‘Why We Supported Olokun Festival’ – LASG

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu, has said that support for the organiser of the Y2021 Olokun Festival was borne out of the genuine intention to preserve the State’s cultural heritage and festivals.

Bonu, who spoke during the Olokun Festival held at the Monarch Event Centre Lekki Lagos, averred that there is need to consciously work towards salvaging the rich culture of Lagos State and the Yoruba race in general from going into extinction.

He explained that culture and heritage occupy a prime place in the State’s Tourism Master Plan recently presented to tourism stakeholders by Governor Sanwo-Olu, assuring that Lagos is committed to supporting every initiative directed towards the preservation of its cultural heritage.

The Special Adviser commended the convener of the festival, Yeye Lara Fashola-Fanimokun, for the new touch of innovation, which was added to the annual event, especially the participation by tourists and cultural enthusiasts from different countries of the world.

His words: “The participation of tourism enthusiasts from the diaspora would in no small measure contribute positively to the development of tourism in the country, impact the State’s economy, promote indigenous music, local food and also provide a platform for different cultural displays”.

The Oluase Olokun Worldwide and convener of the Olokun Festival, Yeye Lara Fashola-Fanimokun, informed that the festival aims to celebrate Yoruba’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, stressing that it is also a celebration of the Yoruba deity of great wealth and economic growth.

While commending the efforts of the Lagos State Government at improving the tourism sector, the convener advised parents to always identify and cherish their culture and tradition in order to inculcate the same patriotic spirit in their children.

She challenged parents to encourage their children to express themselves in the Yoruba Language and also teach them to be proud of their indigenous culture instead of allowing foreign culture to dominate them.