Organisers of Eko Fiesta explain vision, as Lagos government lauds mission

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SA, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe

The organisers of the upcoming Eko Fiesta, Dosh and Wales Company, have explained that the vision of the fiesta billed for 22nd to 24th December, 2025, “is to create a vibrant, inclusive hub where celebration meets commerce – a place that reflects the spirit of Lagos while supporting local talent and enterprise”.

The promoters, Messrs Damilare Osho and Dr. Wale Oyebanji stated that “Eko Fiesta was born out of a genuine pain-point we identified among Nigerians in the diaspora and even visitors from other parts of the country; many travel home during Detty December but struggle to find a one-stop space that combines authentic cultural experiences, shopping, entertainment, and networking opportunities”.

Dosh & Wales Promoter: Dr. Wale Oyebanji

The promoters believed that “while Lagos in December is filled with concerts and parties, there’s been a gap for something that goes beyond entertainment -something that blends celebration with purpose”.

Eko Fiesta, they contended, bridges that gap by creating a space where people can enjoy music, art, and culture while discovering local brands, artisans, and entrepreneurs.

The fiesta, according to them, “the fiesta is not just about fun, it’s also about creating visibility for small businesses and giving attendees meaningful ways to connect with local culture and craftsmanship.

Also speaking, the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, has commended the organisers of the Lagos Fiesta, slated for 22 – 24, December, 2025, saying the project closely “aligns with our mission at the Ministry, to promote creativity, tourism, and culture in ways that truly reflect the Lagos spirit”.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated this in a brief chat with the organisers in his Office.

According to a statement signed by the Media Coordinator of the Project, Mr. Afolayan Adebiyi, Mr. Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser further said “what caught the attention of the Ministry was how closely the project aligns with our mission at the Ministry, to promote creativity, tourism, and culture in ways that truly reflect the Lagos spirit”.

According to him, “Eko Fiesta, like every other creative initiative we are known for supporting, stands out for its depth, originality, and cultural relevance”.

He explained further that the Ministry had “carefully reviewed the framework and found it to be well-structured, impactful, and in tune with our values. What drew us in was the creative synergy, the way music, art, culture, and commerce blend to tell a powerful Lagos story. That harmony perfectly reflects what we stand for”.

He praised the organisers, Dosh and Wales Company saying, “our role as a Ministry is to identify and back projects that have the potential to make real impact, and that’s something we can often tell from the very first presentation. As long as a project conveys a positive message and honours our cultural identity, we’re always open to supporting it”.

Mr. Aregbe believed that “at the heart of every meaningful initiative is impact. We, at the Ministry believe an event shouldn’t just entertain; it should also empower. Eko Fiesta achieves this by giving entrepreneurs the space to connect with diverse audiences, improve their visibility, and grow their businesses”.

“By providing entrepreneurs with access to new and varied markets, the event directly strengthens the state’s creative economy and encourages sustainable growth. It’s a form of economic inclusion that brings the marketplace closer to the people”, he said

According to him, every time the Ministry support commerce, we support livelihoods. That’s why initiatives like this matter, they create jobs, foster creativity, and contribute to Lagos’ economic strength. When creativity thrives, the economy follows.

Mr. Aregbe explained that the popular “Detty December” has become a defining part of the Lagos story, as it captures the energy, creativity, and spirit that make the city of Lagos special”.

Dosh & Wales promoter, Damilare Osho

According to him, “the Ministry plays a proactive role in ensuring that events during this festive period celebrate not just entertainment, but also the depth of our cultural identity”.

He praised the name ‘Eko Fiesta’ saying it already embodies the Lagos atmosphere, lively, colourful, and inclusive. It engages local creatives, vendors, and cultural ambassadors, helping them play a visible role in the celebration.

The Eko Fiesta is being packaged by, Dosh and Wales Company, promoted by two Lagosians, Messrs Damilare Osho and Dr. Dr. Wale Oyebanji.

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