President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria’s rich culture and traditions, exemplified by the Eyo Festival, hold immense potential for tourism development and global destination promotion.

The president made the remarks on Saturday at the Grand Finale of the week-long 2025 Eyo Festival held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

“It is a reminder that our culture and traditions hold great tourism potential,” Tinubu said.

“Indeed, our cultural assets can serve as valuable resources for destination promotion.”

He added that the sight of white-robed Eyo masquerades parading the streets of Lagos sends a powerful message about Nigeria’s identity and cultural depth.

Tinubu attended the event dressed in traditional white attire, adorned with a damask sash, a star-studded hat, and carrying the ceremonial opambata staff.

The colourful Eyo celebration began earlier with a procession that paid homage to the President at his Lagos residence on Sunday, December 21, ahead of the grand finale.

Dating back to 1854, the Eyo Festival was held this year for the first time in eight years, marking a significant cultural revival.

The 2025 edition honoured four eminent Lagos personalities: former Military Administrator Mobolaji Johnson; former civilian governor Lateef Jakande; former governor Michael Otedola; and Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji.

Describing the festival as “a great rekindling of our culture,” Tinubu said the Eyo Festival remains a vibrant expression of Lagos’ traditions and a platform for celebrating exemplary lives and outstanding national contributions.

The president noted that the festival coincided with “Detty December,” a period when Lagos attracts Nigerians in the diaspora and international visitors, further strengthening its tourism appeal.

He urged participants to celebrate responsibly and ensure the safety of all revellers.

In his welcome address, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the occasion as historic, calling it a cultural homecoming for the President.

“As our son and father, we are seated with the President to witness a defining moment in Lagos’ cultural history,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He commended traditional institutions under the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for revitalising the Eyo Festival and pledged continued government support for cultural preservation alongside socio-economic development.

Dignitaries at the event included Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, diplomats, and senior government officials.

The festival featured colourful cultural displays, traditional dances, indigenous music, and a grand procession of Eyo groups, concluding with prayers for the President and the nation.

Visit GMTNewsng for more news.

December 24, 2025

The Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has donated N19 million to members of the Enugu Rangers team that won the 1977 African Cup of Champions, nearly five decades after their historic triumph.

The President-General of Ohanaeze, Sen. John Azuta-Mbata, announced the donation on Tuesday during the Imeobi meeting held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, while presenting his one-year stewardship report.

Azuta-Mbata said the financial reward was meant to compensate for the unfulfilled N25,000 pledged to each player by the Federal Government 48 years ago.

According to him, the gesture reaffirmed Ohanaeze’s commitment to sports as a vehicle for unity, empowerment and cultural pride.

“Rangers symbolised Igbo resurgence after the Civil War, when everything had collapsed. Their victories reflected the never-say-die spirit of the Igbo people. When promised rewards were not redeemed, Ohanaeze chose to intervene,” he said.

Beyond sports recognition, Azuta-Mbata disclosed that Ohanaeze had committed N35 million as take-off grants for professorial chairs in Igbo language, history and culture.

He said seven professorial chairs, one in each Ohanaeze state, had already been endowed, with applications from qualified professors currently under review.

“This is a strategic investment in cultural preservation, intellectual renewal and safeguarding Igbo identity through research and scholarship,” he added.

The Ohanaeze leader also revealed that construction work on the new Ohanaeze headquarters in Enugu was nearing completion.

He explained that the complex would serve as the organisation’s administrative hub and house a museum dedicated to Igbo music, art and cultural heritage.

Azuta-Mbata further announced that Alaigbo Investment Company and the Ndigbo Development Foundation would receive N50 million take-off grants before the end of 2025.

Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Pat Utomi urged Igbos to clearly define their place in Nigeria, stressing the importance of rule of law and property rights for national stability.

Former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, called for greater Igbo unity and coordinated advocacy to protect collective interests.

The meeting was attended by prominent Igbo leaders, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.

Visit GMTNewsng for more news.

▪️By Mary Young

The Lead Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus House DC, Washington, USA, Pastor Ghandi Olaoye, has resigned from his position in view of his imminent emergence as the next Soun of Ogbomosho, a first-class traditional ruler in Oyo State.

A reliable source close to Pastor Olaoye, told an online news medium on Friday afternoon, “He confirmed it yesterday, and he has relinquished his position as the lead pastor”.

Ghandi Olaoye

Pastor Olaoye is one of those vying for the position of the Soun after the seat became vacant upon Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewunmi’s death in 2021.

Fondly called “Pastor G”, Pastor Ghandi Olaoye is reputed for his leadership and relationship management skills. He was born and raised in Nigeria. He has a degree in English Language and a Master’s in Industrial and Labor Relations.

He was a successful entrepreneur before the call of God came upon his life to become a Pastor. He has been Pastoring since 1992.

He pastored 3 RCCG Churches in Nigeria and one in Bonn, Germany before moving to the United States.

Ghandi Olaoye and wife

Pastor Ghandi who is particularly close to Pastor Yemi Osinbajo, the Nigerian Vice President is passionate about helping others develop to their fullest potential. His experience travelling and speaking internationally has shaped his commitment to showcasing a ministry where people of all racial and ethnic groups worship God in a loving and caring atmosphere.

He is currently the coordinator in charge of the Convention and Special Projects for RCCG, North America.

He is happily married to Pastor Omo who also played a key role in running the affairs of the Church.