Organisers of the 2025 Eko Fiesta say the three-day event is designed to promote local businesses, empower young entrepreneurs and strengthen Lagos State’s position as a leading tourism and cultural destination.
Speaking at a news conference in Lagos, Mr Damilare Osho, a partner at Dosh and Wales Company, organisers of the fiesta, said the free event would hold from December 22 to 24, creating a platform where culture, commerce and entertainment intersect.
Osho explained that Eko Fiesta is structured to give small-scale entrepreneurs direct access to consumers from different backgrounds, helping to improve visibility, sales and business growth.
“The Eko Fiesta is a vision to create an inclusive hub where celebration meets commerce, reflecting the spirit of Lagos while supporting local talent and enterprise,” he said.
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According to him, the initiative was inspired by the difficulty many visitors and Nigerians in the diaspora face during the festive season in finding a single space that combines culture, shopping and networking.
“While Lagos in December is filled with concerts and parties, there has been a gap for something that blends celebration with purpose. Eko Fiesta is meant to bridge that gap,” Osho added.
He noted that the event would also serve as an economic exhibition aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and positioning Lagos as a hub for tourism, arts, culture and entertainment-related businesses in Africa.
The fiesta is expected to showcase young creatives, support mentorship and networking, and provide a platform for engagement among youths, SMEs, the diaspora and development-focused institutions.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Governor’s Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, said the state government remains committed to youth empowerment through culture-driven initiatives.
“Events like Eko Fiesta create opportunities for young people in entertainment, creative arts and culture-based enterprises,” Aregbe said, assuring of the government’s continued support for the initiative.
On the private sector’s role, Mrs Ayodele Olojede, Divisional Head, Retail and SMEs at Wema Bank Plc, said the bank’s sponsorship reflects its strong commitment to SME and youth development.
She said the bank would be present throughout the event to support existing customers and onboard new ones, particularly in addressing business and financial needs.
A fashion entrepreneur, Miss Tosky Opeifa, also expressed excitement about participating, noting that she would showcase Nigerian craftsmanship by blending local fabrics with European-inspired designs.
