In a move set to deepen cultural diplomacy and regional collaboration, the Empire Group has officially announced “Nigeria Day” at the 4th edition of the Festival International des Arts du Bénin (FInAB) 2026, scheduled for February 21, 2026, at Family Beach, Cotonou. The announcement was made at a high-profile press briefing on February 12, 2026, at the iconic Freedom Park, Lagos, with Victory Francis, Project Manager at Empire Events, representing the festival’s President, Ulrich Adjovi.
Themed “Benin-Nigeria: Creativity, Cultural Power, and Regional Unity,” Nigeria Day will bring together Nigerian cultural icons, artistic troupes, VIPs, and representatives from the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou. Amb. Kazeem Balogun, CEO of Kalo Africa Media and official consultant for FInAB, described the initiative as a timely celebration of cross-border collaboration, particularly following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official reopening of the border between Nigeria and Benin for both goods and human movement. Media partner Travelogue was also present at the briefing, represented by CEO Ayo Omotoso.
In his presidential address delivered by Francis, Mr. Adjovi highlighted FInAB’s rapid evolution since its 2023 inception, noting that the festival has hosted over 200,000 visitors, provided a global platform for more than 500 African artists, and generated significant economic value through the innovative Tokp’Art Market. “African art is not merely cultural heritage it is economic power,” Adjovi declared.
Drawing on Benin’s historical artistic legacy from the Kingdom of Dahomey, FInAB integrates history with innovation across seven major creative sectors, including music, cinema, fashion, literature, theater, gastronomy, and craftsmanship. The festival’s mission is to identify, promote, and export African creative genius.
Nigeria Day, according to Adjovi, is more than a celebration. It is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the Benin–Nigeria creative corridor, harmonizing policies for artist mobility, facilitating cross-border trade in cultural goods, and elevating the region as a competitive global creative hub. The Seme border, traditionally seen as a commercial gateway, is now envisioned as a cultural bridge.
Reflecting on FInAB’s growth, each edition has marked a milestone: from cross-cultural foundations in 2023, to fostering multiculturalism in 2024, and consolidating business and digital infrastructure in 2025. The 2026 edition marks a new frontier in structured regional integration.
With a combined youthful population exceeding 230 million, both nations hold immense creative potential. Nigeria Day aims to integrate creative markets, empower young artists through workshops and masterclasses, advocate for improved infrastructure, and build a shared cultural brand with global reach.
“Today, we don’t just celebrate two nations; we celebrate one vision a vision where the Benin-Nigeria axis becomes the world’s most vibrant hub for the arts,” Adjovi concluded.
