Lagos State has announced that its Cultural Weekend 2025 will run from November 14 to 16, positioning heritage as a driver of commerce and opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The three-day festival, spread across iconic venues including Freedom Park, the National Theatre, the Badagry Heritage Museum, and Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, will showcase music, dance, masquerades, fashion, food, folklore, and arts — creating direct market access for artisans, creatives, and cultural entrepreneurs.
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, the initiative is designed to link culture with commerce by empowering SMEs in the creative economy, boosting job creation, and attracting both local and international investment.
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"This initiative goes beyond entertainment. It is about empowering cultural artisans, creatives, historians, and all stakeholders who bring our traditions to life. It's about enabling them to be part of a thriving ecosystem," Aregbe said.
The festival is also expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and provide SMEs with opportunities for networking, corporate sponsorships, and global cultural collaborations. By blending cultural heritage with business, Lagos is setting the stage to become Africa's cultural capital while unlocking sustainable growth for its SME sector.
