Lagos State and the Akran of Badagry endorse the Olokun World Festival, celebrating its cultural impact with over 50,000 participants.
The Lagos State Government, alongside the Akran of Badagry, Oba De-Wheno Aholu Toyi I, and prominent diaspora organisations, has officially endorsed the Olokun World Festival as a key cultural event in the state.
The endorsement was made at the grand finale of the 2024 Olokun Festival, held in Badagry, which saw over 50,000 participants and 50 traditional monarchs from across the Southwest and the Republic of Benin.
Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, expressed the state’s support for the festival, which has been sustained for 22 years by the Oodua Festival Foundation.
Speaking at the event, Benson-Awoyinka, represented by Mr Idowu Johnson, CEO of the Council for Arts and Culture, emphasised the state’s commitment to elevating the Olokun Festival to a global cultural platform.
The festival has become a crucial part of Lagos’ cultural landscape, drawing attention from local and international audiences.
“Our endorsement of the Olokun Festival as the Olokun World Festival is part of Lagos State’s efforts to promote culture and tradition,” said Benson-Awoyinka.
She compared its significance to the Osun Osogbo Festival, which is recognised by UNESCO, and praised the festival’s consistent promotion of Yoruba culture.
The Akran of Badagry, Oba Aholu Toyi, also commended the efforts of the Yoruba generalissimo, Iba Gani Adams, for his role in transforming the Olokun Festival into a global event.
He pledged that Badagry and Yoruba monarchs would continue to support initiatives that promote the progress of Yoruba culture.
Iba Gani Adams, in his remarks, highlighted the spiritual and economic benefits of the festival over the years. He shared plans to establish a permanent site near the beach in Badagry, inspired by the Papaya Beach tourist site in Thailand.
Adams also reiterated his call for the completion of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, which he described as crucial for enhancing Badagry’s tourism potential.
Adams concluded by revealing plans for a world-class hotel, mini-stadium, and other tourism-related infrastructure in Badagry. These projects aim to elevate the festival’s status globally and further develop the cultural and economic landscape of the region.
The Olokun World Festival has evolved into a major platform for cultural exchange, attracting traditional rulers, dignitaries, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.
With its growing significance, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of culture to unite communities and promote tourism.
Culture4 years ago
