12th Annual Eko Oni Baje New Yam and Beach Festival Set to Hold in Lagos
The 12th annual Eko Oni Baje New Yam and Beach Festival organized by Castledown Art Centre is set to
hold at the customary festival location in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State. The event, described as a ‘cultural
melting pot of all tribal nationalities in Lagos state’ is scheduled to hold from 25th to 27th September,
2020.
The 3-day event which will hold ahead of the World Tourism Day is tagged ‘Promoting Tourism as a
Learning Tool’ with the slogan, ‘One Man One Yam. The Festival will feature interesting performances,
games, cultural displays and exhibitions like The Children’s Cultural Fiesta and Arts Exhibition, Beach
Soccer/Gala Night and the Traditional Wrestling Competition.
Read Also: Eyo Festival
Despite various speculations about the decision of the festival to hold this year, the founder of
Castledown Art Centre, Ozo Chiedu assured Lagosians that the Eko Oni Baje festival will be preserved
and handed down to generations, stating that nothing will come in between the Nigerian culture and
the people. With the energizing support and collaborations of stakeholders like the Nigerian Tourism
Development Corporation, (NTDC) Ozo Chiedu informed participants to expect a bigger and exciting
event.
The New Yam and Beach Festival, which incorporates various ethnic groups in Lagos State purposefully
promote love, peaceful coexistence and a sense of belonging among Lagos residents. The event uses art
and tourism to bring various tribes together and in the act, it enhances tribal inclusion and reduces
segregation to the barest minimum.
As residents of Lagos State eagerly anticipate the opening of Eko Oni Baje Festival, organizers appeal
that the Lagos State Government approves the acquired arena for the continuity of the festival. Ozo
Chiedu said that organizers are willing to pay whatever it costs to hasten the approval.
Ozo Chiedu, Founder of Castledown Art is the major promoter of the Eko Oni Baje Festival. Going down
history lane, he holds that the festival was created to unite Nigerians. Ozo Chiedu is a cultural activist
who believes in the restoration and preservation of Nigerian culture.