Victoria Island Carnival to Tell Story of Community Beyond Its Modern Skyline

Kehinde Adeleye

Victoria Island’s cultural heritage will take centre stage as the inaugural Victoria Island Carnival holds from September 14 to 20, with organisers seeking to reconnect the fast developing Lagos district with the history and traditions of the communities that shaped it.

The weeklong carnival, themed “Eko’s Jewel: A Legacy Rich in Colour,” will feature music, dance, fashion, art and other forms of cultural expression before ending with a grand parade on September 20.

Founder and convener of the carnival, Abiodun Ayorinde, said the event was conceived to tell the story of Victoria Island beyond its present image as one of Lagos’ major commercial and residential centres.

Speaking at a press conference, Ayorinde said the idea followed more than 2 years of research and discussions with people connected to the island’s history and development.

He said the research revealed a side of Victoria Island that many residents and visitors may not be familiar with, particularly its traditional communities, history and cultural practices before the area evolved into a cosmopolitan district.

“Many of us don’t know the traditional aspects of Victoria Island,” Ayorinde said, stressing the need to preserve the community’s heritage and bring greater attention to its history.

According to him, the carnival is designed to create a platform where residents, especially younger people, can learn about the history of the community while experiencing its cultural identity through entertainment and creative expression.

The programme will bring together musicians, dancers, artists, performers and cultural groups, with activities reflecting different aspects of Lagos’ cultural heritage.

Ayorinde said the initiative was particularly important as Victoria Island continues to be identified largely with its modern skyline, corporate offices, businesses, restaurants and entertainment centres.

The carnival will culminate in a grand parade on September 20, featuring colourful costumes, music, dance and cultural performances.

Organisers said the parade would provide an opportunity to celebrate the community’s present while remembering the people, traditions and history that existed before Victoria Island became the cosmopolitan district it is today.