Lagos Fanti Carnival 2026: Colourful Celebration of Cultural Heritage

 Yomi Durojaye

The much-anticipated Fanti Carnival came alive in a dazzling display of colour, music, and heritage at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, on Monday, April 6, 2026, with Lagos Island witnessing a vibrant cultural spectacle.

The carnival hosted by the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, drew live stage entertainment artists, such as 9ice TerryApala, Teni, Niniola, Reminisce and a host of others. As well as residents, diplomats, and tourists from across the State and beyond, in affirmation of  Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s Centre of excellence.

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, his wife, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, 

Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Solomon Bonu, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, were among the top government officials who attended the carnival.

Rooted in Afro-Brazilian history, the Fanti Carnival reflects the legacy of formerly enslaved Africans who returned from Brazil and settled in Lagos, bringing with them a unique fusion of music, dance, and performance. 

This year’s edition showcased that heritage with a refreshing modern twist, blending tradition with contemporary creativity to engage a younger generation.  It also underscored the State Government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Lagos’ rich cultural heritage while creating platforms that boost tourism and creative expressions.

The carnival procession featured various communities, each proudly displaying their distinct cultural identity through colourful attires and performances. The Okepopo community, Okoo-Faji, Epetedo, Isale-Eko, Lafiaji, Olowogbowo, and the Brazilian Campos Carretta group.  Their performances offered a rich narrative of history, unity, and cultural pride.

Adding to the excitement were electrifying performances by Nigerian artistes, whose music energised the crowd and infused the celebration with contemporary flair. By the end of the day, the 2026 Fanti Carnival stood out not just as a festival, but as a powerful cultural experience, one that bridges the past and present while inspiring younger generations to embrace and celebrate their heritage.

#lagosfanticarnival 

#AGreaterLagosRising 

#LASG

Lagos Fanti Carnival: Lagos Embossing Symbol of Unity Through Tourism, Art & Culture

Lagos State government through the Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture has once again emboldened the richness of culture and tradition of the state as a symbol of unity in diversity.

This comes following an excitement ambience created at the main bowl of Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island where Lagosians thronged the venue to celebrate the culture, music and spirit of Lagos at the 2026 Fanti Carnival.

Cladded in elegant costumes, different communities made processions to the delightful attention of the guests, including the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Wife and other dignitaries, from both local and international.

Ceremonial parades by the communities in attendance, included Lafiaji Fanti Association, Epetedo United Youth Movement, Okepopo Fanti Association, Okoo-Faji Carnival Association, Isale-Eko Woro Carnival Association, Olowogbowo Fanti Association among others.

The Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka said that the celebration was designed to embossed the symbol of unity, resilience and artistic expression that is showcasing Lagos unique identity.

Benson-Awoyinka mentioned that the cultural event is a testament to the state's rich Afro-Brazilian Heritage while emphasising the commitment of Lagos State through the Ministry to continuously harnessing cultural tourism as a path to economic growth and social cohesion.

She said "From pulsating drums to dazzling costumes, every detail reflects our cultural richness. We are celebrating community, bridging past and present and embracing our diversity. Immerse yourself inhthr experience, feel th rhythm and connect with others as we celebrate our heritage and showcase Lagos as a beacon of creativity."

This initiative according to a tourist expert, Kazeem Balogun, is a way to protect the cultural linkage and rich Afro-Brazilian Heritage by the Lagos State government and to strengthen the relationship between both cultures.

The atmosphere was charged by popular local musicians who thrilled the participants to some of their old and current tunes.

"The drums, highlife music and scintillating  performances by the communities is a pointer to the richness in our culture and here today, we have people from outside the country coming to see what we have and this shows how valuable our tradition stands in the global community." Balogun said

Bunmi Aribisala is one of the participants, she acknowledged the power of unifying the people through the carnival, stressing that the celebration of culture and tradition is very key to achieve global exchange of ideas about tourism.amd hospitality.

The Lagos Fanti Carnival is one of the oldest cultural traditions on Lagos Island, which is rooted in the legacy of Afro-Brazilian returnees, formerly enslaved Africans who made their way back from Brazil in the late 1800s. 

With support from the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Brazilian Descendants Association, the Fanti Carnival is being revived by a memory of Lagos that is being rooted in culture.

2027: Youth Group in Agege Endorsed Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi For House of Reps., Remi Bello for Agege Constituency 01

 Ajose Eniola

A Youth Group in Agege LGA, Agege Youth Vanguard has today Endorsed Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi For House of Reps., Remi Bello Agege Constituency 01 respectively  at the forthcoming 2027 general election.

The endorsement was made at the Press Conference held today at TemDee Guess House in Agege.

According to the Coordinator, Comrade Joseph Adigun, "The Agege Youth Vanguard, is a progressive and people-driven movement committed to the growth and development of our dear constituency, hereby proudly declares its total and unwavering endorsement of two outstanding leaders for elective positions in the forthcoming elections.

"After careful consideration, wide consultations, and a thorough assessment of leadership capacity, track record, and commitment to grassroots development, we unanimously endorse Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi as our preferred candidate for the House of Representatives, Agege Federal Constituency.

"We also proudly endorse Hon. Remi Bello for the Lagos State House of Assembly, Agege Constituency 01. Notably, Hon. Remi Bello is one of our own within the Agege Youth Vanguard—a true grassroots representative who understands our struggles, aspirations, and vision for a better Agege.

"These two distinguished individuals have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication to service, and a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people of Agege. Their track records in public service speak volumes, and we are confident that they possess the vision, competence, and passion required to take our constituency to greater heights.

"Alhaji Kola Egunjobi, as a two-term council chairman, raised the bar of governance, as his records speak volumes. His commitment to the development of Agege has paved the way for others to emulate.

"Hon. Remi Bello has served in different capacities as a Student Union leader, Youth Council Executive, and as the Speaker of the 2nd Lagos State Youth Parliament. He led the young legislative assembly to have a voice loud enough to be heard by the government.

"These personalities have proven beyond reasonable doubt that they have the capacity to represent us adequately.

"In a bold demonstration of our commitment and belief in their candidacies, the Agege Youth Vanguard hereby declares its readiness to mobilize resources and collectively purchase nomination forms for both aspirants, as a symbol of our trust and unwavering support.

"We call on all well-meaning residents, youths, stakeholders, and party faithful to rally behind these credible leaders as we work together to secure a brighter and more prosperous future for Agege.

Together, we rise. Together, we win., Adigun concluded