It is with great pleasure and excitement that I address this Press Conference this afternoon to officially announce the commencement of the Afropolis 2024.
This event, which is a groundbreaking nine-day international festival of arts, culture, creativity, and innovation, kicks off from the 26th of this month till the 3rd of November.
As we prepare to embark on this extraordinary creative journey, I am filled with pride and convinced that the rich cultural heritage and creative spirit that defines Lagos metropolis and our lovely nation will further be projected for this period of nine days.
Afropolis is not just an event; it is a celebration of our identity, a showcase of our talents, and a testament to the power of creativity to unite and inspire. From October 26th to November 3rd, Lagos will become the epicentre of African creativity, welcoming artists, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond.
Let me take a moment to highlight some of the remarkable activities already scheduled for this creative event:
Our opening day, October 26th, will kick off with a VIP preview and cocktail, followed by a grand opening ceremony at The Vibez Stage. We are honoured to host a fireside chat with our esteemed Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, where we will explore Lagos' role as a hub for the global African creative economy.
On October 27th, the streets of Lagos Island will come alive with a vibrant carnival procession, embodying the spirit and energy of our people. The day will culminate in the Afropolis G.A.V.E (Global African Vibez Exchange), a testament to our commitment to fostering international collaborations.
October 28th marks a historic moment with the official opening of the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. We are privileged to have Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu led us on a tour of this significant cultural landmark.
Throughout the festival, we will host daily film programs, interactive art installations, and performances that span the spectrum of African creativity – from traditional to contemporary, from dance to music, from visual arts to technology.
Our closing weekend will feature an International Performance Weekend, showcasing the incredible talents of our Afropolis Tribe of 2024, followed by a grand finale Afro House and EDM Rave on November 3rd.
Afropolis is more than a festival; it is a platform for African creatives to come together, showcase their talents, exchange ideas, and collaborate on groundbreaking projects.
It is a celebration of Lagos as the largest black cultural melting pot in the world, a city that continues to lead in various creative sectors such as music, fashion, gaming, tech, design, film, dance, AI, and research.
To our young talents who are making significant strides on the global stage, Afropolis is your stage to shine. To our local and international visitors, prepare to be immersed in an unparalleled celebration of African creativity and innovation.
As we launch Afropolis 2024, we are not just opening a festival; we are opening doors to new possibilities, fostering connections that transcend borders, and showcasing the incredible potential of our creative industries to drive economic growth and cultural exchange.
I invite all Lagosians, Nigerians, and our international friends to join us in this celebration. Let us come together to experience the magic of Afropolis, to be inspired, to create, and to reinforce Lagos' position as a global creative powerhouse.
Thank you, and welcome to Afropolis 2024 – where creativity knows no bounds!
To you our progressive partner, members of press, we acknowledge your support and cooperation in projecting the activities of Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture over the years and we seek your continued partnership for the success of this event , kindly help give it the needed projection .
Thank you all for joining this press conference, and I look forward to your questions.
Thank you .
Igbega Ipinle Eko Ajumose Gbogbo Wa Ni
Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka
Honourable Commissioner for Tourism Arts and Culture
23rd October, 2024
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