub of diverse narratives that embodies the very essence of what it means to be dynamic, adaptable and forward-looking”, he added.

The Governor further said that Afropolis Lagos 2024 is an event that testifies to the boundless energy, talent and potential that resides within the creative industries.

While speaking on the aptness of the theme which he described as a powerful and timely call for re-imagination, renewal, and a fresh understanding of who Africans are and what they aspire to become, the Governor emphasised that the theme also challenges filmmakers, writers, musicians, and creators to create new stories that do not only honour African heritage but also speak to the modern African experience, stories that embrace her diversity, resilience, and limitless potential.

“These stories have carried the wisdom of our ancestors, guided our beliefs and shaped our societies. Yet, as the world around us evolves, we must recognise that our narratives too must evolve – reimagined to reflect the complexities, hopes and realities of our time.” Sanwo-Olu emphasised.

He, therefore, urged participants at the event to embrace the challenge of the year’s theme by using their craft to shape the myths that will define the future of Africa. “Let your imagination soar, let your creativity break free of the familiar and let your stories in all their diversity, become the new myths of Africa”.

“Let us reframe what it means to be African in the 21st century. Let us embrace technology, innovation, and sustainability as part of our narrative. Let us celebrate our achievements, confront our challenges, and dream boldly about what we can become,” Sanwo-Olu admonished.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka stated that Afropolis Lagos 2024, is a nine-day international festival of arts, culture, creativity and innovation, which aimed to transform Lagos into an epicentre of African creativity; welcoming artists, innovators and enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond.

“The festival is not just an event but a celebration of our identity, a showcase of our talent and a testament to the power of creativity to inspire and unite. The festival is a celebration of Lagos as the largest black cultural melting pot in the world”, the Commissioner said.

In his opening remarks, the Artistic Director and Curator of Afropolis Lagos 2024, Mr. Qudus Onikeku, stated that the event will help to situate Lagos as one of those places where creative minds meet, be together, collaborate and ensure that ideas that never existed are turned into great innovations.

Onikeku stressed that collaboration is key to unlocking Lagos’s full potential, adding that to achieve this, the state government must join forces with global stakeholders who can accelerate development.

Speaking further, he noted that strategic partnership will enable Lagos to tap into international expertise, resources, and best practices, driving growth and transformation.