SANWO-OLU EXPRESSES DETERMINATION TO MAKE LAGOS HUB FOR CREATIVITY IN AFRICA
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The state government’s resolve to establish Lagos as a center for innovation in Africa and beyond has been made clear by Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
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.
On behalf of his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu stated that his government is dedicated to transforming Lagos into a city that not only tells its own tales but also serves as a platform for the stories of Africa to be heard by people across the world.
He emphasized that African cultural legacy is a source of pride as well as a tool for foreign diplomacy, social cohesion, and economic growth.
According to Sanwo-Olu, his administration recognizes and values the transformational potential of art and culture in forming communities. As a result, the state government is dedicated to assisting the creative sector by offering the venues, facilities, and chances required for their abilities to thrive.
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.
Afropolis Lagos 2024, the governor added, is an occasion that bears witness to the limitless vitality, creativity, and promise inherent in the creative industry.
Speaking about the theme’s appropriateness, the Governor emphasized that it is a compelling and timely call for re-imagination, renewal, and a new understanding of Africans and their aspirations. He also said that the theme challenges filmmakers, writers, musicians, and other creators to tell new stories that honor African heritage while also speaking to the contemporary African experience—stories that celebrate Africa’s diversity, resiliency, and boundless 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.
Afropolis Lagos 2024’s artistic director and curator, Mr. Qudus Onikeku, said in his introductory remarks that the event will help position Lagos as one of those places where creative minds come together, collaborate, and make sure that ideas that never existed are transformed into great innovations.
In order to realize Lagos’ full potential, Onikeku emphasized that cooperation is essential. To do this, the state administration must work with international partners who can quicken growth.
He went on to say that strategic partnerships will allow Lagos to access global resources, best practices, and expertise, promoting development and change.
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