By Araba, Olawale Enifenilanfe:

The Eko Youth Tourism Club, led by Comrade Ogunye Oluwaseun Adeyinka, has hosted the event “Eko Campus Fest 2025” today, Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The event took place at the Student Union Arcade of Lagos State University, located in the Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos, Nigeria.

A key highlight of the event was promoting cultural heritage and the Capacity Building Program in Cultural Entertainment for the Youth, Students and Children, focused on nurturing and developing young individuals’ abilities in the realm of cultural entertainment and cultivating cultural habits. By investing in their skills and fostering creativity, the initiative aims to proactively practice cultural language speaking and a vibrant generation that can contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape.

Notable dignitaries from nukes and crannies of the Lagos State Government were in attendance to witness the event for reference and to sustainably engage the youth participation in governance. Among the dignitaries are- “Dr Abiodun Fatai Abatan”- Dean of Students Affairs, Lagos State University, Ojo Campus; Hon. Adeola Adewunmi- SSA Tertiary Education; Aare Barr. Oladotun Hassan- Global President, Yoruba Council World-wide; Aarebirin Hon. (Dr) Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, the National Chairman of the All Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGOVC), An Aspirant contesting for the Executive Chairmanship position of Ikorodu Local Government; Hon. Ayotunde Adenuga – Leader of House, Ikeja Local Government; Hon. Apata Nunayon Samson, ably represented by Mr Phil Idowu( PA); Prince Teslim Olusi – Youth Advocate; Hon. Kappo Olawale Samuel- SSA on Student Union Affairs and Tertiary Education; Mr Olaitan Adeshina – Poet and Author and others.

The event was proactively anchored by Ayinla Mueez Olawale (Mascott), and Arike Akewi.

This festival celebrated Lagos’ rich art and culture, with the main theme titled “Cultured” and a sub-theme centred on “The Importance of Youth in Tourism Development Initiatives.”

Eko Campus Fest 2025 featured a variety of activities, including exhibitions of art and culture, creative performances, and an inaugural summit designed to educate, inform, entertain, and promote the rich cultural heritage of Lagos State.

In a public address speech stated by Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, the Dean of Lagos State University, Ojo Campus, emphasized the necessity of leveraging technology to promote cultural heritage and elevate its significance beyond its current status. Despite the wealth of heritages present in Lagos State, there exists a considerable gap in the cultural values that are recognized and appreciated by its residents.

Dr. Fatai-Abatan posed a critical question regarding awareness of the Atlantic City among the populace, highlighting the importance of knowledge in cultural identity. He asserted that young people must harness technological advancements to disseminate information effectively, thereby enhancing public understanding of their cultural heritage.

Furthermore, he pointed out that, alongside demonstrating cultural identity, it is essential to promote the numerous cultural edifices and heritage sites in Lagos. It is crucial to showcase this rich heritage not only to the local population but also to individuals from the diaspora who may have an interest in the culture.

Dr Fatai-Abatan emphasized the role of government in this endeavour, stating that collaboration between cultural advocates and governmental bodies is vital. He argued for a concerted effort to recognize and invest in cultural initiatives, which would facilitate the promotion of Lagos’s cultural identity on a broader scale.

He highlighted existing opportunities within the region, especially along the coastline, and urged that strategic investment by the government is necessary to transform these areas. This transformation would serve to reflect the cultural wealth and potential of Lagos.

Moreover, he called on the government to actively promote the cultural assets of the region to ensure that they are recognized and valued not only locally but also on the international stage. Dr. Fatai-Abatan observed that failure to prioritize local cultural fortunes may result in external influences overshadowing them.

In conclusion, he expressed a collective responsibility to manage cultural heritage more effectively. This is an opportune moment to reflect on cultural values and to ensure their preservation and advancement. He asserted that young people have a crucial role to play in fostering cultural sustainability and development, both within Nigeria and specifically in Lagos.

In a speech delivered by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Omobolaji Ogunlende, who was ably represented by Dosu Abiodun Gbewato Zaccheaus, the Director of Stewart at Lagos State University, Ojo Campus.

In addressing the theme of inclusive governance within the vision of the Lagos State Government- Dosu Abiodun Gbewato Zaccheaus urged the youth and students to leverage the tourism opportunities in Lagos State. He encouraged them to develop compelling proposals that would promote the state and serve as a call to action for the Governor to collaborate with and also encourage them to take merit of digital technology to help promote the cultural heritage of Lagos. 

In an interview with Aare Barrister Oladotun Hassan, the President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, he commended Comrade Ogunye Oluwaseun Adeyinka for his significant initiative, the Eko-Campus Fest. He emphasized that this project is of paramount importance.

As a mentor to Mr. Adeyinka, he stated, “I provided guidance on critical areas, particularly in fostering a cultural renaissance.” 

Recognizing Lagos State as a key hub for culture, tourism, and societal values, he noted the unparalleled integration of diverse cultural expressions within the city. He asserted that in all festivities celebrated in Lagos, there exists no segregation; the culture of Lagos is inclusive and does not discriminate against any religious or cultural affiliations, be they Christian, Muslim, or traditionalist.

The Eko Campus Fest 2025 aims to revitalize grassroots engagement and educate the youth about their cultural heritage, an aspect that many are currently unaware of. He discussed the application of the “5 P’s,” which provide appropriate solutions for fostering relations between the youth and the government, promoting peaceful coexistence.

The government also needs to do more in terms of the sloganiry of Lagos (Inclusive governance) By providing academic training on culture being a State of the mini Nigeria. 

He expressed concern regarding the perceived decline in inappropriate dress sense among the youth. He noted that historically, modest dressing was prevalent in Lagos, whereas contemporary trends reflect a shift toward nudity, which he believes does not align with the true values of Lagos culture. 

He advocated for the festival to serve not merely as a recreational event, but as a celebration of culture in its entirety. Lagos, he remarked, is home to diverse heroes and is representative of a microcosm of Nigeria; thus, any discourse regarding Lagos must honour its Yoruba heritage as well as recognize contributions from various ethnic groups.

Moreover, he highlighted the necessity for the government to expand its efforts beyond traditional developmental projects and cultural celebrations. He called for increased educational initiatives that focus on cultural values, suggesting that culture should be incorporated as an essential subject in educational curricula rather than merely being taught as a language. This foundational approach to cultural education is vital for the upbringing and development of future generations and urges the Youth to make use of digital/Social media judiciously to promote the Yoruba cultural heritage across the globe and peaceful coexistence.

In an interview with Comrade Teslim Olubodun Olusi, the coordinator of the National Youth Council, Lagos Island, Convener of Omoluwabi-Eko Foundation and Omoluwabi-Eko Youth Movement, said, Well, firstly, it’s a nice initiative to promote the cultural heritage of Yoruba people in tertiary institutions. We should understand that in tertiary institutions, mostly we receive lectures in English language, we dress in the English mode of dressing, we rally early on relocations, and we see young persons, you know, on full Yoruba attire, on a full Yoruba costume, which we need to start preaching. 

And it’s a good one because it’s happening in an indigenous university, a university that has been in existence in a long world and has been part of the society in the little way that they can. So we must celebrate the cultural heritage of our fathers, even in tertiary institutions. 

So it’s a laudable program, it’s a laudable, and it’s a welcomeable program. As I have said earlier when I was giving my speech, we would look for possible ways to further expand this program to other schools because it is very pertinent and it is important for us to bridge the culture of Yoruba people, the culture of Lagos, and the culture of our people, our native people to our young persons so that this culture will not die and the culture will keep alive. 

My message to the youth here is in respect of the fact that we are growing, the world is changing, and, you know, civilization is coming. We shouldn’t abandon our culture. We shouldn’t abandon our cultural heritage. 

It is very, very, very important and it is better than it. Well, I would like the government to please, you know, pay more attention. Well, the attention is being paid, but would, you know, crave the indulgence to pay more attention in the area of making sure that our children are learning culture. 

For example, there can be a set-aside date for, the primary school, and secondary school students to put on their native attire apart from the cultural date. It is not necessary that every day they wear school uniforms, they need to identify with their culture. 

They can decide to pick a date that they would dress and wear. At least they say that they do sports and they wear sporting kits. So there should be a day that they should wear the normal traditional. 

Even in the assembly, the records that are assembled, pick a date. Everybody must wear a complete native. If you want to wear a better, you wear a better, complete native attire. So I believe that is what should be the case. 

Comrade Ogunye Oluwaseun Adeyinka, the convener, clarified during his speech that the “Eko Campus Fest 2025” celebration aims to engage young people, develop their skills, and integrate their talents while celebrating youth and their commitment to excellence. 

Ultimately, the event seeks to align with Lagos State’s cultural talents. This occasion is not solely focused on entertainment and empowerment; it also aims to engage the change-makers and entrepreneurs who will drive the growth and tourism of Lagos State.

He expressed his sincere gratitude to His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his thematic agenda of inclusive governance and also to Mrs. Temitope Benson, the Honorable Commissioner for the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture; Mrs. Atekoja Toyin, the former Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture; and Hon. Omobolaji Ogunlende, the Commissioner for the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development for their support and endorsement.

Let us collaborate to create a brighter future for Lagos, Comrade Ogunye Oluwaseun Adeyinka stated.

The cultural drama was showcased thereafter.

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