The Lagos State Government has unveiled a ₦2 million prize for the participant with the best headtie at the 2026 Gele Festival, as part of efforts to promote Yoruba cultural heritage and empower young artisans.

The festival, scheduled for Sunday, November 8, will also feature skills development programmes, masterclasses and mentorship sessions aimed at equipping hundreds of young Gele artists with the expertise to tap into opportunities in the creative and event industries.

The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists ahead of the event.

He said the festival was conceived to preserve Yoruba cultural heritage while providing women with practical skills to become economically self-reliant.

Aregbe described Gele as an important aspect of Yoruba identity and fashion, noting that different headtie styles carry cultural meanings and reflect the creativity of their designers.

"Number one is about protecting our culture, protecting what the Yoruba believes in.

“The Gele itself is something very unique to us. It is something we use to celebrate, use for style, and use to enhance the beauty of our mothers and women. Some of these headwraps carry deep cultural interpretations.

“We came up with the Gele Festival to amplify conversations around this heritage and appreciate the master stylists who have spent years innovating the unique designs we see every day,” he said.

Beyond cultural promotion, the special adviser said the initiative was designed to create economic opportunities for participants by connecting their skills to Lagos’ growing events and creative economy.

According to him, the state government considers tourism, arts and culture important tools for economic empowerment rather than mere entertainment.

“For me, tourism, arts, and culture must go beyond just entertainment; it must be impactful.

“If we empower one woman, we empower the family and the entire community. Lagos hosts countless events and celebrations every weekend. By training these artists, we are creating a fresh workforce equipped to secure their share of the economic opportunities in our state and put food on their tables,” he said.

Aregbe disclosed that the government was making plans to enrol successful participants in an official Lagos creative database to connect them with event organisers, high-profile functions and tourism showcases across the state.

He added that the initiative aligned with the government’s THEMES+ agenda, particularly its emphasis on gender equality, fairness and inclusive economic growth.

The special adviser further said registration for the training programme had exceeded initial expectations, prompting plans for additional masterclasses and mentorship sessions after the festival to accommodate more interested participants.