Lagos Tourism Celebrates World Indigenous Peoples Day in Grand Style, Emphasizes Lagos’ Rich Cultural Heritage, Diversity and Uniqueness

Yemisi Dada

The Lagos State government says it will continue to use its cultural and tourism heritage to draw global attention and drive investment opportunity for the state.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, stated this at the celebration of the this year’s World Indigenous People Day Lagos edition at Freedom Park on Lagos Island, with the theme “The role of indigenous women in the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge”.

Mr Aregbe noted that the World Indigenous Peoples Day which is marked globally on August 9, was to highlight rights of Indigenous Peoples to make their own decisions and carry them out in ways that are meaningful and culturally appropriate to them.

The Special Adviser noted that Lagos rich cultural heritage is evident in the different cuisines, traditional attires, hairstyles, Traditional dance and musical instruments according to the five IBILE Divisions, Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island and Epe, which are what makes Lagos an attractive tourist center.

“The feel you get in Lagos alone, you can’t get it else where, our style, aura, there is something about Lagos and that is what we are proud of. I am a lagosians and I am proud that Lagos gives me the opportunity to live, the passion, the energy to make sure you are getting it done. Some of the problems we are having in the country today is because we lack the way we present our culture and all that, there is a lot impacts that is attached to it and that is the more reason why, once we are able to trace who we are then we know where we are going and all that, so that is why we must always remember we have a tradition and culture we must all adhere to and tell the beautiful stories about Lagos to all”

A Veteran thespian and poet, Pa Peter Fatomilola, who led a dance troupe with his epic chanting of “Ori” to the delight of the audience, commended the Lagos State government for maintaining and sustaining the rich cultural festivals across the three Senatorial Districts.

Pa Fatomilola advised parents to teach and inculcate in the children the cultural morals, languages and vocational skills of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria to preserve them and avoid going into extinction.

“Nigerian youths should embrace their tradition and culture. Language is the foundation of life, when you speak Yoruba, they know you are from Nigeria, when you speak Hausa, they know you are from Nigeria so also when you speak Igbo, they know you are from Nigeria, language is essential. They must uphold Yoruba language, that is their tradition. No language no life”

Some of the guests who were thrilled by the various cultural displays like Sango, Gbedu Oba, Fashion Parade and Award, described Lagos as the real owanbe state and appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu for ensuring residents unwind in the face of economic hardship.

“Haaa, I love the owanbe culture, the party culture of Lagos, the nightlife, entertainment, Lagos, Lagosians are loving people, they love to have fun, they love to enjoy life, for me that is one factor, you can’t take from them”.
“Lagos culture is very rich, is indigenous and there is more richness in Lagos, every local government has its uniqueness”
“Everything about Lagos is beautiful”

Different foods served include Iyan, Amala, Bread and Akara, Mosa Tapioca, Palmwine, Fish and Shrimps among others

Students of Lagos State University, LASU and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH, performed with appearances and display of the five IBILE Divisions while the Badagry drummer group, Sango display and Ile Iyan team performances received loud applause from the audience.