By Damiete Braide
Lagos is often described as the city that never sleeps, a vibrant hub of commerce, creativity and cultural expression that hums with activity all year round. Yet, as the end of the year approaches, conversations about Lagos are often reduced to the now-famous “Detty December,” a season of concerts, festivals and social gatherings that attract local residents and international visitors.
But for Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos is much more than a one-season spectacle. In his view, the city’s energy and potential extend far beyond the December frenzy. Over the weekend, during an interactive session with the media in Lagos, Aregbe made a passionate case for repositioning Lagos as a year-round tourism and investment destination, where the government and private sector are partners, not rivals.
“We believe, as a state government, we cannot continue to do everything,” he said. “We are not competing with individuals, businesses or brands. The most important thing is to complement the efforts of stakeholders and provide platforms for them to thrive.”
One of those platforms is the “101 Days in Lagos” initiative, which Aregbe unveiled to the media. Running from September 26 to January 4, the initiative seeks to harmonise major cultural, social and economic activities across Lagos, enabling residents, tourists and investors to better plan their experiences in the city.
He explained that the concept was born from the recognition that Lagos’ calendar is already packed with events, many of which are not adequately coordinated or publicised. From concerts to art exhibitions, from film premieres to lifestyle shows, Lagos often hosts multiple world-class events on the same day. By collating these activities under a single umbrella, the government aims to provide clarity, improve safety planning and create a unified calendar that benefits both organisers and audiences.
“As the ember months approach, many people think only of Detty December,” Aregbe noted. “But Lagos is beyond that. It is a city that never sleeps. From January to December there are activities going on. That is the Lagos we are projecting.”
Aregbe emphasised that the government’s role is not to overshadow private stakeholders but to elevate their contributions. He cited examples of upcoming events in music, art, fashion, food and real estate, noting that many of these initiatives originated from private individuals or organisations. According to him, when the government lends its support, whether through policy, logistics or promotion, such events gain visibility and credibility that ultimately benefit the wider economy.
“If Lagos wins, everybody wins,” he said with conviction. “We can attract more investors, new ideas, and innovations that will contribute to the city’s growth.”
Beyond the 101 Days initiative, Aregbe announced another ambitious project, the Lagos Cultural Weekend, scheduled for November 14–16. The festival is designed to reposition Lagos as an epicentre of rich cultural heritage, showcasing traditional values, music, dance, crafts, and cuisine.
“People think Lagos is just about parties, restaurants, and clubs, but it goes beyond that,” he explained. “We want to show the world that Lagos has a fantastic culture that must be celebrated and preserved.”
For Aregbe, this cultural push is not only about entertainment but also about shaping identity and strengthening the economy. He described it as a “cultural mission”, a deliberate effort to remind Lagosians and visitors alike that the city is a melting pot of traditions and modern influences, with a heritage worth celebrating.
He also highlighted the role of the media, which he described as an indispensable partner in building the Lagos brand. “The media is one of the strongest tools we have. For Lagos to continue competing globally, we must amplify what the state government and private stakeholders are doing,” he said, appealing for stronger collaboration between journalists, content creators, and event organisers.
The adviser tied these initiatives to the broader Themes Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration, which focuses on transportation, health, environment, entertainment, tourism, security, and governance. He described this agenda as the backbone of Lagos’ transformation into a serious global tourism destination.
“These are the elements that any serious tourism city must take seriously to achieve world-class status,” he argued. “We thank God that today we have a government that has carefully created those elements to make sure Lagos is what we are witnessing today.”
Looking ahead, Aregbe envisions a Lagos where tourism, arts, and culture are not seasonal indulgences but central drivers of growth. He wants to see events spread throughout the year, ensuring that the city avoids overcrowding in the final quarter while maximising opportunities for media coverage and economic participation.
At the heart of his message was a recurring theme of collaboration. Whether it was music festivals, art exhibitions, culinary fairs, or real estate shows, Aregbe underscored the idea that the government’s role is to support, amplify, and complement—not compete.
“When you look at Lagos today, from arts to sports, fashion to film, you’ll see events bigger than many happening across the globe,” he said. “Our job is to create an environment where these activities can thrive, to make sure that when people think about global cities for culture and tourism, Lagos is on that list.”
For the Special Adviser, Lagos is not just his duty post—it is a passion. “Our governor is passionate about Lagos. Morning, afternoon, and night, he is thinking about how to sustain Lagos on the global stage. My colleagues and I share that vision. If Lagos grows, we all grow.”
As the session ended, his message was clear: Lagos is not a city defined by a season. It is a city defined by its people, their creativity, their resilience, and their culture. And with initiatives like the 101 Days in Lagos and the Cultural Weekend, Idris Aregbe is determined to ensure the world sees Lagos for what it truly is—a city that never sleeps, and never stops growing.
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