The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture has urged registered traditional groups and associations across the state to obtain government approval before organising festivals, reiterating its “No Approval, No Celebration of Festivals” policy.
The sensitisation programme, held at the Theatre Hall of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture in Ikeja, brought together traditional rulers, Isese practitioners, scholars and other stakeholders to promote compliance with government regulations governing cultural celebrations.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Sanu Solomon Bonu, said the initiative was aimed at ensuring orderly and peaceful festival celebrations across the state, recalling his role in the advocacy that led to the declaration of August 20 as the official public holiday for the annual Isese Day celebration in Lagos.
Bonu also disclosed that the state government is working on legislation that will provide a unified legal framework for regulating the activities of traditionalists in Lagos.
According to him, efforts are equally underway to harmonise traditional celebrations by establishing a common day for collective observance, similar to those of the Christian and Muslim faiths.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Taoreed Dosumu, stressed that obtaining government approval is both a statutory requirement and a necessary measure to ensure adequate security, effective coordination and the safety of participants and the public during festivals.
In his welcome address, the Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Idowu Johnson, represented by Mr. Olumide Somoye, urged traditional institutions and Isese practitioners to always secure the required approvals before organising festivals and other cultural activities, noting that compliance would promote peaceful, orderly and successful celebrations.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including His Royal Majesty, Aholu Agano Toniyon I, Aholu of Ajara Agamathen Kingdom, Badagry; Chief Mrs. Folusho Adeogun, First Vice President of AATREN; and Professor Oguntola Laguda of the Department of Religions and Peace Studies, Lagos State University, alongside other traditional rulers, scholars and leaders of registered traditional associations.
Participants engaged in interactive discussions and delivered goodwill messages advocating love, unity, peace, truth, mutual respect and solidarity as essential values for preserving and promoting the rich Yoruba cultural heritage.
The meeting ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to complying with government regulations by obtaining the necessary approvals before organising festivals, while strengthening collaboration between the Lagos State Government and traditional institutions to preserve cultural heritage and ensure public safety and order.
