The Olómú Festival, a new and exciting cultural event set to take place in Ito Omu, Lagos State, has received overwhelming support from traditional rulers, community leaders, and local institutions, marking its 2026 edition as a major eco-cultural celebration.

Olori Ololade Oshin, the Coordinator of the Olómú Festival and also the Iyalaje of Ito-Omu Kingdom, announced that the festival is positioned to enhance environmental awareness, cultural preservation, and sustainable development in the Epe Division of Lagos State. This festival aims to serve as a platform for community growth, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage while also emphasizing environmental conservation.

Festival’s Vision for Eco-Cultural Growth

The Olómú Festival seeks to promote environmental consciousness and cultural heritage in a region blessed with natural wetlands, forested landscapes, and interconnected creek networks. These natural features provide a solid foundation for the festival, which aims to not only celebrate cultural traditions but also advocate for sustainable living.

Olori Oshin explained that the Ito Omu community has ambitious plans for economic and environmental growth alongside the festival. One of the key initiatives is the development of a tourist village, which will help elevate the festival’s profile and attract both local and international visitors. The community also intends to boost its agricultural production, especially in food supply, while further advancing its fishing sector and harnessing its abundant palm resources for economic growth.

Support from Government and Traditional Rulers

The festival has already garnered strong support from key stakeholders. The Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Waterways Authority, Epe Local Government, and traditional monarchs have all endorsed the event. These backing entities see the festival as an important initiative for cultural revival, sustainable tourism, and economic development.

Prominent traditional rulers, including His Royal Majesty Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, the Oloja of Epe, Oba Taiwo Yusuff Gbadamosi, the Onitoomu of Ito Omu, and Oba Nurudeen Ebudola Alugbin, the Oniladaba of Ladaba, have all expressed their support. They view the festival as a major driver for fostering both cultural pride and sustainable tourism in the region.

A Sneak Peek into the Festival’s Vibrant Spirit

In a lively event, a boat regatta was held to give attendees a vibrant preview of the festival’s energy and community spirit. This added a colourful touch to the announcement and showcased the dynamic cultural atmosphere that the festival intends to bring to Ito Omu.

Ambitious Goals and Broader Impact

The Olómú Festival is more than just a celebration of culture; it’s a step towards building a sustainable community and contributing to the region’s long-term economic prosperity. Olori Oshin emphasized the importance of government and private sector support in realizing these ambitious goals. By focusing on eco-tourism, agriculture, and cultural preservation, the festival aims to make a positive impact on both the local and broader Nigerian communities.

As the 2026 edition of the Olómú Festival draws nearer, the initiative is gaining momentum as a promising event that will not only celebrate the rich culture of Ito Omu but also offer long-lasting benefits in terms of environmental sustainability and community development.