LASG, US Consulate harp on African culture preservation

By Adeola Ogunrinde
 

The Lagos State Government and the United States Consulate in Lagos have harped the need for Nigerians, particularly Lagosians, to promote tourism and preserve African culture.
 

Speaking at the Festival of Arts and Culture tagged Culturati 2024, held at Freedom Park, Lagos Island, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe; the Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate in Lagos, Julie McKay; and other speakers reiterated the need for promotion of African culture.

Aregbe said the annual festival was to promote Lagos economic development, calling on youths to embrace their mother tongue and avoid westernisation of Nigerian culture.
 
In his remarks, McKay said the event was an amazing way to learn about culture, share culture and connect with people.
 
He assured more collaboration, noting that the United States has invested over $1.2m to promote tourism in Lagos.
 
“The US Mission here in Nigeria is all about preserving and sharing culture. We’ve invested over $1.2 million to help Nigerians preserve culture. It is about connecting different cultures, collaborating, and learning about them. We absolutely support that, and I am so happy to be here,” he said.
 
Speaking earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Culturati, Adetola Bakinsola, stated that the high point of this year’s event was the featuring of a community library to promote increased literacy and cultural education among youths.
 
She said, “This platform celebrates traditional art, craft, music, storytelling, entertainment, and fashion, ensuring these elements are not only preserved but also passed on in engaging and innovative ways. Supporting this event fosters pride in our African identity and sustains traditions for this generation and beyond.”

On his part, the Atayero of the Aramoko Kingdom, Oba Olusegun Aderemi, noted that Nigeria is blessed with talents that are sought after globally; hence, the need for diversification of the nation’s economy from crude oil to creative industries.