President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Lagos residents and revellers to celebrate the forthcoming Eyo Festival in peace, urging them to shun violence, excessive drinking and any conduct capable of endangering lives.
Tinubu gave the charge while receiving organisers of the Eyo Festival at his Lagos residence, ahead of the cultural event scheduled to hold on December 27.
The President, who was accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the Eyo Festival as a unifying cultural heritage that must be celebrated with responsibility and mutual respect.
“God will bless all of you. You stay in peace, rejoice in peace, dance in peace,” Tinubu said.
In a clear warning to revellers, the President stressed the need for sobriety and safety during the festival, noting that no form of recklessness would be tolerated.
“No alcohol, no danger to anybody’s life,” he cautioned.
Tinubu further emphasised unity among Nigerians, describing the festival as a symbol of shared identity beyond ethnic or social divisions.
“Everybody is a member of this great family,” the President added.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit by the Eyo Festival organisers formally signalled the commencement of activities leading to the annual cultural celebration.
The statement noted that the President’s reception of the organisers underscored his support for the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, particularly Lagos’s centuries-old traditions.
Naijaonpoint reports that the Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is one of Lagos’ most iconic cultural events, drawing thousands of spectators, tourists and indigenes who gather to witness the procession of the white-clad masquerades.
With the December 27 date drawing near, stakeholders are expected to intensify preparations, including security arrangements and crowd control, to ensure a peaceful celebration in line with the President’s directive.
The Eyo Festival is traditionally associated with solemnity, discipline and order, values that Tinubu urged participants to uphold during the festivities.