…As Providus Bank, Lagos Govt., and Partners Kickstart Countdown
With 17 days left to the kick-off of the African Cultural Festival (ACF2025) slated for September 19–21, 2025, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA, preparation is already in top gear to ensure a successful organization of the festival.
Recall that the ACF2025 will bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, including African and diaspora leaders, as well as U.S. legislators, global creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural powerhouses, to celebrate and commercialize the spirit of Africa under the theme “Africa to the World: Culture, Creativity, and Collaboration.”
Speaking during a press briefing held at the Providus Bank in Lekki, Lagos, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Idris Aregbe, stated that the collaboration aims to reinforce Lagos’ global cultural presence, deepen diaspora engagement, and boost economic impact.
Aregbe emphasized that the festival offers Lagos the opportunity to share its stories, secure a place among global cultural hubs, and drive socio-economic transformation.
“As the heartbeat of Africa’s creative economy, Lagos is proud to champion our cultural wealth and innovation on the world stage. Beyond celebration, this festival creates real pathways for economic growth—opening doors for tourism investment, global partnerships, and opportunities that will strengthen Lagos’ position as West Africa’s cultural and economic hub.”
Reflecting on the global unveiling of the festival, ACF2025 Festival Director, Foluke Michael, recalled its official launch earlier this year.
“On March 26, ACF2025 was unveiled at the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg with Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and art icon Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye, both honoured at the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate. That moment confirmed the festival’s international importance. ACF2025 is more than a festival—it is a celebration, an investment, and a legacy for Africa and its diaspora.”
In the same vein, Mr. Dipo Odebowale, who was representing the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Head of Liaison Office, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stated that the ACF2025 will provide a unique platform to showcase the brilliance of Nigerians at home and abroad.
“NiDCOM is excited to join forces with stakeholders to shape Nigeria’s narrative globally. ACF2025 provides a unique platform to showcase the brilliance of Nigerians at home and abroad while creating stronger cultural and economic ties with our diaspora.”
On the other hand, Ms. Oluwatoyin Adepoju, Head of Diaspora Banking at Providus Bank, reiterated that the bank is committed to connecting African talent with global opportunities while fostering youth entrepreneurship and diaspora investment.
“Providus Bank is proud to support a festival that connects African talent with global opportunities while fostering youth entrepreneurship and diaspora investment. We are committed to championing creative enterprises and strengthening the ties between Nigeria’s creative sector and the diaspora.”
Chisom Enebe, Representing ACI Entertainment; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Art and Culture, Hon. Idris Aregbe; ACF Festival Director, Foluke Michael; and ACF Global Youth Lead, Haoma Worgu at the Press Conference to Countdown the African Cultural Festival in Pennsylvania, USA yesterday at Providus Bank, Lekki
As the undisputed capital of creativity in Africa, Lagos will showcase its world-renowned heritage, industries, and human capital at the festival.
From fashion and food to technology and trade, the Lagos State delegation will comprise talented creatives, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Through this platform, Lagos will forge global cultural and business partnerships, foster diaspora engagement, and attract high-impact investments.
