The Eko Youth Tourism Club successfully hosted the much-anticipated EKO CAMPUS FEST at the Lagos State University Student Union Arcade, with the theme “CULTURED.”
The event dated February 19th, 2025, was designed to enlighten youths about Lagos’ rich cultural heritage, promote tourism, and elevate indigenous traditions to greater heights.
The celebration drew a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting Lagos’ cultural identity among the younger generation.
Notable attendees included Hon. Ayotunde Adenuga (Leader of the House), Dr. Abiodun Fatai Abatan (Dean of Student Affairs), Comr. Muhammad Olukola (Founder of Tech Shepherd), Aare Barrister Oladotun Hassan, and Mr. Olayitan Adeshina.
EKO CAMPUS FEAT featured a variety of 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.
Comrade Ogunye Oluwaseun Adeyinka, Convener of Eko Youth Tourism Club and Eko Campus Fest, emphasized the significance of the festival, themed “Cultured.” The event aims to preserve and promote Lagos’ rich cultural heritage while fostering youth participation in sustainable tourism.
“This festival is not just about entertainment; it is about empowerment. It is about inspiring a new generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who will drive the growth and development of Lagos State,” Ogunye stated.
Ogunye expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government and its key officials, including Hon. Toke Benson (Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture), Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende (Commissioner for Youth and Social Development), and Hon. Gbenga Omotosho (Commissioner for Information and Strategy), for their unwavering support. He also acknowledged partners, sponsors, and volunteers whose dedication made the festival possible.
Delivering the keynote address, Aare Barrister Oladotun Hassan emphasized the urgent need for youths to embrace responsible advocacy and develop a strong cultural identity in their leadership pursuits.
Hassan, a respected legal luminary and cultural advocate, raised concerns about the diminishing depth of student and youth advocacy in today’s society.
He criticized the shift from structured, strategic advocacy to reactionary activism fueled by social media outbursts.
“Every time you are introduced as a youth or student, the question remains: What do we truly give to introduce ourselves?” Hassan asked.
He lamented that structured advocacy—where organized efforts led to meaningful change—has been replaced by knee-jerk reactions devoid of strategic planning.
“In our days as student union leaders, we explored the three Cs: consultation before confrontation. But today, we see protests erupt without proper engagement, without seeking solutions through dialogue first.”
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 centred on good character, integrity, and service.
He also encouraged the Eko Youth Tourism Club to extend their cultural initiatives beyond Lagos State University (LASU), seeking national recognition and collaborations with bodies such as the Federal Ministry of Culture, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and other ethnic youth organizations.
“Programs like this should not be confined to LASU alone. There is a need for broader collaboration to foster national unity, especially in a time when ethnic divisions threaten our collective progress.”
Hassan also reflected on his past contributions, recalling his tenure as JCCC chairman of Lagos High School, during which he advocated for the construction of the arcade where the event was held, serving as an example of structured advocacy yielding tangible results.
Prince Teslim Olubodun, a renowned cultural advocate, passionately emphasized the importance of the Yoruba language in fostering cultural identity.
“Do not shy away from speaking your dialect. Our language is the essence of our identity, and its survival depends on our ability to use and promote it.”
Similarly, Dr. Abiodun Abatan 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 favour of foreign influences. Instead of using our traditions to shape narratives, we are losing our heritage to modernization.”
Comrade Olukola Muhammad reinforced this by emphasizing the role of parents in 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, a representative of Samson Apata, reinforces 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 fest featured traditional dance performances, spoken word recitations in Yoruba, art exhibitions, and a food festival showcasing Lagos’ indigenous delicacies.
Attendees expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as a crucial step toward reviving cultural pride among young Lagosians.
With EKO CAMPUS FEST setting the stage for further cultural engagements, it is evident that Lagos remains a hub of artistic and historical treasures, ready to be explored and cherished by generations to come.
INN-HOUSE☆ 