Lagos Commemorates 2025 World Cultural Day of Advocacy, Promotes Positive Cultural Evolution

Lagos State joined other cultural stakeholders to commemorate the 2025 World Cultural Day of Advocacy, a strategic platform for evaluating how cultural practices continue to evolve within contemporary Nigerian society. The event, organised by the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC), was held on Friday, 14th November 2025, at the NECA House Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

Themed “Appraising Emerging Cultural Practices in Contemporary Nigeria: Focusing on the Positive Aspect and Expunging the Negative,” the gathering brought together cultural administrators, scholars, practitioners, policymakers and youth leaders to examine emerging cultural trends critically.

Discussions focused on promoting practices that foster unity and innovation, while identifying those that undermine shared values and social cohesion.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Oyekan-Ismaila Adebopo, represented by Mr Azeez Sheriffdeen, Director of Hotel Licensing (MTAC), emphasised the importance of culture as the bedrock of identity and unity. She noted that Lagos State is the nation’s cultural heartbeat.

Mrs Adebopo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stressing culture as a vital tool for social reorientation, youth engagement and economic empowerment. She commended the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, for their innovative efforts in promoting cultural consciousness among the youth, while acknowledging the consistent advocacy of the LSCAC. She urged participants to embrace cultural practices that foster unity, creativity and moral integrity, while rejecting those that promote division.

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Delivering the closing remarks, the CEO of LSCAC, Mr Idowu Johnson, represented by Mr Olumide Shomoye, Head of Research, Publication and Documentation, reiterated the Council’s commitment to fostering cultural dialogue, preserving heritage and promoting positive cultural evolution in Lagos State.

The guest speaker, Dr Abisoye Eleshin of the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies, University of Lagos, addressed the fear of cultural erosion and emphasised the urgent need to preserve core Nigerian values. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the “mother tongue” and safeguarding foundational cultural practices that define Nigeria’s identity.

The discussant, Dr Florence Nweke of the Faculty of Creative Arts, University of Lagos, examined the role of social media in shaping contemporary culture. She encouraged young people to use digital platforms positively for cultural education and promotion, rather than allowing them to erode traditional values.

Key Resolutions Adopted by Participants include Promoting emerging cultural expressions that foster creativity, unity, and national development; Identifying and curbing practices that undermine moral standards and weaken social cohesion; Strengthening cultural awareness through informed dialogue and responsible cultural evolution; and Supporting policies and initiatives that safeguard heritage while embracing progressive cultural change.

The 2025 World Cultural Day of Advocacy reaffirmed Lagos State’s dedication to shaping an inclusive and forward-looking cultural landscape, while preserving the integrity of its rich traditions. Through sustained advocacy, education and collaboration, Lagos continues to champion cultural development that reinforces identity, nurtures unity and inspires future generations.