Falana, Baywood Ibe, and Joke Silva Call for Cultural Reawakening in Africa (Video)
Last update: June 9, 2026
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What does it really mean to remember Africa's past while preparing for its future? In Lagos, they did not just debate it, they sang it, staged it and said it plainly.
Lagos turned up in full colour for this year's Africa Memorial Day, and the Muson Centre felt more like a living museum than a conference hall.
Organised by the Correct Connect Africa Foundation in partnership with the African Learning Centre (ACLC) and CBI News, the 2026 edition brought together students, cultural advocates and some very familiar faces. Think Joke Silva, human rights lawyer Femi Falana SAN, entertainer Dede Mabiaku, Dele Farotimi, and Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe of Baywood Holdings, alongside Empress Baywood Ibe.
Convener Reverend Father Anthony Alakwe Odion opened the programme by welcoming hundreds of secondary school students from across Lagos, and you could tell from the start this was not going to be speeches alone. There were drums, traditional displays from across Africa's regions, and a real buzz in the room.
Organiser Olufunmi D.C. Olota put it simply: Africa Memorial Day is about honouring the men and women whose sacrifices shaped the continent, not just remembering dates.
The keynote hit hard. Femi Falana took on colonialism directly, arguing that Africans must reclaim their history and tell their own stories, properly and unapologetically.
Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, with Empress Baywood Ibe, followed that by emphasising the need to preserve heritage and fund authentic African narratives. High Chief Enahoro Eta added a reminder to protect indigenous values that still define who we are.
The standout moment? "Bleeding Beauty", a dramatic performance by students from different Lagos schools. It traced Africa's struggles, resilience and enduring beauty, and the applause said it all.
The youth voice was loud too. Chukwuna Anyachima and Olaedo Ironu from British International School spoke passionately about why young people must drive development, not wait for it. And in a lovely twist, Vedant Vasawada, an Indian national studying in Nigeria, told the crowd how much he admires African culture and cuisine, calling Nigeria "a great nation blessed with remarkable people".
A panel moderated by veteran broadcaster Betty Idibia, themed "Africa and the Way Forward", dug into the practical stuff. Panellists Dele Farotimi, Ronke Adeniyi, Aare Lai Labode, Chief Adeshina Doro and Evans Eboigbodin debated solutions to social, economic and governance challenges.
Dede Mabiaku kept the energy up between sessions, urging African youths to embrace creativity, leadership and positive change.
Closing the day, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe called for a new style of leadership across the continent, one with vision enough to unlock Africa's enormous potential.
It ended as it began, with a clear message: preserve the culture, know the history, empower the youth, and act together.
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