By Jimoh Babatunde

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has intensified efforts to reposition the iconic Eyo Festival as one of the country’s foremost cultural tourism showcases, beginning with a strategic visit to the Iga Idunganran Palace of the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu I.

The courtesy visit, led by the NTDA Director General, Dr. Ola Awakan, marks the Authority’s renewed commitment to transforming Nigeria’s major cultural festivals into globally competitive attractions. The Eyo Festival has been identified as a flagship event with strong potential to draw both domestic and international tourists.

Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Awakan described the Eyo Festival as “the soul of Lagos culture” and 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. He reaffirmed the NTDA’s readiness to offer technical support, strengthen marketing efforts, and enhance cultural preservation.

Oba Akiolu, in his remarks, welcomed the NTDA’s renewed interest and called for sustained collaboration to protect and promote the festival’s heritage.

“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,” the monarch said. He urged the Authority to uphold values that reinforce integrity, heritage protection, and cultural advancement.

Discussions at the palace centred on transforming the 2025 edition of the Eyo Festival into a more structured cultural tourism experience — one that preserves its traditional essence while enhancing visitor engagement, boosting local economic participation, and strengthening Lagos’ profile as a leading cultural destination.

Following the meeting, Dr. Awakan and his delegation were received by the Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government and Chairman of the 2025 Eyo Festival Planning Committee, Hon. Taiwo Oyekan. He expressed enthusiasm for NTDA’s involvement and pledged full cooperation 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.