'Spiritual symbol' Gani Adams insists Olokun will boost economy

Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, said on Monday that the peace and tranquility enjoyed in Badagry and its environs was due to the Olokun deity’s spiritual support, and that this year’s edition of the Olokun Festival has the potential to boost the economy of Lagos state as well as enhance eco-tourism in the host community.

Iba Gani Adams, who is also the chief promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), revealed at a press conference in Lagos to unveil the programs for this year’s edition of the Olokun Festival that the annual fiesta has had significant impacts in boosting the economy of the ancient town and the entire state.

“This year’s festival is special in that it will open up the historic town’s tourism space.”
“The grand finale will be attended by over 100,000 people, including visitors and traditional rulers, and you know what that means in terms of business potential. We are prepared to tighten up security, and the environment will be welcoming to people from all around the world,” he said.

“It will be a long week of activities,” he said, adding that “Prayer to Almighty God,” a quiz competition for chosen elementary schools in the state, arts exhibitions, and a Beauty Pageant are among the events planned for this year’s Olokun Festival.

“Other programmes include Beach Soccer, festival float, boat regatta and Olosa Gala, with the grand finale coming up on Wednesday October 27,”

Gani Adams also reiterated the need to use festivals as tools to project the culture and tradition of the Yoruba race, insisting that the grand finale is majorly a reflection of the sanctity of the Olokun Deity.

“This year, we wish to highlight the Olokun’s spiritual prowess by featuring the Arugba Aje Olokun as the grand finale’s spiritual symbol.
The Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF) intends to fully explore the grandeur of the grand finale.”

“In truth, the Arugba Aje Olokun is not just any human invention; it is the founding emblem of the Olokun spirit, which represents the serenity and tranquillity that Badagry and its environs have enjoyed to this day.”

The Olokun deity, according to the Yoruba generalissimo, has an unique blessing for Lagos state.