The 12th annual Eko Oni Baje New Yam/Beach Festival, a melting pot of cultures for Lagos residents, will hold from September 25 to 27.
The organisers, Castledown Art Centre disclosed that despite the demolition of its arena alongside other properties at Ibeju-Lekki, near Eleko Junction by the Lagos State government, the festival would still happen.
It has ‘Promoting Tourism as a Learning Tool’ as its theme.
The proprietor of Castledown Art Centre, Ozo Chiedu Idezuna, who announced that the festival would hold, said demolition could only affect structures, but not culture.
He assured followers of Eko Oni Baje Festival, which coincides with the World Tourism Day, that this year’s event promises to be bigger with the support of players like the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation.
“This festival has metamorphosed into a cultural melting pot of all tribal nationalities living in Lagos. Unfortunately, we will be celebrating the 2020 edition on rubbles as a result of the harsh teeth of the bulldozers. We appeal, having come this far in using art and tourism to promote peaceful coexistence amongst people in Lagos, that the Lagos State government should approve this acquired site for us to continue hosting our cultural event. We are willing to pay the fees for its ratification by the government. We do not want this festival to go the way Lagos Boat Regatta did”.
Activities of the festival include the children’s cultural fiesta and arts exhibition, beach soccer/gala night, traditional wrestling competition and the grand finale.
