Gani Adams Urges Federal Government to Leverage Cultural Events for Tourism Income

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called on the Federal Government to tap into Nigeria's cultural festivals as a means of generating substantial revenue, citing their potential as tourism assets.

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Adams, who is also the promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation, made this appeal during a press conference held to mark the beginning of the 2026 edition of the annual Eledumare Festival.

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According to Adams, who was represented by the Chairman of the 2026 Eledumare Festival Organising Committee, Mr Kolawole Raheem, festivals like the Eledumare celebration have the potential to become internationally recognised cultural events, comparable to major global festivals, if given the necessary support.

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The Eledumare Festival is dedicated to celebrating God Almighty, while also promoting Yoruba cultural heritage and traditions, Adams noted, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural identity.

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Adams pointed out that tourism currently contributes a mere 3.6 per cent to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product, underscoring the sector's potential as an underutilised source of national income.

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He emphasized that strategic promotion of cultural festivals, coupled with improved tourism infrastructure, could attract international visitors and boost domestic tourism, thereby stimulating economic growth.

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Adams expressed optimism that the Eledumare Festival will continue to grow in prominence, with a long-term vision of becoming one of the leading cultural festivals in Nigeria, attracting visitors from far and wide.

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This year's edition of the festival commenced on Sunday and will run until April 7, 2026, when the grand finale is scheduled to take place, featuring a wide range of activities and events.

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The festival line-up includes sporting competitions such as boxing, football, beach soccer, taekwondo, and table tennis, as well as traditional games like draft, ludo, and ayo olopon, catering to diverse interests and age groups.

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Other highlights of the festival include a harvest of praise event, a fashion show, and humanitarian programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable groups, such as widows, the blind, and motherless babies.

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Adams noted that the festival serves as a platform to strengthen cultural identity, boost tourism, and stimulate economic activity in host communities, beyond its spiritual significance.

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The festival generates commercial transactions worth billions of naira as it moves through different communities over a period of 21 days, according to Adams, highlighting its economic impact.

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Adams attributed the festival's contribution to unity and relative peace in the South-West region, underscoring its social benefits and value to the community.

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He called on corporate organisations to support the festival, noting that it has been solely funded by members of the foundation for 14 consecutive years, without sponsorship or government grants.