President Bola Tinubu has described the Eyo Festival as a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s cultural richness and tourism potential, saying Lagos continues to project national heritage globally
Tinubu Hails Eyo Festival as Symbol of Nigeria’s Cultural Power, Tourism Potential
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday attended the 2025 Adamu Orisha Play Eyo Festival, declaring that Lagos continues to accentuate the richness, depth and global relevance of Nigeria’s cultural heritage through the iconic celebration.
The President said the Eyo Festival remains a powerful reminder that culture and tradition are critical drivers of tourism development, national identity and economic growth.
The event, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos Island, attracted an array of dignitaries, including Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma; Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa; and the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu.
Also in attendance were captains of industry, former and serving public office holders, traditional and political leaders, as well as thousands of Nigerians from the diaspora and foreign visitors, further underscoring the festival’s growing international appeal.
In his special address, President Tinubu said the iconic procession of white-robed Eyo masquerades sends a powerful message about Lagos’ identity, cultural pride and historical continuity.
“It is heartwarming to witness the 2025 Eyo Festival being held in honour of our late distinguished leaders — Brigadier-General Mobolaji Olufunsho Johnson (rtd), Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, Chief Michael Agbolade Otedola — as well as my beloved mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the Iyaloja General of Nigeria and a revered women’s leader,” the President said.
He described the festival as more than a celebration, noting that it reflects the beliefs, values and enduring traditions of the people of Lagos and, by extension, Nigeria.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
President Tinubu highlighted the strategic importance of the festival’s timing, coinciding with ‘Detty December’, when Lagos witnesses an influx of diaspora Nigerians and international tourists.
“It is a reminder that our culture and traditions hold immense tourism potential. Indeed, our cultural assets can serve as valuable resources for destination promotion,” he said.
He commended the Lagos State Government, traditional institutions and organising bodies for sustaining the festival, while expressing gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Hamzat and members of the State Executive Council for honouring the families of the late leaders.
The President also expressed special appreciation for the honour bestowed on his late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji.
Earlier, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the Eyo Festival as a unique cultural symbol and enduring affirmation of Lagos’ identity, resilience and unbroken connection to 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 communal strength,” the governor said.
He noted that the return of the festival after eight years reasserts Lagos as the custodian of Nigeria’s living culture, where tradition is preserved and elevated rather than abandoned.
Sanwo-Olu added that beyond its cultural significance, the festival boosts tourism, stimulates economic activity and projects Lagos onto the global stage.
The governor said the 2025 edition holds deep significance as it honours four eminent figures whose lives profoundly shaped Lagos and Nigeria.
He paid glowing tribute to Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, describing her as a symbol of the strength, enterprise and leadership of Lagos women.
“As a market leader, activist, philanthropist and political pathfinder, Mama Mogaji embodied courage, discipline and service — virtues she passed on to our revered leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Sanwo-Olu said.
In his royal remarks, the Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu, described the Eyo Festival as a meditation on leadership, legacy and communal responsibility, stressing that honouring leadership is inseparable from preserving shared values.
Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat added that the festival’s symmetry, pageantry and cultural depth reflect the very essence of Lagos.
“The Eyo Festival is a beautiful blend of character and culture which defines the soul of Lagos,” Hamzat said. Read More
