Ososo Carnival celebrates 15 years as Edo State’s flagship community tourism event, drawing thousands and boosting culture-driven development

The Ososo Carnival Initiative marked the 15th anniversary of the Ososo Carnival on Sunday in Ososo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, with a four-day cultural festival that attracted thousands of tourists, creatives, and community members from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

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Widely regarded as a jewel in Edo State’s tourism calendar, the anniversary edition, themed “Festival Without Walls”, delivered a powerful showcase of cultural promotion, community-driven entertainment, and economic impact.

The four-day extravaganza featured a bonfire night, arts exhibition, fashion show, and a grand carnival parade, reinforcing the event’s status as Nigeria’s leading community-led tourism initiative.

While cutting the ceremonial tape to flag off the grand carnival parade, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ososo Carnival Initiative, Hon. Emmanuel Omoladun Agbaje, described the festival’s growth as a source of immense pride.

Hon. Agbaje said the carnival has been held annually since its inception in 2011, except in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2024 because of circumstances beyond the organisers’ control.

He noted that consistency, stakeholder support, and community ownership have sustained the initiative.

“Fifteen years of Ososo Carnival is a testament to our consistency and love for our heritage. This year, we are showcasing to the world that Ososo remains a prime destination for sustainable tourism and creative investment,” Agbaje said.

He added that tourism now represents a new economic frontier for Akoko-Edo and Edo State, describing Ososo’s rocky hills, history, and hospitality as untapped goldmines.

The opening night bonfire ceremony, which serves as a symbolic homecoming ritual of light, music, dance, and fireworks, drew large crowds.

Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour, Chief Dr. Thomas Attah, the Ekpen of Ekpoma, urged young people to prioritise long-term impact over fleeting social media trends.

Chief Attah encouraged youths to use the carnival as a moment of reflection and redirection, stressing the importance of skills acquisition, professional certification, entrepreneurship, and courage in seeking mentorship.

“The future does not wait for anyone. The time to act and make real impact is now,” he said.

Speaking at the close of the carnival, the President of the Ososo Carnival Initiative, Mr. Moses Ajayi, described the milestone as a powerful symbol of resilience and purpose.

“This carnival has evolved beyond entertainment. It is now a strategic platform for sustainable tourism and a bridge connecting our rich past with a prosperous future,” Ajayi said.

Ajayi also highlighted the economic benefits of the event, noting increased patronage for hotels, restaurants, and transport operators in Ososo and surrounding communities.

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He disclosed that at least three new hotels are currently under construction in Ososo as a direct response to the growing tourism demand generated by the carnival.