Lagos To Showcase Yoruba Cultural Heritage With Gele Festival

The Lagos State government yesterday disclosed that it has concluded plans to showcase the rich Yoruba cultural heritage to the world in a grand style with the 2026 Gele Festival.

The special adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, who disclosed this to journalists in Lagos emphasised that the festival slated for today was strategically conceived to preserve Yoruba culture

while empowering women with practical skills to thrive in the state’s booming creative and event economy.

He said, “The Gele itself is something very unique to us. It is something we use to celebrate, use for style, and use to enhance the beauty of our mothers and women. Some of these head-wraps carry deep cultural interpretations.

“We came up with the Gele Festival to amplify conversations around this heritage and appreciate the master stylists who have spent years innovating the unique designs we see every day.”

Beyond the pageantry and multi-million-naira prizes, Aregbe highlighted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration views tourism, arts, and culture as essential instruments for real economic impact rather than mere entertainment.

He added that the event will offer an impressive ₦2 million prize for the participant with the best Gele at the event.

“For me, tourism, arts, and culture must go beyond just entertainment; it must be impactful.

“If we empower one woman, we empower the family and the entire community. Lagos hosts countless events and celebrations every weekend. By training these artists, we are creating a fresh workforce equipped to secure their share of the economic opportunities in our state and put food on their tables.”

Addressing the future of the participating stylists, the Special Adviser assured that the state government’s commitment extends well beyond the single-day competition.

According to him, plans are underway to place successful participants into an official Lagos creative database, linking them directly with event organizers, high-profile functions, and tourism showcases across the state.

Aregbe also touched on gender inclusion at the event, humorously noting that while the craft traditionally centers on women, male leadership is actively driving the initiative forward under the state government’s broader THEMES+ agenda – an initiative anchored on fairness, gender equality, and inclusive growth.