By Dansu Peter After years of hiatus, the Badagry Heritage Festival is making a grand comeback, thanks to the visionary efforts of Hon. Bon...
By Dansu Peter
After years of hiatus, the Badagry Heritage Festival is making a grand comeback, thanks to the visionary efforts of Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Badagry Constituency 1. This year’s festival promises to be a cultural masterpiece, headlined by the Yoruba classical ballet "Obì àti Orógbó" written and directed by the acclaimed playwright Seun Awobajo.
The much-anticipated event is scheduled for December 27, 2024, at the newly renovated Badagry Theatre. The festival will feature two showtimes: 4 PM for traditional rulers, Baales, and political leaders, and 6 PM for the general public. The stage play is free of charge, a gesture made possible by the generous support of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Speaking at the Christmas celebration held at the historic Agia Tree monuments in Badagry—where Christmas was first celebrated in Nigeria—Hon. Bonu Solomon expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for prioritizing the cultural renaissance of Badagry.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank Gov. Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Mr. Hamzat, Speaker of LAHA, and my colleagues in the House for giving me the opportunity to promote Badagry to another level,” Solomon said.
The festival serves as a celebration of Badagry’s rich cultural heritage, bringing history, traditions, and artistry to life. "Obì àti Orógbó" promises to be a highlight of the event, blending traditional Yoruba storytelling with ballet in a performance that showcases the symbolic interplay of kola nuts (Obì) and bitter kola (Orógbó) in Yoruba culture.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend this unique experience, which not only revives the festival but also elevates Badagry’s profile as a cultural hub.
Mark your calendars for December 27th and immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Badagry.
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