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By: Manoah Kikekon
Thousands of people have stormed Iworo Mega Jamz on Thursday, January 2nd 2025, to witness an incredible evening of music, laughter, and celebration that demonstrated the community's unity and spirit.
The event was held at Iworo, beside Olorunda LCDA secretariat, Badagry, Lagos State.
HRM. Oba Oladele Kosoko, Oba Oniworo of the Iworo Kingdom, emphasised the need to obey the law. He said, "We must remain law-abiding citizens," and the audience nodded in agreement. People come to Iworo every year because it is peaceful. We must continue to advance our culture and values."
Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu, Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, expressed surprise at the large turnout said, "We will bring the Lagos state government to Iworo at next year's celebration. He also made some cash donations to support the event, promising to bring prominent artists to subsequent events.
At the funfair, Hon. Ibrahim Layode, Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs, commended the Iworo youths for their zeal and vigour. He corroborated what Bonu said assuring the audience that big artists will feature in next year's event.
HRM. (Oba) Onimeke of Imeke, who emphasised the connection between Iworo Kingdom and Imeke Kingdom, urged the young people to maintain focus and that both kingdoms are siblings: "We need to come together for peace and prosperity."
Prince Olu Kosoko, Aremo of Iworo Kingdom said, "This is a loadable one I'm excited seeing this crowd of young people, and we want to take the opportunity to see how we can expose Iworo Kingdom to the world, letting the people know how happy and secure we are here.
"I believe Iworo is going to be the best destination for tourism in Badagry if we can take this further," he added.
The Carnival Planning Committee's assistant secretary, Olubanji Oyewole, stated that, with the exception of the Covid-19 era, the event has been held regularly since 2007. To ensure the funfair's success, he urged the state government to support more well-known entertainers.
Samuel Oluwatosin, a social media influencer popularly known as LABOBO, said This is amazing, it's more like a carnival of the century." In his advice to Badagry youths, he said, "Fayawo (smuggling) is not sustainable we need to get heads together to do something sustainable."