Iba Gani Adams, the Aare-Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, has said that the Olokun Festival has brought more spiritual gains to host communities in Badagry, Lagos State, just as the festival has been renamed.
The Chief Promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation disclosed this on Tuesday at the 2024 edition of the festival in Sultan Beach, Badagry.
Iba Adams said: “I am happy to tell you that the ancient town has continued to witness tremendous developments through the blessings of Olokun and Olosa deities.
“The increase in the awareness as well as the popularity of the Olokun Festival within the first two years of its celebration opened several windows of opportunities for us.
“It was the successes recorded with the two years that brought about transformations that we are celebrating today as our testimonies.
“The Lagos State Government now concentrates more in developing Badagry as one of the best locations that attracts both local and foreign investments.”
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Adams said the reason for choosing Badagry as venue for the festival was to feel the impact of the town as a tourism destination.
He added: “The attraction for us is also to explore the tourism potential of the ancient town.
“It may interest you to know that since 2004 that we moved to the Sultan Beach in Badagry, we have organised the festival non-stop every year.
“Every year, we play host to more than 30,000 dignitaries from all over the world.
“The presence of prominent Yoruba traditional rulers from South West, Republic of Benin and cultural enthusiasts from Brazil, Cuba and other countries have been major milestones of OFF.”
The Founder of Oodua People’s Congress commended the Federal Government for the reconstruction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
He said: “Every year, we lend our voices by appealing to the Federal Government to complete the expressway.
“The road is almost completed now and we can feel the luxury as we ply the road to Badagry.
“However, it is very important for us to appreciate this gesture and also appeal to the government to do the needful by completing the expressway as soon as possible.”
Adams said the foundation will build a mini-stadium and hotel of global standard with over 300 rooms for accommodation and luxury in Badagry.
The Royal Father of the day, Oba Adekunle Makama, the Olowu of Owu Kuta in Osun State, urged the Federal Government to partner the foundation to promote tourism in Nigeria.
The traditional ruler urged the foundation to pray for Nigeria so that riches and prosperity will return to the country.
Idowu Johnson, Director, Lagos State Ministry of Arts Culture and Tourism, urged Nigerians to identify with their culture and traditions.
Johnson urged parents to allow their wards to witness the cultural heritage of their land.
In his remarks, Aholu Adamson, the Aholu of Ajidoland, who represented the Akran of Badagry, commended Adams for celebrating the festival in the town.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the festival, which had in attendance traditional rulers from Lagos and Ogun States and Benin Republic, was renamed Olokun World Festival.
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