Lagos Commemorates 2025 World Cultural Day Of Advocacy

Lagos State joined other cultural stakeholders to celebrate the 2025 World Cultural Day of Advocacy, a platform dedicated to evaluating how cultural practices are evolving in contemporary Nigerian society. Organized by the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC), the event took place 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 critically examine emerging cultural trends.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Oyekan-Ismaila Adebopo, represented by Mr Azeez Sheriffdeen, highlighted the central role of culture as the foundation of identity and unity. She emphasized that Lagos State remains the nation’s cultural heartbeat and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. Mrs Adebopo urged participants to embrace cultural practices that promote unity, creativity, and moral integrity, while rejecting those that foster division.

The event featured insightful contributions from experts, including the guest speaker, Dr Abisoye Eleshin of the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies, University of Lagos, who highlighted the importance of preserving core Nigerian values and safeguarding foundational cultural practices, such as the mother tongue. Dr Florence Nweke of the Faculty of Creative Arts, University of Lagos, discussed the influence of social media on contemporary culture and encouraged young people to use digital platforms responsibly to educate and promote cultural awareness rather than erode traditional values.

Closing remarks were delivered by the CEO of LSCAC, Mr Idowu Johnson, represented by Mr Olumide Shomoye, who reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to fostering cultural dialogue, preserving heritage, and promoting positive cultural evolution in Lagos State. Participants adopted key resolutions, including promoting emerging cultural expressions that foster creativity, unity, and national development, identifying and curbing practices that weaken moral standards, and supporting policies that safeguard heritage while embracing progressive cultural change.

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