The 24th edition of the Olokun World Festival will hold on October 19 and 20 at Kakanfo-Falola Beach, Badagry, Lagos State, with more than 30 traditional rulers and over 100,000 guests expected.
The Chief Promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, disclosed this in a statement announcing preparations for the annual cultural event.
The festival celebrates Yoruba heritage, traditions and cultural identity, while promoting tourism, economic development and cultural connections between Nigeria and the international community.
According to the statement, contingents from Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, France, the United Kingdom, Brazil, the United States and several Caribbean countries have confirmed their participation.
Prominent dignitaries expected at the event include Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka; and the chairmen of Badagry Local Government, Badagry West Local Council Development Area and Olorunda Local Council Development Area.
More than 30 traditional rulers are also expected, led by the Royal Father of the Day, Oba Olalekan Sejiro James Henwa, Ogungbe Okiki Arolagbade II, the Aholu of Kweme Kingdom, alongside the Regent of Badagry, White Cap Chief Ajose Oloyede, Huji Tose II, Finhento of Badagry.
The programme will begin on Tuesday, October 13, with prayers to Almighty God at Oodua House, Ikeja, by 11 a.m.
A beauty pageant to select a new Miss Olokun is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, at 4 p.m.
Monday, October 19, designated as Olosa Day, will feature a boat regatta at 2 p.m. and a midnight prayer session at Kakanfo-Falola Beach.
The statement added that members of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) would participate in a special vigil in front of Olokun, offering prayers for Nigeria, Yorubaland and Yoruba sons and daughters across the world.
The grand finale will take place on Tuesday, October 20, at 11 a.m. at the beach, showcasing the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The foundation said the festival had continued to generate economic benefits for the host community and Lagos State, with tourism and related activities contributing hundreds of millions of naira annually.
It added that Kakanfo-Falola Beach, which hosted the festival for the first time last year, was being developed into a major tourism destination with proposed facilities including a hotel, conference hall, recreation centres, gym, Olympic-size swimming pool, mini stadium and sports courts.
The foundation called on Nigerians and international visitors to participate in the festival, describing it as an opportunity to promote cultural pride, unity and tourism while strengthening ties between Yoruba people and friends of Africa worldwide.
The statement was signed by Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and Chief Promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation.
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