Organisers of Yewa Festival 2026 have officially unveiled what they describe as one of Nigeria’s most ambitious cultural tourism and economic development initiatives, calling on corporate organisations, government institutions, development agencies, investors, media organisations, and the global Yewa diaspora to participate in a project aimed at unlocking the cultural and economic potential of Yewa Land.

The official unveiling took place during the Yewa Festival Sponsors and Media Parley held in Lagos on Thursday, June 18, bringing together traditional rulers, corporate executives, tourism stakeholders, government representatives, media leaders, investors, cultural advocates, and development partners.

Scheduled to hold from September 4 to 12, 2026, the nine-day festival will span multiple towns across Yewa Land in Ogun State. The event is designed to celebrate the region’s history, culture, enterprise, creativity, and people, while creating a sustainable platform for tourism development, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and strategic partnerships.

Building on the success of previous editions, organisers expect the festival to attract about 30,000 visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, including tourists, cultural enthusiasts, investors, business leaders, creatives, government officials, and members of the global Yewa community.

Speaking at the unveiling, members of the Festival Steering Committee described the initiative as a transformational project aimed at repositioning Yewa Land as a major destination for cultural tourism, investment, and economic opportunities.

Chairman of the Carnival and Tourism Advancement Board of Yewaland (CATABY), under the aegis of the Yewa People Development Council (YPDC), Otunba Lekan Asuni, said the festival is being developed not only as a celebration of heritage but also as a catalyst for economic growth.

“Yewa Festival 2026 is being developed not only as a celebration of heritage but as a platform capable of generating measurable economic impact through increased visitor traffic, support for local businesses, promotion of indigenous arts and culture, youth engagement programmes, creative industry opportunities, and enhanced visibility for the region,” Asuni said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Enhance360 Limited, Mr. Seun Adeleye, noted that as project consultants and producers, the organisation has put in place plans to ensure the festival provides a unique platform for brands seeking meaningful engagement with consumers, communities, and cultural audiences through sponsorships, experiential activations, exhibitions, hospitality, entertainment, tourism, and social impact initiatives.

“Beyond its cultural significance, the festival is expected to stimulate conversations around regional development, infrastructure, youth opportunities, talent and investment promotion, community advancement, and the preservation of indigenous heritage for future generations,” he said.

Strategically located in Ogun West Senatorial District between Lagos and the Republic of Benin, Yewa Land occupies a significant cultural and economic corridor with deep historical roots and strong potential for tourism-driven development. The region comprises communities across Yewa North, Yewa South, Ipokia, and Imeko-Afon local government areas, with historical and cultural connections extending across national borders.

The Steering Committee also disclosed that discussions are ongoing with corporate organisations, development institutions, tourism stakeholders, media organisations, and public sector leaders to build a broad coalition capable of delivering a world-class festival experience.

According to the organisers, the festival presents a unique opportunity for media organisations to help tell the story of one of Nigeria’s emerging cultural destinations while amplifying narratives around heritage, tourism, enterprise, and community development.

“We will be welcoming as many media partnerships as possible,” the committee stated.

For government institutions and policymakers, the organisers described the festival as a complementary platform that can support broader objectives in tourism growth, cultural diplomacy, job creation, creative economy development, and regional visibility.

Festival activities will include cultural exhibitions, traditional performances, heritage showcases, tourism experiences, youth-focused initiatives, business engagements, entertainment attractions, and community activities designed to celebrate the identity and aspirations of the Yewa people while attracting national and international attention.

As preparations gather momentum, organisers expressed confidence that Yewa Festival 2026 will evolve into a signature biennial event capable of joining the ranks of Nigeria’s most influential cultural festivals, creating lasting economic and social benefits for communities across Yewa Land and Ogun State.