Ibom festival to showcase Akwa Ibom culture in Lagos — Convener

The lead convener of Ibom Festival, Sunday Okpo, has said that the maiden edition of the Ibom Festival is packaged to showcase Akwa Ibom culture in Lagos and also to encourage Nigerians to be self-reliant, creative, and financially independent.

According to Okpo, the festival would also align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking at a press briefing held in Lagos on Tuesday, Okpo informed that the festival, which holds on Saturday, promises to showcase the rich culture of Akwa Ibom people while also empowering no fewer than 5000 Nigerians.

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He described the festival as a lifelong dream, aimed at projecting the cultural identity of the Akwa Ibom people positively to the world.

He said, “I have had this dream for a very long time. I knew I could produce something like this, but in different manners. As an artist practising culture, I wanted to create an avenue where Nigerians, especially Akwa Ibom people, can reconnect with their roots while also giving room for creativity and entrepreneurship,” he explained.

The festival, according to Okpo, would align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly in encouraging Nigerians to be self-reliant, creative, and financially independent.

“The vision is not only to empower attendees but also to position Nigerian culture as a driver of tourism and economic development. In Turkey, USA, and other parts of the world, cultural festivals attract people globally. Nigeria has one of the most vibrant and unexplored cultural treasures. By promoting it through the Ibom Festival, we can create great opportunities for people to meet, celebrate, and also create wealth for themselves. The festival also seeks to reconnect Akwa Ibom indigenes in Lagos and beyond with their heritage.”

Okpo stated further that many Akwa Ibom sons and daughters had lived away from home for decades and have lost touch with their roots.

He added, “Some have been away for 30 years or more. Some are Akwa Ibom by name but not by experience, while others in the diaspora want to know what their culture looks like. This festival will provide that opportunity. Culture is not complete without the market square, a place where people meet, buy, and exchange. At the festival, attendees will experience that spirit, from beads to wears and crafts from Akwa Ibom. With free access, a rich cultural display, and opportunities for empowerment, the Ibom Festival Lagos 2025 is set to become a landmark event—one that will not only reconnect people to their heritage but also put Nigerian culture on a global pedestal.”

Beyond cultural pride, Okpo also highlighted the fact that Ibom festival is targeting both cultural and economic prospects.

“Apart from the entrepreneurial benefits, the festival will also bring tourism attraction. The essence is to show the world that Nigeria can take its culture global. That has always been my dream,” he emphasized.

He also explained that entry to the Ibom Festival Lagos is free for both attendees and vendors.

“We want to give people a soft landing to come and enjoy. Vendors will showcase their products at no cost. This is about creating access and opportunities,” Okpo stated.

To make this event a success, Okpo stated that he had visited 23 local government areas within Lagos to mobilise Akwa Ibom indigenes and sensitise communities about the festival.

The lineup of activities, according to him, would include exhibitions, traditional dance displays, music performances, and cultural displays that promise to dazzle Lagosians.

Among the dignitaries that are expected at the event are Hon. Sulaimon Bamidele Yusuf of Surulere, alongside other dignitaries, will grace the event.

The event’s Creative Manager, Mr. Okpe Omewolu, described him as a detribalized Nigerian who embraces both his heritage and that of others.

“The only way to promote our people in other places is through culture. This festival is not just about Effik people but about the entire Akwa Ibom State. It is about putting our people on the world map,” Omewolu said.

The Ibom Festival Lagos, he added, will be a robust celebration comparable to the famous Ojude-Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode.

He said, “We will have 66 vendors showcasing Akwa Ibom crafts, fashion, beads, and delicacies. It will shock Lagosians with its richness. Okpo is no stranger to the cultural and entertainment scene, having performed at prestigious platforms such as Aliafrance and Felabration. His artistic background, combined with his passion for cultural preservation, positions him as a unique convener who understands the importance of integrating culture with commerce.”

He also emphasized the symbolic role of the market square in African culture.