Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, says cultural festivals play a vital role in stimulating commerce, supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and empowering local traders across communities.
Benson-Awoyinka said this at a news conference on Tuesday unveiling the 2026 Lagos Fanti Carnival.
The carnival is scheduled to hold on April 6 at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
The commissioner noted that tourism-driven cultural events go beyond revenue generation to strengthen grassroots economic activities.
She said lessons from the 2025 edition showed the importance of community engagement and the economic ripple effects of cultural tourism.
She added that tourism was not about revenue for the states but for enhancing and building the local communities.
“It is enhancing SMEs; it’s for the man selling roasted plantains by the roadside.
“It’s for the woman who is selling her soft drinks.
“It’s for the ice cream seller in the community, because a lot of children are there on the streets.
“It’s for those people making those costumes.
“So, it’s bringing a lot of commerce,” she said.
The commissioner explained that the 2025 edition, which was held in a smaller space, attracted overwhelming participation and highlighted the need for a larger venue to accommodate floats and spectators.
“The number one lesson we learned was that we used a smaller space last year, so we had constraints in showing these floats.
“So, we decided to expand the area where the carnival is going to take place, and that’s why we’re right now inside the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square,” she added.
Also speaking, the General Secretary of the Brazilian Descendants Association, Mr Remi Da-Costa, highlighted the historical significance of the carnival.
Da-Costa noted that the carnival, which is a platform to showcase the community’s cultural heritage, originated in the Afro-Brazilian quarters of Lagos Island, particularly Lafiaji, Campos and Olowogbowo communities.
He noted the carnival’s 130-year heritage and cultural connection between Lagos and Brazil, saying it is rooted in the Portuguese word “Fantasia”, meaning fantasy.
In her remarks, Chief Executive Officer of the National Arts Theatre, Tola Akerele, described the carnival as an important cultural and tourism platform that promotes national identity and community bonding.
Akerele added that the carnival showcases Nigeria’s creative strength and encourages global participation in local cultural experiences.
She praised the organisers and community for their hard work on costume design, music, food, and performance, noting that it took dedication and commitment.
Earlier, Project Director, Lagos Fanti Carnival, Bolaji Animashaun, credited the success of the carnival to strong partnerships with Lagos State Government agencies and essential service providers.
Animashaun said the Nigerian Police, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Lagos Waste Management Authority, Lagos State Ambulance Service, Fire Service, Safety Commission and other agencies had been actively involved in planning to ensure safety, traffic control, waste management and emergency response.
“This year, we’re expecting over 40,000 people; LAWMA is tasked with making sure that our waste is recyclable; the ambulance service, always ready to make sure that everyone is safe and hydrated,” she said.
She also acknowledged support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Lagos State Printing Corporation, and other government partners, noting that their collaboration would ensure effective coordination and community participation.
Supreme news reports that the carnival, which started among three communities has grown to include other neighbourhood troupes.
Seven troupes, including the Isale-Eko Woro Carnival Association, Brazilian Campos Carreta Carnival Association, Okoo-Faji Carnival Association, will showcase their heritage in this year’s carnival.
Others are: Lafiaji Fanti Association, Epetedo United Youth Movement, Olowogbowo Fancy Carnival Association, and Okepopo Fanti Carnival Association.
The carnival will feature elaborate floats, Afro-Brazilian cultural displays, samba-influenced highlife brass music, traditional Yoruba design elements and culinary exhibitions reflecting shared Lagos-Brazil food heritage.
The event will also be accompanied by the Afro-Brazilian Economic and Cultural Exchange Summit aimed at strengthening cultural tourism, investment partnerships, and long-term collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil.
The organisers said the 2026 edition would build on previous successes by expanding community participation, boosting tourism visibility and creating more opportunities for local businesses and young creatives in Lagos.