Gani Adams to FG: Harness cultural festivals for tourism revenue

By Henry Obetta

LAGOS—THE Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged the Federal Government to harness Nigeria’s cultural festivals as tourism assets capable of generating significant revenue.

Adams, who is the promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation, made the call during a press conference to usher in the 2026 edition of the annual Eledumare Festival.

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, who was represented by the Chairman of the 2026 Eledumare Festival Organising Committee, Mr Kolawole Raheem, said festivals such as the Eledumare celebration could grow into internationally recognised cultural events comparable to major global festivals if properly supported.

He added that the festival is dedicated to celebrating God Almighty while promoting Yoruba cultural heritage and traditions.

Adams noted that tourism contributes only about 3.6 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, stressing that the sector remains an underutilised source of national income.

According to him, strategic promotion of cultural festivals and improved tourism infrastructure could attract international visitors and boost domestic tourism.

He expressed optimism that the Eledumare Festival would continue to grow in prominence, with a long-term vision of becoming one of the leading cultural festivals in Nigeria.

He said activities for this year’s edition began on Sunday and will run until April 7, 2026, when the grand finale will be held.

He explained that the festival line-up includes sporting competitions such as boxing, football, beach soccer, taekwondo and table tennis, as well as traditional games including draft, ludo and ayo olopon.

Other highlights include a harvest of praise event, a fashion show and humanitarian programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable groups.

“Part of the activities will be dedicated to widows, while visits will also be made to schools for the blind and motherless babies’ homes,” he said.

He noted that, beyond spiritual thanksgiving, the festival also serves as a platform to strengthen cultural identity, boost tourism, and stimulate economic activity in host communities.

According to him, the festival generates commercial transactions worth billions of naira as it moves through different communities over 21 days.

Adams added that the organisers believe the celebration has contributed to unity and relative peace in the South-West region.

He also called on corporate organisations to support the festival, noting that it has so far been funded solely by members of the foundation.

“We have organised this festival for 14 consecutive years without sponsorship or government grants, relying on our own resources,” he said.

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