LASG HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS' MEETING TO SENSITISE TRADITIONAL GROUPS ON FESTIVAL APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture convened a stakeholders’ meeting to sensitise registered traditional groups and associations across Lagos State on the importance of obtaining government approval before celebrating festivals. The programme took place on Friday, 3rd July 2026, at the Theatre Hall of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja.
The sensitisation programme, themed: “No Approval, No Celebration of Festivals,” was designed to educate stakeholders on the necessity of securing official approval before organising festivals and other traditional events across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman, House Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanu Solomon Bonu expressed his delight at participating in the programme. He recalled his involvement in the advocacy that led to the Lagos State Government’s declaration of 20th August as the official public holiday for the annual Isese Day celebration.
Hon. Bonu further assured participants that the State Government is actively working towards legislation that will provide a unified legal framework to regulate and guide the activities of traditionalists across Lagos State. He also disclosed that efforts are underway to unite the various traditional groups by establishing a common day for collective celebration, similar to the observances enjoyed by Christian and Muslim communities.
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 emphasised that obtaining government approval is not only a statutory requirement but also a vital measure for ensuring adequate security, effective coordination, and the safety of participants and the general public during festival celebrations
Earlier in his address, the Director/CEO of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Idowu Johnson, who was well represented by Mr. Olumide Somoye, welcomed participants and distinguished guests to the programme. He urged all traditional institutions and Isese practitioners to always obtain the necessary government approvals before organising festivals and cultural activities, stressing that compliance would promote orderly, peaceful, and successful celebrations across the state.
The programme was graced by several distinguished personalities, including His Royal Majesty, Aholu Agano Toniyon I, Aholu of Ajara Agamathen Kingdom, Badagry; Chief Mrs. Folusho Adeogun, the First Vice President of AATREN and Professor Oguntola Laguda, Professor of Philosophy of Religion, Department of Religions and Peace Studies, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, alongside other traditional rulers, scholars and leaders of registered traditional groups and associations.
The event featured interactive discussions and goodwill messages from traditional rulers, scholars and Isese practitioners, all of whom advocated the values of love, truth, unity, peace, mutual respect and solidarity as the foundation for preserving, promoting and sustaining the rich Yoruba cultural heritage and traditions.
The stakeholders’ meeting concluded successfully, with participants reaffirming their commitment to complying with government regulations by obtaining the necessary approvals before organising festivals.
The programme further strengthened the partnership between the Lagos State Government and traditional institutions in promoting the State’s cultural heritage while ensuring public safety, security, and orderliness.
More photos below.
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