Tinubu assures Nigerians of peaceful yuletide as Lagos Eyo festival begins

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the forthcoming Christmas and New Year holidays will be celebrated in an atmosphere of peace, safety and harmony across the country, urging citizens to embrace responsible and violence-free festivities.

The President gave the assurance on Sunday in Lagos while hosting members of the Eyo traditional institution, accompanied by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at his Ikoyi residence.

The visit marked the traditional commencement of activities for the 2024 Eyo Festival.

Speaking during the reception, President Tinubu expressed delight at the revival and celebration of Lagos’ rich cultural heritage, describing the Eyo Festival as a powerful symbol of unity, identity and continuity.

He said the gathering reflected a people who are hopeful, healthy and united in celebration.

According to him, the festive season should be enjoyed without fear, stressing that peace, love and mutual respect must define the period.

He noted that Nigerians should celebrate freely, dance joyfully and move about safely, adding that no life should be endangered during the holidays.

The President further stated that the nation’s current celebratory mood is a reflection of ongoing progress in Lagos State and across the country.

He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future, assuring citizens that his administration remains resolute in confronting insecurity.

He offered prayers for Lagos State and the nation at large, reaffirming the Federal Government’s determination to defeat terrorism, banditry and other threats to peace and stability.

Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the Eyo Festival as a unique platform for showcasing the depth and resilience of Lagos’ cultural heritage.

He said the celebration serves as a reminder that societies that neglect their culture risk losing their identity over time.

The governor noted that the festival reinforces unity among Lagosians, bringing together various Eyo families in peace, brotherhood and shared history.

He explained that the appearance of the Adimu Orisa Eyo, the highest-ranking Eyo group, formally signalled the beginning of a week-long series of activities leading to the grand finale scheduled for Saturday, December 27.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the 2024 Eyo Festival is being held in honour of four eminent Lagosians and Nigerians who made lasting contributions to the state and the nation.

They include the first Military Administrator of Lagos State, the late Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson (rtd); the state’s first civilian governor, late Alhaji Lateef Jakande; former civilian governor, late Sir Michael Otedola; and Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the late mother of President Tinubu.

He recalled that it had been eight years since the last Eyo Festival was held, expressing satisfaction that the necessary arrangements had now been completed to revive the historic event.

He added that President Tinubu’s deep-rooted connection to Lagos, having served as the state’s 12th governor, made the occasion particularly significant.

The governor also acknowledged the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for granting royal approval for the Adimu Eyo to come out, describing the moment as historic.

He noted that in over six years in office, this would be the first Eyo Festival he would witness as governor, describing the President’s presence as “the icing on the cake.”

Sanwo-Olu further revealed that President Tinubu had advised that the Eyo Festival be considered for inclusion in an official cultural calendar to enhance Lagos’ tourism profile and preserve the festival for future generations.