The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture proudly announces its participation in the upcoming National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST 2025), scheduled to hold in Enugu State from November 22nd–29th, 2025 under the theme “Connected Culture.”
NAFEST, Nigeria’s premier cultural festival organized by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), brings together all states of the federation to showcase the richness of Nigeria’s heritage through music, dance, drama, crafts, cuisine and creative innovation.
Speaking ahead of the festival, the CEO, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Idowu Johnson, emphasized Lagos’ readiness to join its counterparts in celebrating Nigeria’s cultural diversity. He noted that Lagos, as the nation’s commercial hub and cultural capital, will present a unique blend of traditional and contemporary performances that reflect the vibrancy of its people.
“Lagos State is delighted to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other states in this annual celebration of our shared heritage. NAFEST is more than a festival; it is a unifying platform that reminds us of the strength in our diversity. We are prepared to showcase the creativity, resilience, coexistence and innovation that define Lagos as a cultural powerhouse,” he said.
Mr. Johnson further reaffirmed the Council’s unwavering commitment to the presentation, propagation, promotion and preservation of Lagos’ rich culture and heritage.
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The festival will feature competitive and non-competitive events designed to celebrate Nigeria’s cultural diversity:
Competitive Events
– Dance-Off
– Board Game (Ayo)
– Dambe (Traditional Boxing)
– Children’s Storytelling
– Traditional Wrestling
– Archery
– E-Sports
– Short Film Competition
– Culture Quiz (Secondary Schools)
– Essay Writing Competition
– Jollof Wars
– Swag Show
– Children’s Arts & Craft Competition
– Sing-Off
– Naija Home Makeover.
Non-Competitive Events
– Opening Ceremony
– Command Performance
– Colloquium / Book Fair
– Music Expo
– Arts & Crafts Cultural Market / Exhibition
– Night of Entertainment
– Excursion to Tourist Sites
– Closing Ceremony / Awards.
In alignment with the NCAC agenda, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture has lined up exciting programmes, including:
– Opening & Closing Parade: A colorful procession featuring Lagos’ traditional attire, music ensembles and dance troupes.
– Children’s Storytelling: Stage performances inspired by Yoruba folklore and contemporary Lagos narratives.
– Cuisine Exhibition: A showcase of Lagos delicacies such as Efo Riro, Egusi Soup, Asaro, Fresh Fish, Akara, Jollof Rice and Moi Moi fusion dishes.
– Arts & Crafts Pavilion: Display of indigenous crafts, beadwork, textiles and modern artistic innovations.
– Children’s Creative Corner: Engaging activities for young participants to learn Lagos’ cultural games and crafts.
– Symposiums: Contributions to discussions on the creative economy, cultural preservation and youth empowerment……..
As Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture joins other states in Enugu for NAFEST 2025, the festival promises to be a landmark celebration of Nigeria’s cultural identity. Lagos stands ready to showcase its creativity, strengthen cultural diplomacy and contribute to the vision of positioning Nigeria’s arts and culture as a driver of unity and economic growth.