Eyo festival: Nigeria’s rich culture, traditions hold great tourism potential – Tinubu

…as festival honours four distinguished Lagosians

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday urged Nigerians to explore the nation’s rich culture and traditions to strengthen tourism.

Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Spokesman, said in a statement that President Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s “cultural assets can serve as valuable resources for destination promotion.”

The President, speaking at the 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos, noted that the timing of the festival, which coincides with Detty December, could be a huge advantage for tourism, as it is a period when Lagos welcomes thousands of Nigerians in the diaspora and foreign visitors.

According to him, this serves as a reminder that Nigeria’s culture and traditions hold immense tourism potential.

Read also: FG pledges investment in creative economy, tourism to drive Africa’s development

“The glamour of white-robed figures parading our streets in celebration of distinguished Lagosians sends a resounding message about our identity and our country,” he said.

President Tinubu encouraged all revellers to celebrate peacefully and ensure the safety of all participants.

The President attended the grand finale of the week-long 2025 Eyo Festival dressed in a white robe, a damask sash slung over his shoulder, and a distinctive hat emblazoned with bold decorative stars. Like other revellers, he also carried a long staff known as an opambata.

The colourful event, held at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, began with the traditional homage and presentation of the festival staff to the President at his Lagos residence on Sunday, December 21.

The Eyo Festival, which dates back to 1854, was held this year for the first time in eight years.

Onanuga said the 2025 edition honoured four distinguished Lagos personalities, a departure from the usual practice of celebrating one or three individuals.

“The honourees are the first military administrator of Lagos State, Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande; a former civilian governor, Sir Michael Otedola; and a former Iyaloja and mother of the current President, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji.”

The carnival showcased the deep cultural history and heritage of Lagos, with various Yoruba families participating in colourful regalia, dance, unity and peace.

President Tinubu described the carnival as “a great rekindling of our culture.”

According to him, “The Eyo Festival is a vibrant expression of the rich traditions of Lagos. It celebrates the achievements, outstanding contributions and exemplary lives of distinguished Nigerians, not only eminent Lagosians.”

He added that all the honourees deserved the recognition.

“They were leaders and builders whose visionary leadership, influence and diligence in public service helped nurture Lagos State to both national and international prominence,” he said.

In his welcome address, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State described the event as historic, not only for the President but also as a homecoming.

“What we are celebrating here today is the first of its kind. As our son and our father, we are seated with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to witness a historic celebration of the cultural heritage of Lagos.

“Mr President, this is not just a coincidence; it is history being made in your lifetime.

“We honour you, give God the glory for your life, and we are excited that God Almighty has brought you and your people together to celebrate the best of the cultural heritage of Lagos,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended traditional institutions under the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for their exemplary leadership in reviving the festival.

Read also: Lagos future economy is Ocean-powered, says Sanwo-Olu

“Today, we gather on this historic ground at Tafawa Balewa Square, wrapped in the timeless majesty of the Eyo Festival, the sacred Adamu Orisha Play.

“After an eight-year interval, this revered tradition returns to Lagos in full splendour, standing as a powerful affirmation of our identity, our resilience and our unbroken connection to our history.

“The Eyo Festival is far more than pageantry. It is a living archive of our Yoruba heritage and a symbol of unity, purity and the communal strength of Lagos,” the governor said.

He assured that his administration would continue to advance the state’s socio-economic development without abandoning its cultural roots, adding that the government would maximise the festival’s potential to project Lagos onto the global stage.

Dignitaries at the celebration included Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State; Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance; Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; members of the diplomatic corps; and senior officials of the federal and Lagos State governments, among others.

The event featured cultural performances, traditional dances, indigenous music and chants, as well as a procession of Eyo groups, and concluded with special prayers for the President and the country.