Lagos Government, Philippine Consulate Celebrate 127th Philippine Independence Day with Cultural and Economic Collaboration

Lagos Government, Philippine Consulate Celebrate 127th Philippine Independence Day with Cultural and Economic Collaboration

Lagos, Nigeria – June 24, 2025

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, joined the Philippine Consulate and the Filipino Association in Lagos (FAL) to mark the 127th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of the Philippines with a vibrant cultural celebration held on Sunday at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki.

Representing the Lagos State Government, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, lauded the event as a testament to the power of culture in uniting people and fostering mutual understanding. She highlighted the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to partnerships that promote cultural exchange and boost tourism as a driver of economic development.

"Culture remains a vital source of identity and pride, transcending geographic boundaries. Celebrations like this help build bridges across communities and nations," Benson-Awoyinka said.

The event also served as a platform for deeper international cooperation, as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of the Philippines in Lagos, Hon. Emmanuel Akpakwu, MFR, used the occasion to announce a major industrial initiative. He revealed that Francisco Motors, a leading Filipino automotive company, would soon establish an Electric Vehicle (EV) assembly plant and charging station infrastructure in Nigeria.

“This is not just a celebration; it’s a strategic step toward economic and cultural partnerships,” Akpakwu said. “We are opening the door for bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the Philippines in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, modular housing, digital services, green energy, and education.”

He extended an invitation to ministries, investors, and entrepreneurs to collaborate with the Philippine Consulate in Lagos, emphasizing that "Manila and Lagos will rise together."

The Consul expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its support and participation in commemorating the 127th Independence Day of the Philippines, describing the collaboration as a promising beginning of a shared journey in culture and development.

The event featured rich cultural displays and served as a symbol of unity, diplomacy, and forward-looking economic ties between both countries.