*Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu*, has ignited something new in Lagos. Something quietly revolutionary, something many citizens are only just beginning to recognise.
And I felt this deeply, almost spiritually, as I stepped into the *2025 Ake Arts and Book Festival.* Before any artwork, author, or performance could call my attention, what first welcomed me were the vibrant sponsor banners, each proudly bearing the Lagos State logo. It felt as though the city itself reached out its hands to embrace me.
This was my second time attending the Ake Festival; the first was many years ago in Abeokuta. A day before this year’s edition, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, *Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka*, graciously called me and connected me to the festival’s founder, the distinguished writer and poet, *Lola Shoneyin*. I didn’t know then that the experience would stay with me so deeply. The moment I walked in, I found myself surrounded by the brilliant, expressive spirit of Gen Z, in a space at the Bon Hotel in Ikeja Residence. Their presence warmed me from within. It made me proud. It made me hopeful. It affirmed the quiet truth that Lagos, under Governor Sanwo-Olu, has become far more than a safe city; it has become a sanctuary for creativity.
Books filled the stands in colourful rows. Nigerian fabrics, adire, aso-òfì, aso arò, fluttered softly, inviting both foreigners and locals to touch the stories woven into their threads. It delighted me to find the newest work of one of my favourite writers, *Bolu Babalola*, which I purchased joyfully.
More than ever before, I am convinced that the last quarter of the year, from September to December is best spent in Lagos.
The Lagos State Tourism Calendar hums with activity throughout these months: festivals, conferences, exhibitions, gatherings, and celebrations of human creativity. Under the careful guidance and passion of Commissioner *Toke Benson-Awoyinka*, Lagos has become a living stage where arts, culture, tourism, and innovation coexist beautifully.
It was this same cultural rhythm that brought me to Eko Hotels in Victoria Island for *Entertainment Week Africa*. If you haven’t attended this event before, I must say, you should. The 2025 edition ends tomorrow, *Sunday, November 23rd*. Standing there, observing young Nigerians especially Gen Z, interacting with technology, showcasing inventions, and experimenting with ideas that could reshape the world, I felt a profound pride swell within me. These young people are not waiting for the future; they are building it.
But even with all I had seen, nothing prepared me for the revelation that followed.
For the first time in my 61 years on earth, I encountered *Olfactory Art*. Until today, Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, I had never imagined that scent itself could be crafted, curated, and shaped into a form of expression.
At the *Olfactory Art Village*, I met *Deola Abela Inyang*, a visionary whose creativity is truly breathtaking. Her stand was stunning. Her team was warm and knowledgeable. Her display was nothing short of magical.
I discovered scents infused into fabrics like aso-òfì and aso arò, diffusers designed as elegant artworks, and an opportunity for visitors to create fragrances unique to them alone.
With Nigerians like *Deola Abela Inyang*, my hope for this country grows a hundredfold. In the midst of national challenges, these young innovators remind us that difficult seasons are temporary. As our elders wisely teach us: *“Ìgbà tí ikòkò ń ṣe ìsú, kò sí ení tí ó gbọ́; ṣùgbọ́n nígbà tí ọ̀dó bá ń gún ìyàn, níbẹ̀ ni ariwo ti máa bẹ̀rẹ̀.”* (When the pot cooks the yam, no one hears it; but when the mortar pounds it into pounded yam, the sound shakes the air.)
Creation is quiet. Success is loud. This week in Lagos, I saw the quiet workers and I glimpsed their future noise.
I must honour *Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu* for elevating arts, culture, and tourism in Lagos State. His commitment has transformed the city into a global cultural hub where residents and visitors alike feel protected and inspired. I also recognise the immense dedication of Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, and *Mr. Idris Aregbe*, the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture. Together, they are nurturing Lagos into a city where creativity does not simply exist, it thrives.
And now, I am humbled to share something that fills my heart with joy and purpose: From the *1st to the 6th of September 2026*, and every year thereafter, we shall hold the *DAP Experience Centre Lagos Photography Festival.*
This annual celebration will honour the beauty of Lagos, the creativity of its people, and the artistic spirit that binds us as Nigerians. Awards will be presented to outstanding photographers, emerging talents will be celebrated, and Lagos will once again stand as the backdrop to stories told through lenses and hearts.
The season is here, and Lagos is alive, from the Mainland to the Island. I am grateful to be part of this era, this movement, this beautiful unfolding of Lagos’ cultural renaissance.
May the Almighty continue to bless Lagos State, the City of Light and the Centre of Excellence with peace, innovation, prosperity, and grace.
May He strengthen the leaders who serve with integrity and vision.
May He lift the hands of every creator, every dreamer, and every quiet worker contributing to our nation’s greatness.
May creativity never dry up in Lagos.
May hope never fade in Nigeria.
May God bless Lagos State.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
And may God bless every Nigerian who refuses to stop dreaming.
*By: ‘dayo Adedayo*
