18th Olokun Festival to attract over 50,000 tourists

By Adegunle OLUGBAMILA

Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Gani Ige Adams has assured Lagosians, particularly, indigenes of Badagry that this year’s edition of Olokun Festival would boost the economy of the state and enhance eco-tourism of the host community.

Speaking at the unveiling of activities for the festival, Adams noted that no fewer than 50,000 individuals would be in attendance.

“This year’s festival is unique because it will open up the tourism space of the historic town. About 50, 000 people, including tourists and traditional rulers will grace the grand finale and everybody knows what that means in terms of business opportunities. We are ready to beef up security. I assure visitors and tourists coming from every part of the world that the atmosphere will be conducive. ”

Adams said the annual cultural fiesta has made significant impacts in boosting the economy of the ancient town and the entire state.

Adams who is also the chief promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation, (OFF) affirmed that the Olokun deity has a special blessing for residents of Lagos. “Not a few people will agree with me that Lagos is one of the most prosperous states in Nigeria. It is gradually becoming the city of everybody’s dream, and a smart city because of the Olokun deity’s phenomenon. In the spiritual realm, Olokun is in charge of the wealth of nations and she controls it. That is why it is important to rejoice and celebrate the festival,” he said.

Chairman of the Olokun Festival planning committee, Ambassador Muyiwa Oshinaike, disclosed that ther will be intercessory prayers sessions at White House Hotel in Ikeja on Wednesday; a quiz competition for selected primary schools in the state at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) media Centre, Iganmu, Lagos, art exhibition on Friday at CBAAC headquarters in Lagos and Olokun beauty pageant on Sunday at R/A Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Other programmes are beach soccer, festival float, boat regatta and Olosa gala night all which would come up simultaneously at  Suntan Beach, Badagry on Tuesday and Wednesday next week, before the grand finale at the same venue a day after.

“A window of opportunities will be provided for traders  to do their businesses and visitors will also know more about the Badagry ancestry, culture as well as the tradition of the people.