Wale Jagun
Organisers of the Fanti Carnival, which has emerged as a major feature of the annual Ikorodu-Oga Festival, has reiterated that the initiative was designed to further promote the cultural heritage, tourism and unity among residents of Ikorodu.
Alhaji Kolawole Olayiwola Fatai Ogunfodunrin, Chairman, Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS) and the initiator/Coordinator of the Fanti Carnival, Coomrade Pelumi “Rado” Ola Lekan, speaking at the media parley heralding this year’s Fanti carnival at the Ikorodu Town Hall, on Thursday, also reiterated that the idea is to ensure community inclusiveness in the annual Ikorodu-Oga celebrations.
Fanti Carnival, which comes up November 14th, was introduced into the Ikorodu-Oga Festival last year and will, like the last edition, feature the three main traditional quarters in Ikorodu – Aga, Ijomu and Isele.
Aside the Fanti procession and cultural display, Alhaji Ayinde Wasiu Marshal (KWAM 1), Alhaji Adio Malaika, Barry Jay, Atawewe, Slimcase, Jesse King, DJ Cora and Folami (Kodu Boy) will entertain guests and residents at the Town Hall from 8pm till dawn.
The IKODASS Chairman, Alhaji Kolawole Olayiwola Fatai Ogunfodunrin, described the Fanti Carnival as an important expression of Ikorodu’s cultural identity, historical heritage and communal unity.
He said that the carnival has grown beyond a street celebration and offered an opportunity for younger generations to appreciate and preserve the community’s cultural heritage.
”The Fanti Carnival is more than a mere street celebration now, it has grown beyond that. It is a remarkable expression of our cultural identity, historical heritage, creativity, and communal unity. You can see the unity that is coming up in Ikorodu.
”The Carnival represents an important aspect of Ikorodu’s cultural history, reflecting the historical connection and cultural influence that have become part of our people’s identity over the years.
He added: “It provides an opportunity for our people, particularly the younger generation, to appreciate, preserve, and celebrate our cultural heritage while creating an atmosphere of unity, entertainment, and social interaction”.
While revealing the IKODASS plan for the carnival, the IKODASS Chairman, also appealed to media houses to assist in propagating the carnival.
”Our vision is to continue developing the Carnival into a recognised cultural tourism attraction that will draw visitors, tourist, cultural enthusiasts, and investors to Ikorodu from within and outside Lagos State.
”Distinguished journalists, the importance of this media briefing is the success of this cultural celebration. It cannot be overemphasised. You are a strategic partners in projecting the image of Ikorodu to the outside world.
”Your reports, interviews photographs, documentaries, and media publications will help communicate the significance of this event to a wider audience. I, therefore, appeal to all media organisations represented here today to give the 2026 Fanti Carnival adequate publicity before, during, and after the event. Let us collectively tell the positive story of Ikorodu, highlighting its history, cultural value, investment opportunities and tourism attractions”, he said.
He commended the Ikorodu Local Government chairman, Prince Adedayo Ladega, for his support for the initiative, while also expressing optimism that the event would improve on the success of its maiden edition.
The carnival’s Coordinator, Comrade Pelumi “Rado” Olalekan, also speakng, said the idea was conceived to make the Ikorodu-Oga Festival more inclusive by extending participation beyond the traditional festival activities.
He explained that the Fanti Carnival was designed to involve young and old residents, men and women, indigenes and non-indigenes, allowing more people to participate in the celebration of their community.
“Residents should be partakers in the celebration of Ikorodu Oga Festival Day. That’s how we brought the idea”, he said.
Rado also appreciated the local government chairman for embracing the initiative and supporting the participating quarters, particularly in their preparations for this year’s carnival.
