Olokun World Festival Set to Become Global Cultural Phenomenon
Speech by Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and Chief Promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), at the press conference heralding the 2025 Olokun World Festival. He welcomes attendees and highlights the significance of the festival in promoting Yoruba culture, tradition, and heritage.
Iba Gani Adams also unveils the festival’s programs, which include a prayer session, fashion show, visit to a motherless babies’ home, beauty pageant, and grand finale. He emphasizes the festival’s economic and spiritual benefits, citing its ability to attract tourists and investors, and urges governments to support cultural initiatives.
The Olokun World Festival is a cultural event that celebrates the richness and diversity of Yoruba heritage. This year’s edition is scheduled to take place from October 21 to 28, 2025, at the Kakanfo Falola Beach in Badagry, Lagos State.
Festival Highlights:
Prayer to Almighty God: A prayer session will be held on October 21, 2025, where Muslims, Christians, and traditional believers will come together to offer prayers for the organization.
Fashion Show: A fashion show will be held on October 22, 2025, to showcase traditional and modern Yoruba attire.
Visit to Motherless Babies’ Home: The festival will also include a visit to a motherless babies’ home on October 23, 2025, to spread joy and support to the children.
Beauty Pageant: A beauty pageant will be held on October 25, 2025, to showcase the beauty and talent of Yoruba women.
Olosa Day: The festival will feature Olosa Day on October 27, 2025, with activities such as a visit to the Oba Akran of Badagry, boat regatta, and a midnight prayer session.
Grand Finale: The grand finale will take place on October 28, 2025, at the Kakanfo-Falola Beach, featuring the spiritual affinity of Arugba Aje-Olokun and prayers for all participants.
Expected Guests:
Executive Governor of Lagos State: The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is expected to attend the grand finale as a special guest of honor.
Traditional Rulers: Over 30 monarchs, including the Akran of Badagry, HRM Oba De-Wheno Aholu, and the Olowu of Owu Kuta, Osun State, HRM Oba Adekunle Makama, are expected to attend the festival.
Government Officials: Government officials, including the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, are expected to attend the festival.
The Olokun World Festival, now in its 23rd year, is a vibrant celebration of Yoruba culture and heritage, showcasing the richness of Nigerian traditions to a global audience. Held annually in Badagry, the festival has garnered attention and endorsement from prominent figures, including the Lagos State Government and traditional rulers like the Akran of Badagry, Oba De-Wheno Aholu Toyi. With its deep spiritual significance and economic benefits, the festival has become a cornerstone event that not only promotes cultural exchange but also highlights the potential for tourism in the region.
Plans are underway to develop a permanent festival site, complete with a world-class hotel and mini-stadium, aimed at catapulting Badagry onto the global tourism map. This ambitious project aligns with broader efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy and promote cultural heritage as a driver of growth.
