The Eko Youth Tourism Club marked a significant milestone in its efforts to promote cultural heritage and tourism development in Lagos State with the successful hosting of the EKO CAMPUS FEST at the Lagos State University Student Union Arcade on February 19th, 2025.

The celebration drew a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Aare Barrister Oladotun Hassan, Hon. Ayotunde Adenuga (Leader of the House), Dr. Abiodun Fatai Abatan (Dean of Student Affairs), Hon. Adeola Adewunmi SSA Tertiary Hon. Kappo Samuel SSA Student Affairs, Comr. Muhammad Olukola (Founder of Tech Shepherd), and Mr. Olayitan Adeshina.

Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, represented by Dr. Dosu, highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage among youths, urging them to prioritize their culture as it is vital and important. He stated that Lagos State is blessed with numerous tourist attractions, including Badagry, Ikorodu, Epe, Lagos Island, and Ikeja, and emphasized the need to promote these areas as tourism attractions.

The event featured various cultural showcases, including traditional music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and discussions on the significance of Lagos’ cultural legacy. Participants engaged in interactive sessions emphasizing the role of tourism in economic and social development.

In his address, Comrade Ogunye Oluwaseun Adeyinka, Convener of the Eko Youth Tourism Club/Eko Campus Fest emphasized the importance of celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Lagos, highlighting the vibrant energy of the state’s youths and the boundless potential of the great state.

He further explained that the event’s theme, “Cultured,” reflects the club’s commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Lagos, while the sub-theme, “The Importance of Youth in Tourism Development,” highlights the critical role that young people play in driving sustainable tourism development.

Ogunye expressed his gratitude to the Lagos State Government and other sponsors for their support, stating, “I would like to express my gratitude to our main sponsor, the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Art, And Culture, Commissioner of Tourism Art and Culture, Hon Toke Benson, Honourable Mobolaji Ogunlende (RAK), Commissioner of Youth And Social Development, Hon Gbenga Omotosho, Commissioner for Information And Strategy, Former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Art, and Culture, Mrs Atekoja Toyin, Top Government Officials, SSA’s, partners, and supporters who have made “Eko Campus Fest”25 possible.”

He urged the guests to make the most of the celebration, inspire each other, and work together to build a brighter future for Lagos. Adeyinka also acknowledged the efforts of the club’s team, volunteers, and members who worked tirelessly to make the event a success.

Aare Barrister Oladotun Hassan delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the urgent need for youths to develop a strong cultural identity and embrace responsible advocacy in their leadership pursuits. He criticized the shift from structured, strategic advocacy to reactionary activism fueled by social media outbursts.

Hassan further stressed that culture is the backbone of every society, and failure to preserve cultural identity has led to a disconnect among young people, leaving them divided along ethnic lines. He urged the audience to redefine their approach to advocacy and leadership by embracing the Omoluabi Ethos, a Yoruba philosophy centered on good character, integrity, and service.

Prince Teslim Olusi, a renowned cultural advocate emphasized the importance of the Yoruba language in fostering cultural identity. He urged the audience not to shy away from their culture, stating, “We have forgotten about our culture. To every young person, we are not the leaders of tomorrow, we are leaders of today.”

Dr. Abiodun Abatan, Dean Students Affairs, Lagos State University addressed the pressing issue of cultural erosion in contemporary society. He criticized the increasing influence of foreign cultures, urging youths to embrace their heritage through storytelling, art, and everyday life. “Our culture is our identity, yet many of us have abandoned it in favor of foreign influences. Instead of using our traditions to shape narratives, we are losing our heritage to modernization.”

Hon. Kappo Samuel, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Student Affairs emphasized the importance of preserving cultural identity, stating, “Our culture is our pride.”

He praised the Eko Youth Tourism Club for their efforts in promoting cultural awareness and urged them to continue their good work.

Looking ahead to future editions of the event, Hon. Kappo Samuel encouraged all stakeholders to work together, saying, “For the next edition, we should all put our heads together to make it a success.”

Comrade Olukola Muhammad reinforced the importance of parents teaching children Yoruba language and traditions, stating, “Language is a vital part of our identity, and it is our collective responsibility to pass it down to future generations.”

The event concluded with a speech by Mr. Idowu, representing Hon. Samson Apata, who reinforced the importance of culture in shaping identity and societal values. He commended the Eko Youth Tourism Club for their dedication to fostering cultural awareness and encouraged attendees to embrace and promote their heritage. The Campus fest featured traditional dance performances, spoken word recitations in Yoruba, art exhibitions, and a food festival showcasing Lagos’ indigenous delicacies.