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

COWLSO HOLDS THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Weeks after the organisation of the 2017 Women Convention in Lagos, the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO on Sunday, holds Annual Thanksgiving Service, tagged: “Enter His Gate with Thanksgiving”, at the State House Chapel, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

See pictorial highlight of Lagos State First Lady, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode and other notable dignitaries at the colourful gathering.

History Rewritten as Olu Agege Conferred Chieftaincy Titles On Prominent Personalities

AgegePulse Magazine

History was made in Agege traditional circle yesterday as Olu Agege, HRM Oba Kamila Oyedeji Isiba conferred chieftaincy titles on prominent personalities of Agege Kingdom amidst pomp and circumstances.

The conferment and installation of the New Chiefs and Baales is coming five years after the investiture of HRM Oba, Kamila Isiba as the Olu of Agege Kingdom.

According to the custodian of culture, the palace made careful consultations on all the new chiefs before approving them worthy of the leadership positions.

The colourful event could well be regarded as a perfect description of the popular saying that, chieftaincy titles are only meant for society well-to-dos who have successfully carved a respectable niche for themselves in their respective endeavours.

There was enough quid to spin around for the monetary demands on such occasion as both the new chiefs and their guests proved beyond doubt that they were worthy of the titles.

Below are the New Chiefs and their titles:

- High Chief Lawal Adeshina Badmus becomes Baale Atobaje of Agege  kingdom.

- Chief Babatunde Taiwo Oladehinde Akorede becomes Apesin of Agege kingdom.

- Alhaja Chief Mrs Shakirat Oluwatoyin Kuku Salaudeen becomes Yeye Tayese of Agege Kingdom.

- Chief Lateef Otubu a.k.a EBA becomes Olori Odo of Agege kingdom.

- Chief Dr Jimoh Arobadade becomes Ajana of Agege kingdom.

- High Chief Wakilu becomes Baale Panada of Agege Kingdom.

Top dignitaries who marked attendance at the historic event include: Alaege of Orile Agege, HRM Oba Agbedeji, the Special Adviser to Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker who doubles as Otun of Agege Kingdom, Otunba Richard Osungboye, the chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers, Lagos State Chapter, Chief Tajudeen Agbede, The Alawowo of Awowo Land, first Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Chief Owolabi Dada,  the Oniro of Iro Land, Oba Olasunkanmi Tijani, Chief Mrs Nike Olasoji to mention but a few.

The installations followed sumptuous receptions across event centers in Agege where delightful delicacies and assorted drinks were served.