By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday attended the 2025 Adamu Orisha Play Eyo Festival in Lagos, describing the event as a celebration that accentuates the richness of Nigerian culture and highlights its vast potential for tourism development.
The festival, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, attracted a wide array of dignitaries, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Riliwanu Akiolu; captains of industry, traditional rulers, political leaders, and thousands of Nigerians from the diaspora and foreign visitors.
Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu said the iconic procession of white-robed Eyo masquerades reinforces Lagos’ cultural identity and pride, while projecting the city’s traditions to a global audience. He noted that the Eyo Festival, one of Lagos’ most symbolic cultural events, reflects the depth of the state’s heritage and underscores the importance of culture as a driver of tourism.
The President said the 2025 edition of the festival was particularly significant as it was held in honour of late eminent Nigerians, including Brigadier-General Mobolaji Olufunsho Johnson (rtd), Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, Chief Michael Agbolade Otedola, and his late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the Iyaloja General of Nigeria.
According to him, the timing of the festival, coinciding with the “Detty December” season, further demonstrates how cultural assets can serve as powerful tools for destination promotion, as Lagos continues to attract visitors from across the world.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu, his deputy and members of the State Executive Council for the honour accorded the families of the honourees, while congratulating the people and government of Lagos State, traditional institutions, and the Oba of Lagos on the successful hosting of the festival.
In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the Eyo Festival as a living archive of Yoruba heritage and a powerful symbol of Lagos’ identity, resilience and enduring connection to history. He said the festival’s return after eight years reaffirms Lagos’ role as a custodian of Nigeria’s living culture, while also strengthening tourism, stimulating economic activity and creating opportunities.
The governor noted that this year’s festival was of special importance as it collectively honoured four individuals whose lives and legacies shaped the development of Lagos and Nigeria. He paid special tribute to Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, describing her as an enduring symbol of the strength, enterprise and leadership of Lagos women.
Also speaking, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat described the Eyo Festival as a unique blend of culture and character that defines the essence of Lagos, while Oba Akiolu said the festival serves as a reflection on leadership, legacy and communal responsibility, reinforcing the bond between leaders and the people and the need to preserve shared values.
