In a vibrant display of heritage, craft, and economic empowerment, the Lagos State Government has concluded plans for the 2026 Gele Festival, featuring an impressive ₦2 million prize for the participant with the best Gele at the event.
Aside from that, the festival has provided an avenue for an intensive skill-building initiative designed to empower hundreds of young Gele artists, elevate their skills, and redefine traditional African fashion. The landmark event highlights the iconic Nigerian headwrap—the Gele—not just as an everyday fashion staple, but as a cultural treasure and a viable driver of economic self-sufficiency.
Preserving Yoruba culture through enterprise
Speaking ahead of the event scheduled for Sunday, November 8, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture Idris Aregbe emphasized that the festival was strategically conceived to preserve Yoruba culture while empowering women with practical skills to thrive in the state’s booming creative and event economy.
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”Number one is about protecting our culture, protecting what the Yoruba believes in,” Aregbe said.
”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.”
Beyond the pageantry and multi-million-naira prizes, Aregbe highlighted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration views tourism, arts, and culture as essential instruments for real economic impact rather than mere entertainment.
”For me, tourism, arts, and culture must go beyond just entertainment; it must be impactful,” he noted.
”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.”
Long-term integration and gender inclusion
Addressing the future of the participating stylists, the Special Adviser assured that the state government’s commitment extends well beyond the single-day competition. According to him, plans are already underway to place successful participants into an official Lagos creative database, linking them directly with event organizers, high-profile functions, and tourism showcases across the state.
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Aregbe also touched on gender inclusion at the event, humorously noting that while the craft traditionally centers on women, male leadership is actively driving the initiative forward under the state government’s broader THEMES+ agenda—an initiative anchored on fairness, gender equality, and inclusive growth. With trainee registrations surpassing initial estimates, the organizers have disclosed that additional masterclasses and mentorship sessions will continue post-festival to accommodate the high demand.
