Sanwo-Olu Announces Plans to Boost Nigeria’s Global Image Through a November-December Festival Calendar
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has emphasized the potential of Nigeria’s creative sector to improve the country’s image globally and counter negative stereotypes often associated with the nation. Speaking at a press briefing at the Lagos House, Marina, the Governor unveiled plans to further develop the state’s cultural offerings. His remarks were made ahead of the opening of the 2024 Lagos International Theatre Festival, which will run from November 14 to November 17.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that Lagos has a unique opportunity to promote the nation’s image by hosting festivals like the Lagos International Theatre Festival. According to the governor, these events will allow the world to witness Nigeria’s cultural richness and heritage, giving the country a platform to tell its own stories. “We want Lagos State to have the best theatres, the best producers, and stories that truly capture our essence,” he stated. He also noted the significance of the city’s history, remarking that Lagos was once the Lagos Colony over 150 years ago. The Governor suggested that Lagos should aim to establish festivals of international recognition, similar to the prestigious Caine Film Festival, to further spotlight Nigeria’s growing role in the global entertainment sector.
He also made it clear that the Lagos State Government would continue to support the creative and entertainment industry, encouraging practitioners to work harder to elevate the sector. “We want to build a calendar of festivals that people can look forward to, specifically in November and December, so that we have a consistent entertainment period to plan for,” Sanwo-Olu added. His administration’s goal is to position Lagos as the heart of Nigeria’s cultural renaissance, with festivals becoming an integral part of the state’s global appeal.
In her remarks, Bolanle Austen-Peters, the convener and founder of Terra Kulture, expressed her excitement about showcasing Nigerian performances on the global stage through such festivals. She emphasized that the power of theatre lies not only in entertainment but also in its potential to create jobs and contribute to personal development. Austen-Peters also revealed that starting next year, the festival will be hosted at the Wole Soyinka Theatre, a major milestone for the event.
The event received praise from other notable figures, including Dr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Television, who thanked the Governor for his support of the project. Theatre practitioners such as Bimbo Manuel also commended the Lagos State Government for revitalizing the theatre sector, which had seen a decline in recent years.
The Lagos Theatre Festival (LTF) is now the largest performing arts festival in Nigeria and West Africa. Established by the British Council in 2013, the festival was designed to promote theatre in unconventional spaces, encouraging creators to innovate by producing works that respond to unique spaces. Over the years, the festival has hosted numerous productions, workshops, and performances, further solidifying its role in shaping Nigeria’s cultural identity and international presence.
The Lagos Theatre Festival has become a key cultural event, with more than 260 productions, 50 workshops, and over 420 shows taking place since its inception. With continued government backing and a focus on expanding the creative sector, the festival is poised to reach new heights in the years to come, cementing Lagos’ reputation as a cultural hub.
