By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed commitment of his administration in making the State a hub for creativity in Africa and beyond.

He gave the commitment at the weekend, 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. Obafemi Hamzat, noted that his government was committed to make 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 stressed 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 recognizes the transformative power of art and culture in shaping the 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.

“As a government, we recognize 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,” he said,

Sanwo-Olu, noted that “Lagos is Nigeria’s cultural capital, a city of infinite creativity and a hub of diverse narratives that embodies the very essence of what it means to be dynamic, adaptable, and forward-looking. “

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

Sanwo-Olu, 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.

Earlier, 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.”

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