By Ayomide Otitoju
Education District VI has held the 2025 edition of its annual Festival of Arts, Culture and Music, a celebration designed to promote cultural heritage and strengthen unity among Lagos State’s diverse communities.
The event brought together students, teachers, cultural leaders and enthusiasts who showcased an array of performances reflecting Nigeria’s rich cultural traditions.
In her address, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of the district, Mrs. Mojisola Christiana Yusuff, stressed the need to preserve indigenous languages, attire, food and values. “Our culture is our identity,” she said. “We must wear our traditional clothes, speak our languages—especially to our children—and keep our way of life alive wherever we are.”
The festival featured vibrant displays, including Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo dances, Ijala recitations, the Apepe dance, rap and hip-hop performances, and a music talent hunt. The presentations highlighted the creativity of students and the capacity of cultural activities to foster social cohesion.
Traditional leaders and dignitaries such as High Chief Alhaji Adebayo Adigun Belewu (Baale of Agbigbo, Idi-Araba), Alhaji Idris Lawal (Seriki of Idi-Araba), represented by Alhaji Abdul Azzez, and Comrade Umeh Peter Chukwudi J.P. (Onyeisi Ndigbo), commended the inclusiveness of the festival and urged continued respect for cultural customs and community leadership.
Guest speaker Mrs. Orebiyi Memunat Olubunmi spoke on the significance of Yoruba culture, describing it as a reflection of life from birth to death. She emphasised the central role of language as both a means of communication and a symbol of identity, rooted in the Yoruba philosophy of Omoluabi.
The event ended with the presentation of awards and gifts to schools that excelled in the various cultural and musical competitions.
