President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has attributed the just concluded Eyo festival in Lagos as a reminder that the Nigeria’s culture and traditions hold great tourism potential, adding that it cultural assets can serve as valuable resources for destination promotion.
Tinubu, like the revellers dressed in a white robe, a damask sash slung over his shoulder, a distinctive hat emblazoned with bold, decorative stars, and carried a long staff called opambata at the Grand Finale of the week-long 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos.
He noted that the festival is timing, coincides with Detty December, which serves as a period when Lagos State welcomes thousands of Nigerians from the diaspora and foreign visitors. “It is a reminder that our culture and traditions hold great tourism potential.
The President added, “Indeed, our cultural assets can serve as valuable resources for destination promotion. The glamour of white-robed figures parading on streets in celebration of distinguished Lagosians sends a resounding message about our identity and our country”.
He described the carnival as “a great rekindling of our culture. Eyo Festival is a vibrant expression of the rich traditions of Lagos. It celebrates the achievements, outstanding contributions, the exemplary lives of distinguished Nigerians—not only eminent Lagosians”.
The Eyo Festival, which dates back to 1854, was held this year for the first time in eight years. The 2025 edition honoured four distinguished Lagos personalities, a departure from the usual practice of celebrating one or three individuals. 
The honourees are: the first military administrator of Lagos State, Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande; a former civilian governor, Sir Michael Otedola; and former Iyaloja and mother of the current President, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji.
Tinubu who stated that all the honorees deserved the recognition, revealed that these were leaders and builders whose visionary leadership, influence, diligence in public service helped to nurture Lagos State to both national and international prominence.
In his welcome address, the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the event as not only historic for the President but also a homecoming. “What we’re celebrating here today is the first of its kind. 
“As our son, our father, we are seated with the President and Commander-in -Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to witness a history of the cultural heritage of Lagos. Mr President, it is not just a coincidence; it is history in your lifetime that is being put in place today.
“We honour you, give God the glory for your life, and we are indeed excited that God Almighty can bring you and most of your people to come and celebrate the best of the cultural heritage of Lagos”.
Sanwo-Olu commended the traditional institutions under the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for their exemplary leadership in reviving the festival.He said, “Today, we gather on this historic ground at the Tafawa Balewa Square, wrapped in the timeless majesty of the Eyo Festival, the sacred Adamu Orisha Play.
Sanwo-Olu added, “After an eight-year interval, this revered tradition returns to Lagos in full splendour, standing as a powerful affirmation of our identity, our resilience, and unbroken connection to our history.
“The Eyo Festival is far more than a pageantry. It is a living archive of our Yoruba heritage and a symbol of unity, a symbol of purity and the communal strength of Lagos.”The Governor assured audience that his administration will continue to advance the state’s socio-economic trajectory without abandoning its cultural roots, adding that his govt’ll maximise the festival’s potential as it projects Lagos onto the global stage.
The colourful event, held at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, began with paying homage and presenting the festival staff to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his residence on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
Also, the event featured cultural performances, traditional dances, indigenous music and chants, and a procession of Eyo groups, concluded with special prayers for the President and the country.
Among others dignitaries at the celebration included the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka; Chief of Staff to President, Femi Gbajabiamila; members of the diplomatic corps.
