President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attends the grand finale of the 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos, marking a historic return of the iconic cultural event after eight years. Dressed in traditional white attire and carrying the symbolic staff, the President joins thousands of revellers at Tafawa Balewa Square to celebrate Lagos’ rich heritage and identity.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the week-long festival begins with the presentation of the Eyo staff to the President at his Lagos residence on December 21, setting the tone for a colourful celebration rooted in history, unity, and peace. The 2025 edition stands out for honouring four notable Lagos personalities, reflecting the state’s evolving approach to recognising public service and leadership.
The Eyo Festival, which dates back to 1854, showcases the deep cultural roots of Lagos through music, dance, chants, and the procession of various Eyo groups representing prominent Yoruba families. This year’s honourees include the first military administrator of Lagos State, Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian governor, Lateef Kayode Jakande; former governor Sir Michael Otedola; and Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, a respected former Iyaloja and mother of the President.
In a message to organisers, President Tinubu describes the Eyo Festival as a powerful revival of culture and a celebration of distinguished Nigerians whose leadership helps shape Lagos into a globally recognised city. He notes that the festival goes beyond pageantry, serving as a reminder of shared values, history, and communal strength.
As reported by Mediaplusng.com, the President highlights the festival’s growing tourism value, especially as it coincides with the popular “Detty December” season that attracts Nigerians in the diaspora and foreign visitors. He says cultural events like Eyo can drive destination promotion, economic activity, and global visibility for Lagos and Nigeria at large.
President Tinubu urges participants to celebrate peacefully and prioritise safety, stressing that culture must always unite rather than divide. He adds that preserving traditions is key to building national pride and strengthening Nigeria’s identity on the global stage.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu describes the occasion as both historic and symbolic, calling it a homecoming for the President. He says the presence of the President at the festival reflects continuity, respect for tradition, and the enduring bond between leadership and culture in Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commends the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and other traditional institutions for their role in reviving the festival after years of absence. He describes the Eyo Festival as a living archive of Yoruba heritage and a symbol of purity, resilience, and unity among Lagosians.
The governor assures residents that his administration remains committed to advancing infrastructure, economic growth, and social development while preserving cultural values. He says Lagos will continue to maximise the tourism and creative economy potential of festivals like Eyo to project the state internationally.
The event draws top government officials, diplomats, and political leaders, including governors, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and senior federal and state officials. Cultural performances, traditional music, and prayers for the President and the nation round off the celebration.
With the successful return of the Eyo Festival, Lagos once again affirms its position as Nigeria’s cultural heartbeat, blending history, leadership, and tourism into a powerful statement of identity and continuity.
