The Aare Ọnà Kankanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has said the 13th edition of the Eledumare Festival aims to appreciate God’s blessings in the lives of Nigerians and boost the country’s tourism through various cultural activities in host communities.

Speaking on Monday at the opening of the 21-day festival, which runs until April 22, Adams, who is the Chief Promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), emphasised the role of cultural and traditional activities in expressing gratitude to God.

“The festival is to appreciate what God has done in our lives and to show that we can honour God through cultural and traditional events, not only through religious programmes,” Adams said. “This festival will also stimulate commerce in host communities and enhance tourism potential.”

Adams noted that despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival has remained consistent for 13 years. He reaffirmed OFF’s commitment to promoting Yoruba culture, traditions, and tourism at local and international levels.

“OFF has always been keen on taking cultural festivals to the global stage. In May, we will hold a festival in Brazil, followed by events in Senegal and the Republic of Benin,” he disclosed.

The 2025 Eledumare Festival lineup includes a Children’s Day celebration in Epe, Ibeju, Lekki, and Eredo Local Government Areas of Lagos State; a football competition in Agege; a beach soccer event in Badagry on April 13; and a Yoruba quiz competition in Ogun East Senatorial District, Ijebu Axis, on April 16. The grand finale is set for April 22.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Prof. Kolawole Raheem, assured that this year’s festival would be the most organised in its history, given the level of planning and dedication from host communities.

“OFF will deliver the best Eledumare Festival this year,” Raheem stated.