Lagos, July 1, 2025
Lagos State’s Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, has called on Nigeria’s youth to harness the power of cultural heritage as a key driver for economic growth and empowerment.
Speaking at the 17th edition of Culturati, Africa’s leading cultural fusion festival held in Victoria Island, Aregbe emphasised that the continent’s rich cultural diversity, encompassing language, music, art, crafts, and cuisine, holds immense potential to stimulate youth-led entrepreneurship and job creation. He noted that since its inception as the “Sisi-Oge” pageant in 2006, Culturati has evolved into a powerful platform for showcasing African culture and enabling economic opportunities for emerging creatives.
“With art, culture, and tourism aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals, there is a tangible pathway for transforming creativity into income, employment, and growth,” Aregbe stated, highlighting the festival’s role in promoting African foods, fashion, crafts, and cultural artistry for both domestic and global audiences.
Under his stewardship, Culturati has incubated thousands of youth through training and mentorship via the Culturati Academy. By 2023, the initiative had already attracted international tourists and provided grants to support craftsmen, chefs, models, and artists.
Aregbe reaffirmed that this year’s festival focuses even more deliberately on economic outcomes, urging attendees to see culture as an asset rather than a pastime. He encouraged creative youth to “turn passion into profit” and contribute to local tourism, hospitality, and cultural industries.
The Culturati festival, characterised by exhibitions, food fairs, fashion shows, dance and music performances, enjoyed robust attendance from youth entrepreneurs, cultural enthusiasts, dignitaries, media figures, and international visitors, reinforcing its relevance and impact.
