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By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
The maiden edition of the Ibom Festival Lagos will be held on Saturday, September 20, at Union Sports Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere. Spearheaded by Mr. Sunday Okpo from Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, the festival promises to empower more than 5,000 Nigerians, while showcasing the richness of Akwa Ibom’s culture on a grand stage.
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the event, Okpo revealed that the Ibom Festival was borne out of a lifelong dream. “I have felt this for a long time. I knew I could produce something like this, but in a different manner. As an artist practicing 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.
For Okpo, the festival aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly in encouraging Nigerians to be self-reliant, creative and financially independent. His vision is not only to empower attendees but also to position Nigerian culture as a driver of tourism and economic development.
“In Turkey, the USA and other parts of the world, cultural festivals attract people globally,” he noted. “Nigeria has one of the most vibrant and unexplored cultural treasures. By promoting it through the Ibom Festival, we can create 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. According to Okpo, many Akwa Ibom sons and daughters have lived away from home for decades and have lost touch with their roots. “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,” he said.
Beyond cultural pride, he highlighted the festival’s economic impact. “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 globally. That has always been my dream,” he emphasised.
Importantly, 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,” he stated.
In preparation, he has visited 23 local government areas within Lagos to mobilise Akwa Ibom indigenes and sensitise communities about the festival. The lineup of activities includes exhibitions, traditional dance displays, music performances and cultural showcases that promise to dazzle Lagosians.
Sulaimon Bamidele Yusuf of Surulere, alongside other dignitaries, will grace the event. Okpo’s creative manager, Mr. Okpe Omewolu, described him as a detribalised 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 Efik 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, would be a robust celebration comparable to the famous Ojude-Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode. “We will have 66 vendors showcasing Akwa Ibom crafts, fashion, beads and delicacies. It will shock Lagosians with its richness,” he enthused.
Okpo himself 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 emphasised the symbolic role of the market square in African culture. “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 clothes and crafts from Akwa Ibom,” Okpo noted.
