Lagos Set to Host Africa’s Pioneer Sustainable Recycling Festival
Nigeria’s creative and cultural landscape is poised for a groundbreaking event as Lagos prepares to host Africa’s first sustainable recycling festival, the Artistic Pulse Festival (APF), from December 3-7, 2023, at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square.
The five-day extravaganza, centered on the theme “Footprints of Interconnectivity, Growth and Expansion: Creativity, Culture, Commerce and Innovation,” will showcase a diverse array of artistic expressions while promoting environmental consciousness through recycling initiatives.
Festival attendees can expect a rich program featuring symposiums, debates, creative workshops, and performances by both local and international artists. A dedicated children’s art gallery and play zone will cater to younger participants, making it a family-friendly event.
Dr. Ngozi Omambala, the festival’s co-founder and creative director, emphasizes the event’s strategic importance in connecting Nigeria’s creative ecosystem to global markets. As a member of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and NACCIMA, she envisions the festival as a catalyst for economic growth.
“We need festivals like this to be put on the map so that we can create tourism, create jobs, and drive the community with trade fairs where everybody contributes positively to the economy,” Omambala stated. She particularly highlighted the significance of engaging Nigeria’s young population, noting that 60-70 percent of the country’s 230 million people are under 30.
The festival also aims to address the diaspora of Nigerian artists, with Omambala encouraging performers to maintain strong connections with their homeland. The event’s tagline, “Home is where the heart is,” reinforces this message, followed by “Join the movement. Feel the pulse.”
Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, co-founder of Lagos Island Connect, described the festival as “an expose of the soul of a city,” emphasizing its role in community development and social inclusion. She stressed the importance of ensuring the festival’s benefits extend beyond organizers to impact the entire community.
Adding to the festival’s significance, Ms. Shade Bembatoum-Young, Honorary Life Vice President of the LCCI, highlighted its role in promoting Nigerian-made products and cultural preservation. “Nigeria’s cultural values are rooted in community, creativity, and craftsmanship,” she remarked, adding that the festival represents more than economic opportunities – it’s a celebration of Nigerian identity on the global stage.
The Artistic Pulse Festival stands as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development while showcasing its rich cultural heritage and creative potential to the world.
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