Lagos State Government pledges continued support for the Olókun World Festival 2025, celebrating Yoruba heritage and promoting cultural tourism
The Lagos State Government has expressed strong support for the 2025 Olókun World Festival, reaffirming its dedication to celebrating Yoruba heritage, spirituality, and cultural unity.
Held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the festival also marked the unveiling of Kakanfo Fálọlá Beachside, a new cultural and tourism hub located along the Badagry Expressway near the Seme Border.
The landmark celebration drew over 100,000 participants, including traditional leaders, cultural enthusiasts, and visitors from Nigeria and the diaspora.
Representing the state government, Mr. Idowu Johnson, CEO of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, reaffirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to preserving indigenous traditions.
“Culture is our soul, while heritage is our compass,” Johnson said. “In Lagos, culture is not a relic of the past but a living force that fosters unity, strengthens identity, and drives innovation.”
He stressed that Lagos continues to champion the protection of cultural identity and values, aligning with the administration’s broader tourism and heritage agenda.
Also speaking, Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, explained that relocating the festival to the new beachside venue was a strategic move to provide a scenic and expansive setting for rituals, performances, and exhibitions.
He further announced the upcoming Olókun Beach Resort, a project designed to boost cultural tourism and position Lagos as a leading destination for African heritage experiences.
“Culture drives tourism,” Adams said. “Through projects like this, we can transform our heritage into a source of economic and social growth.”
The Olókun Beach Resort will feature world-class facilities for worshippers, cultural enthusiasts, and international visitors, serving as a year-round hub for celebration, reflection, and cultural exchange.
The event was graced by dignitaries including Oba De-Wheno Aholu Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry, alongside more than 30 traditional rulers and cultural custodians from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
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