Chief Gani Adams, the Aare-Onakakanfo of Yorubaland and Chief Promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), has credited the Olokun Festival for bringing great spiritual and economic benefits to host communities in Badagry.
Speaking during the 2024 edition of the festival held at Sultan Beach, Badagry, on Tuesday, Adams noted the developmental strides the ancient town has witnessed due to the festival’s growth.
“I am happy to tell you that the ancient town has continued to witness tremendous developments through the blessings of Olokun and Olosa deities,” Adams said.
He stressed that the festival’s popularity and awareness in its initial two years laid the foundation for the ongoing transformations, which have opened windows of opportunities and attracted local and foreign investments to Badagry.
Adams praised the Lagos State Government for focusing on the development of Badagry, noting its emergence as a prime location for investment.
He also stated that the decision to host the festival in Badagry was to tap into the town’s tourism potential, which has attracted more than 30,000 dignitaries annually, including Yoruba traditional rulers, and cultural enthusiasts from Brazil, Cuba, and Benin Republic.
The Aare-Onakakanfo commended the Federal Government for the ongoing reconstruction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, a long-standing plea of the festival organizers.
He expressed optimism that the road’s completion would further boost the town’s tourism appeal.
Adams also unveiled future plans for the festival, which include the construction of a mini-stadium and a 300-room luxury hotel in Badagry to enhance accommodation and hospitality options for festival-goers.
Speaking at the event, Oba Adekunle Makama, the Olowu of Owu Kuta, urged the federal government to partner with the Olokun Festival Foundation to promote tourism, stressing the need for national prayers to restore Nigeria’s prosperity.
Mr. Idowu Johnson, Director of the Lagos State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, encouraged Nigerians to embrace their cultural heritage and urged parents to expose their children to such festivals.
The 2024 edition of the festival, now renamed the Olokun World Festival, was graced by traditional rulers from Lagos, Ogun, and Benin Republic.
Source: PM NEWS
