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.
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