As preparations for the Eko Fiesta 2025 holding later in December continue to gather momentum, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, on Tuesday, hosted the Project Manager of the Fiesta, Akinpelumi Deborah, and her team from Dosh and Wales Company for a strategic engagement that will make the Fiesta a truly immersive cultural and entertainment event.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Aregbe emphasised the importance of leveraging entertainment to stimulate economic growth, promote youth engagement, attract the diaspora community, and showcase Lagos as Africa’s premier tourism hotspot.
“If we can not use entertainment to improve commerce, then it shows we are not fully harnessing what we have,” Aregbe stated. “Entertainment remains a key tool to drive prosperity and inspire youth participation in sustainable development. Through initiatives like Eko Fiesta, we can promote culture, boost tourism, and support local businesses.”
The Special Adviser acknowledged the bold vision behind Eko Fiesta and assured the team of the State Government’s willingness to support promising initiatives aligned with its tourism development goals.
“We want to work with committed partners who can contribute meaningfully to the Lagos story. Let us ensure that the spirit of United Lagos, through commerce, culture, and celebration, remains at the heart of this initiative,” Aregbe stated.
Responding, Akinpelumi Deborah described the Eko Fiesta proposal as a game-changing platform to transform the December festive calendar in Lagos. With the theme “From Festivity to Prosperity,” the event promises an energetic fusion of music, art, culture, and commerce.
She revealed that Eko Fiesta is projected to host over 10,000 attendees over three days, with more than 120 vendors showcasing their goods and services.
“Our goal is to create what Afro Nation is to Ghana and what Coachella is to California, a truly African celebration rooted in Lagos,” Deborah said.
According to her, the event will prominently feature high-caliber entertainers, including elite MCs, comedians, and musicians. A special Post-Fiesta Gala Night is also slated for December, an exclusive black-tie event for sponsors, dignitaries, and government stakeholders to celebrate the success of the event.
Deborah listed the key objectives of the Fiesta to include attracting foreign direct investment in youth empowerment and job creation, Promotion of Lagos as Africa’s festive capital, Bridging local enterprises with global audiences, enhancing csr initiatives and economic opportunities growth.
