Festivals

Lagos celebrates world theatre day

Published

3 years ago

March 29, 2024

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has said it will continue to create more awareness on the creativity of its people.

Speaking on Wednesday evening during the celebration of the 2024 World Theatre Day, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, said that Lagos would intensify effort in ensuring that more attention was given to arts, theatre and culture in the state.

The day was celebrated with energetic display of various theatrical performances, dances and music, by students in commemoration of the 2024 World Theatre Day.

The theme for this year’s commemoration of the Day is ‘Theatre and Culture of Peace.’

Idris added that he was delighted that the younger generation of artistes were carried along in the development of arts and culture.

“Lagos tourism is rising; we will continue to do our best. Our government is interested in tourism and arts of our people.

“We need to do more, increase the conversation to let the world know that Lagos has a lot to offer in the theatre industry. We are intensifying the scope, that is why we have different stakeholders here.”

Renowned actress, Mrs Taiwo Ajai-lycet, emphasised that “The entertaiment industry is the lifeline of Nigeria, this is where the future of Nigeria is. If you focus on the creative industry in Nigeria you cannot fail. You focus on the people when you focus on the entertainment.”

She also encouraged the government to partner more with entertainers, especially at events such as this.

She said, “How well have they thought about this. Politicians should do more by supporting arts. They should do more and incorporate entertainers in all this.”

The event held at Alliance Française in Ikoyi, featured performances cutting across different ethnic groups represented in the state.

The Saxophone Hub, a troupe of dancers, presented instrumental performance of late Victor Uwaifor’s “Joromi”, late Victor Olaiya’s “Omo Pupa” and Simi’s “Duduke”.

Also, Segun Afefila’s Crown Troupe of Africa rendered a play sensitising Nigerians on the need to contribute their quota in to the development of the country.

The Lagos State Troupe showcased a playlet entitled ‘Oshodi,’ highlighting Oshodi as a place of movement, prosperity and adversity.

Also, Chairman, Lagos State House Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Solomon Bonu, assured all stakeholders of his full commitment to developing the industry.

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Culture

OLOJO….Ile Ife’s September Gift To Culture

Published

1 day ago

October 5, 2026

Mariam Balogun

By Halima Adaba,

It was a featubal if the people. It was for the anciebt town of Ile Ife, which the Yoruba race refards as the Source.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

And ut was a festivsl for the King, Arole Oduduwa, Oonirisa, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

And so between September 24 and 28th 2026, the annual featuval dazzjed in all its white glory.

Tge Monarch paid the traditional ancestral homage and offered propitiation as part of the sacred rites of the Olojo Festival.
It was a powerful expression of Yoruba heritage, spirituality, and enduring tradition.

Call it a collection of beautiful moments, faces, colours and cultural expressions.

Every frame tells a story.

Every face carries the energy.

Every moment keeps the heritage alive.

Undoubtedly one of the most sacred cultural celebrations in Ilé-Ifẹ̀. It marked a day associated with creation, thanksgiving, ancestral heritage, and the sacred appearance of the Ooni of Ife wearing the revered Aàrẹ crown.

There were also the devotees of the famed god of thunder – Sàngó who were hardly conspicuous at the festival.

Many other traditional groups came out with candor, showing a powerful expression of Yoruba cultural identity, spiritual devotion, and respect for the ancient traditions of Ilé-Ifẹ̀.

Devotees of Sàngó bekieved the ‘appearance’ of the god of thunder on Seotember 26th could be understood as a symbolic meeting of ancestral heritage, spiritual devotion, and the celebration of creation.

It was a moment when the sounds of drums, chants, and traditional praise poetry brought the history of the Yoruba people to life.

Although Olojo is closely associated with Ogun, the god of iron, and the sacred traditions of Ile-Ife, the presence of Sàngó devotees reflected the rich diversity of Yoruba spiritual heritage.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

As a participant enthused at the festival, “To witness Sàngó Olúkòso emerge on Olojo Festival day is to witness a living expression of history, identity, and ancestral pride.”