LAGOS STATE, PROVIDUS BANK PARTNER TO SHOWCASE AFRICA AT GLOBAL CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN THE U.S


The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with Providus Bank, has announced its strategic partnership with the Africa Cultural Festival (ACF2025), a landmark international event set to take place from September 19–21, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States.

Billed as one of the largest celebrations of African creativity in the diaspora, the three-day festival will spotlight the continent’s cultural wealth through music, fashion, food, art, film, dance, literature, technology, and storytelling. With Lagos State as Official Partner and Providus Bank as Official Banker, ACF2025 will serve as a platform for tourism promotion, diaspora engagement, and economic collaboration.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Hon. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture to the Lagos State Governor, said Lagos’ participation underscores the city’s position as Africa’s cultural heartbeat:
> “Africa Cultural Festival is more than an event—it is a festival of connectivity. Lagos will proudly showcase our culture, fashion, cuisine, and artistry to the world. This partnership reaffirms Lagos as Africa’s global hub of creativity and resilience.”



Providus Bank will play a critical role through its Diaspora Banking initiative, designed to connect Africans abroad with opportunities at home. According to Ms. Oluwatoyin Adepoju, Head of Diaspora Banking at Providus Bank:

> “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 ties between Nigeria’s creative sector and the diaspora.”


Highlights of the festival will include African Steeze, a fashion showcase of authentic African styles; Rhythms of Africa, a high-energy concert headlined by legendary artist 2Baba; a cultural marketplace; and diaspora-focused engagements such as the African Diaspora Summit and the NextGen Connect Youth Forum.

Earlier this year, ACF2025 was officially unveiled at the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg, where Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and celebrated artist Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye were honored by the Pennsylvania State Legislature. Festival Director Foluke Michael described the event as:

With over 10,000 international media coverage, and the backing of the Government of Pennsylvania through the Dauphin County Commissioners, ACF2025 promises to strengthen Africa’s global cultural presence while positioning Lagos and Nigeria as leading destinations for cultural tourism and investment.

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