The 13th edition of the Eledumare Festival kicks off with diverse activities aimed at boosting tourism and celebrating God’s blessings on Nigeria

The Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has announced that the 13th edition of the Eledumare Festival will focus on appreciating God’s blessings on Nigeria and its citizens while promoting tourism in local communities and across the country.

The festival, which kicked off on Sunday, is set to run for 21 days, concluding on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

During the flag-off of the festival, Adams outlined the wide array of events planned to take place, including media briefings, prayers, sporting competitions, and visits to social institutions such as schools for the blind and motherless babies’ homes.

Other exciting activities will feature a taekwondo competition, table tennis tournament, Ayo Olopon game, a fashion show, and more.

As the Chief Promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), Adams expressed that cultural and traditional events, such as the Eledumare Festival, are important ways to honour God, beyond religious observances.

He highlighted that the festival will not only give thanks to God but also create economic and commercial opportunities for host communities, Lagos State, and Nigeria as a whole.

“This festival is about acknowledging what God has done for us and showing that cultural activities can be a form of worship,” Adams said. “We believe this festival will help boost tourism, bringing benefits to the local and state economy while highlighting the vibrant culture of our people.”

Adams further emphasized the resilience of the festival, noting that despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Eledumare Festival has been successfully held for the past 13 years.

Looking ahead, he revealed that the Olokun Festival Foundation is working on expanding cultural festivals internationally. Plans are already in place to hold an Olokun Festival in Brazil in May 2025, with similar events expected in Senegal and the Republic of Benin later this year.

“Olokun Festival Foundation is committed to promoting cultural festivals beyond Nigeria’s borders,” Adams added. “We are excited about the festivals we are planning in Brazil, Senegal, and Benin, and we are confident that in the near future, we will see Olokun Festivals in several countries around the world.”

The Eledumare Festival 2025 will feature an array of activities, such as Children’s Day celebrations in Epe, Ibeju, Lekki, and Eredo Local Government Areas of Lagos State, a football competition in Agege, beach soccer in Badagry on Sunday, April 13, 2025, and a Yoruba quiz competition in Ogun East Senatorial District, Ijebu Axis (Ogun State), scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

The grand finale of the festival will take place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, marking the culmination of the month-long celebration.

Kolawole Raheem, Chairman of the Planning Committee for the festival, expressed confidence that this year’s edition will be the best-organised one yet.

He praised the host communities for their dedication to the festival’s success, stating that careful planning and community involvement will ensure a remarkable celebration.

“This year’s edition will be the most organized Eledumare Festival in history,” Raheem said. “The commitment and preparation by the host communities are second to none, and we are poised to deliver an unforgettable festival.”

With its diverse programmes and its focus on culture, tradition, and tourism, the 13th Eledumare Festival is set to be a landmark event that not only honours Nigeria’s heritage but also contributes to its economic growth and global cultural presence.