For decades, a significant portion of Nigeria's educated and upwardly mobile youth viewed local administration and cultural affairs as domains for the informal sector. This mindset created a palpable distance from grassroots participation and heritage preservation. However, a powerful renaissance is now sweeping across the nation, fundamentally altering this narrative.
A New Generation Takes the Stage
Today, a dynamic wave of globally aware young Nigerians is actively reclaiming spaces in culture, tradition, and local governance. They are transforming these areas into sources of pride, relevance, and tangible opportunity. Professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders are stepping forward to preserve heritage while innovatively repackaging it for contemporary audiences.
This shift is visible in vibrant examples nationwide. In Kebbi State, young professionals are championing the Arugungun Fishing Festival, elevating its profile on the international stage. The city of Onitsha has seen a surge in vibrant participation in its traditional festivals, which has strengthened cultural bonds across towns and villages in the region.
The 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos underwent a remarkable transformation, driven largely by Lagos-based entrepreneurs. They infused the age-old tradition with modern elegance, structured organisation, and compelling storytelling. Similarly, the recent Remo Day celebration in Sagamu was a sophisticated display of unity and culture, bringing together towns and villages across Remoland.
Furthermore, the iconic Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode continues to stand as a powerful testament to intergenerational harmony. Here, age grades spectacularly blend fashion, pageantry, and discipline in homage to the throne, earning admiration far beyond Nigeria's borders.
Beyond Celebration: Economic and Social Impact
The message from this movement is both simple and urgent: more young people must rise to participate. Cultural festivals are no longer seen as mere relics of the past. They are now recognised as potent engines for local economic growth, tourism development, social cohesion, and heightened civic consciousness.
When educated and professionally skilled individuals engage, the entire dynamic changes. Standards are elevated, conversations gain depth, and the flavour of events becomes more refined. Governance structures begin to listen when citizens show up organised, informed, and deeply rooted in their cultural identity. The era of detached elitism and folded arms is conclusively over.
A Call to Action for Heritage Stewardship
Culture and tradition, if left in the hands of charlatans, risk decline and decay. However, when placed in the care of thoughtful and committed citizens, they evolve, thrive, and command global respect. The inspiring shift witnessed today—where more Nigerians are taking ownership, refining, protecting, and proudly presenting their heritage—marks a positive turning point.
This is a clarion call to all: find pride, purpose, and even leisure in your culture. Grow it. Curate it. Elevate it. Let cultural engagement become both a rewarding hobby and a strategic investment in our collective heritage. The recent Eyo Festival and Remo Day in Sagamu exemplify this spirit, where professionals participated not just to celebrate, but to serve, support, and sustainably strengthen their roots.
The bar is being raised. It is time to continue this momentum, strengthen our communities, and promote Nigerian culture and tradition with unwavering excellence.
