Chief Gani Adams, the Aare-Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, has stated that the Olokun Festival has significantly enhanced the spiritual and developmental landscape of host communities in Badagry. Speaking during the 2024 edition of the festival at Sultan Beach, Adams, who is also the Chief Promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), highlighted the positive impacts of the event.
Adams expressed his satisfaction, noting that the ancient town has experienced remarkable growth through the blessings of the Olokun and Olosa deities. “I am happy to tell you that Badagry has continued to witness tremendous developments due to these spiritual blessings,” he said.
He elaborated on the festival’s growing popularity, stating, “The increase in awareness and recognition of the Olokun Festival within the first two years opened several opportunities for us. The successes recorded during those years have brought about the transformations we celebrate today.”
Adams praised the Lagos State Government for its increased focus on developing Badagry as a prime location for attracting both local and foreign investments. He explained that choosing Badagry as the festival’s venue was a strategic move to emphasize its potential as a tourism destination.
“Since 2004, when we moved to Sultan Beach, we have organized the festival continuously every year, welcoming over 30,000 dignitaries from around the world,” he noted.
He also emphasized the significance of the festival in fostering cultural connections, with the presence of prominent Yoruba traditional rulers from the South-West and cultural enthusiasts from countries like Brazil and Cuba marking major milestones for the OFF.