The Lagos State Government has announced plans to lead Africa’s creative charge at the African Cultural Festival (ACF2025), scheduled to take place in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States, from September 19 to 21.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mr Idris Aregbe, disclosed this in a statement signed by the ministry’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Mrs Adeoti Sobowale, on Wednesday.
Aregbe said Lagos was proud to champion Africa’s creative wealth and innovation at the festival, which he described as a major platform for cultural promotion and economic engagement.
“Beyond the celebration, the festival creates real pathways for economic growth, opening doors for tourism investment, global partnerships and opportunities that will strengthen Lagos’ position as West Africa’s cultural and economic hub.
“As Africa’s undisputed capital of creativity, Lagos will lead a powerful delegation of entrepreneurs, innovators and cultural ambassadors. From fashion and food to technology and trade, Lagos will proudly showcase its world-class heritage, industries and human capital,” he said.
He explained that ACF2025, themed ‘Africa to the World: Culture, Creativity and Collaboration’, aims to promote and commercialise Africa’s cultural heritage while fostering global connections.
Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the festival as a unique platform to showcase Nigeria’s excellence.
“NIDCOM is excited to join forces with stakeholders to shape Nigeria’s narrative globally. ACF2025 provides a unique platform to showcase the brilliance of Nigerians at home and abroad while creating stronger cultural and economic ties with our diaspora,” she said.
The Festival Director, Mrs Foluke Michael, recalled the global unveiling of ACF2025 earlier this year at the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg, where Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and art icon Chief Nike Okundaye were honoured at the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate.
“That moment confirmed the festival’s international importance. ACF2025 is more than a festival. It is a celebration, an investment and a legacy for Africa and its diaspora,” she said.
