The Lagos Gele Festival came alive in a dazzling display of colour, creativity, music, fashion and cultural heritage at Eko Amore Gardens, Lekki, on Sunday, November 8, 2026, as Lagos State celebrated the iconic Yoruba headwrap and its enduring significance as a symbol of identity, elegance and cultural pride.


The Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Solomon Bonu; and the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, were among the top government officials who graced the occasion.

An initiative of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Festival brought together women, youths and men, alongside gele artists, fashion enthusiasts, cultural troupes, traditional rulers, community leaders, tourists, industry stakeholders and lovers of culture from across Lagos State and beyond.

The event provided an inclusive platform for cultural expression, skills development, creative enterprise and economic empowerment through a rich blend of competitions, workshops, gele displays, cultural performances, music and fashion showcases.

Guests were treated to a spectacular parade of gele styles, ranging from timeless traditional designs to bold contemporary creations. Cultural troupes entertained the audience with energetic performances, while fashion showcases demonstrated the versatility of the gele and its continued evolution as a statement of elegance, identity and cultural expression.

Speaking at the Festival, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, said the initiative was designed to preserve and promote the State’s cultural heritage while equipping participants, particularly women and young people, with practical skills to become economically self-reliant.

He added that the Festival also created opportunities for men and other creative practitioners to explore and benefit from the growing creative economy.
According to him, the gele is more than a fashion accessory. He described it as a symbol of pride, dignity, identity and womanhood, as well as a powerful expression of the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

He emphasised the importance of documenting, promoting and transferring the art of gele tying to younger generations to ensure that the traditional craft is sustained and remains relevant in contemporary society.

Mr. Aregbe noted that the Festival aligns with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, particularly in promoting the State’s cultural assets through Entertainment and Tourism, supporting creative entrepreneurs and human capital development, and advancing the 21st Century Economy. He added that the initiative also promotes Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment while positioning Lagos as an attractive destination for local and international visitors.

He further reaffirmed the commitment of the Sanwo-Olu administration to positioning Lagos as Africa’s foremost destination for creative and cultural tourism through strategic partnerships, cultural festivals and cultural diplomacy.

Beyond the glamour and celebration, the Festival placed significant emphasis on skills acquisition and enterprise development. Participants engaged in workshops and practical training sessions designed to enhance their gele-tying techniques while exploring opportunities to transform the traditional craft into a viable and sustainable source of income.

The competition segment was another major highlight, as gele artists and other participants showcased their creativity, artistry and technical expertise before a panel of judges, demonstrating the versatility and innovation embedded in the traditional craft.

The Special Adviser commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support for youth development and his commitment to placing culture, creativity and human capital development at the centre of Lagos State’s growth and development agenda.

The Lagos Gele Festival underscores the State Government’s sustained commitment to promoting its cultural assets, nurturing creative talents, supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening Lagos’ position as a leading destination for cultural tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture reiterated its commitment to sustaining platforms that celebrate the State’s rich cultural heritage, empower creative talents and provide opportunities for inclusive economic growth, while ensuring that Lagos’ cultural identity is preserved and passed on to future generations.

ASA