President Bola Tinubu urges peaceful and responsible celebration of the Eyo Festival in Lagos, highlighting unity and cultural heritage
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday urged leaders and participants of the Eyo Festival to ensure the traditional Lagos event is celebrated peacefully and responsibly.
The call was made at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, during a meeting with festival leaders and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu.
The President emphasised that participants should avoid alcohol and violence, describing the Eyo Festival as a “great cultural remembrance and rekindling” of Lagos heritage.
He linked the celebration to national progress, noting that the festive spirit reflected the state’s and country’s achievements.
“Eko is making progress, Nigeria is making progress. God will bless Lagos and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I assure you we will defeat terrorism and banditry,” Tinubu said. He also appealed to citizens to enjoy the festival responsibly.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted the event as a platform to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage and reinforce unity among Lagosians.
He confirmed that preparations for this year’s edition, the first in eight years, had concluded, with the grand finale scheduled for Saturday, December 27.
The Governor explained that the Adimu Eyo, the highest-ranking Eyo group, has formally commenced the week-long festivities, with all Eyo families participating in brotherhood and unity throughout the event.
This year’s festival honours prominent Lagos figures, including late Mobolaji Johnson, Lateef Jakande, Sir Michael Otedola, and Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Tinubu, underscoring the cultural and historical significance of the celebration.