By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Director General, Dr. Ola Awakan has visited His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu 1 at his Iga Idunganran Palace, Lagos, to reposition and push the popular Eyo Festival into global limelight.
The courtesy visit was part of NTDA’s renewed commitment
to foster strategic plans for transforming Nigeria’s major cultural festivals into globally competitive tourism assets, with the 2025 Eyo Festival identified as a flagship event capable of drawing both domestic and international visitors.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Awakan noted that the Eyo Festival represents the soul of Lagos culture and stands as a powerful tool for destination branding.
“Our focus is to work closely with the Lagos Royal Institution to elevate the Eyo Festival into a world-class cultural attraction that mirrors the vibrancy, identity, and history of Lagos,” he said.
Awakan emphasized the Authority’s dedication to providing technical support, strengthening promotion, and enhancing cultural preservation.
Oba Akiolu 1 welcomed NTDA’s renewed interest, expressing strong support for a more coordinated national approach to the festival’s promotion.
“The Eyo Festival is a heritage treasure and the heartbeat of Lagos tradition. We welcome collaborations that will help safeguard its legacy and promote it as a cultural pride for future generations,” he said.
The monarch urged the NTDA DG to remain steadfast in advancing tourism values that reflect integrity, heritage protection, and cultural growth.
Both parties discussed opportunities to transform the 2025 edition of the Eyo Festival into a more structured cultural tourism experience—one that preserves tradition and enhances visitor participation, creates economic opportunities for local communities, and strengthens Lagos’ position as a premier cultural destination.
Moreover, Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government and Chairman of the 2025 Eyo Festival Planning Committee, Hon. Taiwo Oyekan, welcomed Dr. Awakan and his team and commended NTDA for its involvement in the festival and assured the Authority of the committee’s readiness to work collaboratively to deliver a successful, tourism-driven festival.
Dr. Awakan was accompanied by the NTDA South-West Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Alice Akinsola, and other senior officials.
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