In a vibrant celebration of culture and inclusion, children and persons with disabilities (PWDs) from the Brazilian Campos team stole the spotlight on Sunday during the 2025 Lagos Fanti Carnival procession, dazzling the crowd with their colourful costumes and spirited performances.
The procession, held at the historic Remembrance Arcade on Lagos Island, was part of the annual Lagos Fanti Carnival, one of the city’s oldest and most cherished cultural traditions. The event brought together several communities, including Isale-Eko Woro, Olowogbowo, Okoo-Faji, Lafiaji, Okepopo, Epetedo and Brazilian Campos, in a colourful display of heritage and pride.
Wearing elaborate costumes inspired by Afro-Caribbean culture, participants from Brazilian Campos marched, danced, and wheeled through the carnival grounds. Some rode on horseback, while others twirled joyfully to the beat of traditional drums and samba rhythms. Their participation was more than just entertainment—it was a moving statement on inclusion, resilience, and the unifying power of culture.
The crowd, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, applauded enthusiastically. Many captured the moment on their phones, clearly moved by the energy and spirit of the participants.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stood in appreciation, nodding in approval as the Brazilian Campos group passed the viewing stand. He commended the group’s display, saying it reflected the core values of Lagos—diversity, resilience, and unity.
The Lagos Fanti Carnival, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Brazilian Consulate, has roots that stretch back more than a century. It is deeply linked to the history of Afro-Brazilian returnees known as the Aguda—descendants of enslaved Africans who made their way back from Brazil in the late 1800s and settled in parts of Lagos Island.
These returnees established communities such as Brazilian Campos, Olowogbowo, and Lafiaji, blending European fashion, Catholic celebrations, samba music, and masquerade traditions with local Yoruba customs. The result is a unique cultural heritage that continues to influence the city today.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the carnival not only preserves the history of Lagos but also promotes tourism and unity among the people.
“We are proud to support this rich tradition that brings our people together. This carnival is not just about fun—it is about remembering who we are and where we came from,” she said.
This year’s procession was especially memorable due to the active involvement of children and PWDs. For many observers, it was a powerful reminder that everyone deserves a place in the cultural and social life of the state.
“Our children and our brothers and sisters living with disabilities have shown us that ability comes in many forms,” said one of the organisers from the Brazilian Campos team, Mr. Joseph Martins. “They are not just participating—they are leading. That is something worth celebrating.”
The inclusion of these groups aligns with the Lagos State government’s broader commitment to inclusive governance and social participation. In recent years, the state has launched several initiatives to improve access for persons with disabilities in areas such as education, transportation, and employment.
Each of the communities represented at the Fanti Carnival brought its own flair to the procession. From the traditional white-and-gold attire of Isale-Eko Woro to the colourful masquerade costumes of Lafiaji, the parade was a feast for the eyes and a showcase of Lagos Island’s rich cultural diversity.
Dancers, drummers, stilt-walkers, and performers flooded the streets with excitement, drawing large crowds of spectators.
