Sanwo-Olu Mourns The Passage Of Oba Akran Of Badagry

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passage of Oba of Badagry (Paramount Ruler of Badagry Kingdom) and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Babatunde Akran, the Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, who joined his ancestors at the age of 89.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on Monday, described the departure of Oba Akran as a great loss not only to the people of Badagry but also to Lagos and Nigeria at large, given his remarkable impact as a respected monarch.

He said the revered king, who was on the throne for nearly 49 years, is a traditional ruler known for his wisdom, cultural preservation, and advocacy for Badagry’s development, adding that he rendered selfless service to the people and left behind a legacy of unity, tradition, uplifting and modern development.

He said: “On behalf of my wife, the government and people of Lagos, I commiserate with the people of Badagry, the deceased’s family, friends, associates and traditional institutions on the transition of the paramount ruler of Badagry Kingdom and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Babatunde Akran, Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I.

“The death of Oba Akran is a great loss to the people of the ancient town of Badagry, and he will be greatly missed. He was a respected journalist. As a traditional ruler, he made a positive impact during his lifetime and contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of his community, Lagos State, and Nigeria.

“Oba Akran, as a first-class traditional ruler, left a lasting legacy that the people of Badagry Kingdom will continue to cherish. He served as the custodian of Badagry’s traditions, customs, and cultural heritage for nearly 49 years. He was a stabilising force, known for uniting diverse interests within his kingdom, and he promoted Badagry’s historical sites and cultural festivals nationally and internationally, fostering tourism and cultural exchange.

“He also used his position to attract growth and development to the ancient town. I urge his family, friends, subjects and associates, as well as the entire people of Badagry, whose interests the departed traditional ruler represented and worked tirelessly for during his lifetime, to work towards immortalising him.

“I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of the late monarch and grant the royal family and the people of the Badagry kingdom and Lagos State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

 

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Medical Negligence: Chimamanda's Family Heads To Court Over Her Son's Death

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie  is reportedly heading for the court over her son’s death even as the Lagos state government has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the boy’s death. Her family is accusing Euracare Hospital, in Lagos, of negligence over the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, who died on Wednesday following a short illness, leaving the family devastated. 

Now, the family allege there was a litany of failures at Euracare Hospital that led to the toddler's death, including being denied oxygen and being given too much sedation, causing a cardiac arrest.

The hospital expressed its "deepest sympathies" over the loss of the child but denied improper care, which it said had been in line with international standards.

It added that Nkanu had arrived at the hospital "critically ill" and that an investigation into the death was now under way.

Adichie's sister-in-law, Dr Anthea Nwandu, made a series of allegations about the hospital in an interview with Arise TV on Saturday.

In it, she said the medical director of Euracare had told Adichie her son "had received too much sedation", which subsequently caused him to suffer a cardiac arrest.

Dr Nwandu also accused medical staff of leaving the child unattended, denying him oxygen and transporting him in a manner that was "not according to standard practice".

She alleged Nkanu suffered a brain injury due to lack of oxygen.

Similar accusations concerning Nkanu's care were made in a private message from Adichie that was leaked online.

Her spokeswoman Omawumi Ogbe told the BBC that the message had originally been shared within "a close circle of family and friends", and "was not for public consumption".

Ms Ogbe continued: "While we are saddened that such a deeply personal account of grief and trauma was leaked, the details therein highlight the devastating clinical failures the family is now forced to confront.

"We hope that the substance of that message, detailing the gross medical negligence that led to this tragedy remains the central focus even as we look forward to the truth and accountability."

Nkanu was one of twin boys Adichie shared with her husband, Dr Ivara Esege.

Responding to the allegations, Euracare Hospital acknowledged the "profound and unimaginable loss" the family was experiencing, but said in a statement on Saturday that "reports currently being circulated contain inaccuracies".

It said Nkanu, who was critically ill, had been referred to the hospital after receiving treatment from two paediatric centres, and that upon arrival staff "immediately provided care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards, including the administration of sedation".

It continued: "In the course of his care, we worked collaboratively with external medical teams as recommended by his family and ensured that all necessary clinical support was provided."

However, "despite these concerted efforts", the boy died less than 24 hours after arriving at the hospital, it added.

A "detailed investigation" was under way, Euracare said, adding that it remained "committed to engaging transparently and responsibly with all clinical and regulatory processes".

Adichie, 48, had her first child, a daughter, in 2016. Her twin boys were born using a surrogate in 2024.

Responding to the allegations concerning Nkanu, an adviser to the Lagos State government said it "places the highest value on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct".

Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on health matters, confirmed the state's health watchdog had commenced a "thorough, independent and transparent" investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

"Any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory violations will face the full wrath of the law," Dr Ogunyemi said.

She urged members of the public to avoid speculation over the death while the official investigation was ongoing.

 

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Lagos Government Orders Probe Into The Death Of Chimamanda's Son

The Lagos State Government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations of medical negligence surrounding the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who reportedly died at a private hospital in Lagos.

The toddler, one of Adichie’s twin sons, was said to have passed away on January 6 after a brief illness.

In a statement released on Saturday and signed by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, the state government said it had been officially informed of the “deeply distressing” account shared by the author regarding the circumstances surrounding her son’s death.

The government expressed condolences to Adichie and her family, describing the loss of a child as a devastating tragedy.

“The Lagos State Government places the highest premium on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the state,” the statement said.

According to the statement, Governor Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, HEFAMAA, to immediately launch a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the incident to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the child’s death.

“In line with this directive, HEFAMAA has commenced investigation and has already visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry,” the statement noted.

The government said the agency would conduct an extensive review of all allegations, medical records and reports connected to the case.

It added that HEFAMAA would work closely with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure a credible and professionally guided investigation.

“The investigation will examine issues including adherence to clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved,” the statement said.

The government assured the public that the outcome of the investigation would be made public once concluded, in line with its commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory violations will face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law,” the statement added.

The Lagos State Government urged residents to remain calm and avoid speculation while investigations are ongoing, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the health, safety and rights of all residents and strengthening oversight of medical practice across the state.

 

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Lagos Is One Of The 7 Top Art Destinations To Visit In 2026 - Global Report

Lagos State has been named as one of the seven art destinations to visit in 2026, according to a report by Artsy, the leading global online Art Marketplace.

The city was described as “a banner biennale in West Africa’s preeminent art capital.”

This was contained in a statement signed and released by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, on Friday.

According to an article titled “7 Art Destinations to Visit in 2026” published in artsy.net by Maxwell Rabb on January 8, Lagos is one of the “seven spots—from marquee art events to rising scenes—that are worth adding to an art-inspired travel itinerary in 2026.”

The seven destinations picked by the leading global online Art Marketplace are Venice, Italy; Doha, Qatar; Sydney, Australia; Bangkok, Thailand; Lagos, Nigeria; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Malta.

Artsy disclosed that “Lagos is rapidly becoming the commercial and creative engine of African contemporary art, and this momentum will continue in 2026.”

Stating why Lagos is among the seven art destinations to visit in 2026, the leading global online Art Marketplace, noted that the city’s momentum is sustained year-round by a fast-evolving arts community.

“Amid the biennial, The Àkéte Collection – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art will officially launch its permanent home in the city in October, aiming to become a ‘living archive’ for the African continent.

“Also taking place is the 11th edition of the ART X Lagos art fair from November 5th to 8th. ‘Many of the young artists in Nigeria believed they had to leave the country to establish themselves globally. I wanted to change that. I wanted to bring the world to us,’ the fair’s founder, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, told Artsy in December 2025.

“The city’s momentum is further sustained year-round by a fast-evolving arts community. Galleries such as Rele, kó, Ogirikan Art Gallery, and Nike Art Gallery support artists shaping contemporary African discourse, while institutions like the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History ground new work in deeper historical narratives.”

Welcoming the report, which mentioned the State’s monumental J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Arts and Culture, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the listing of Lagos among other top cities in the world is a reflection of the State Government’s commitment to the development of the creative sector.

The governor restated the incumbent administration’s vision to make Lagos the number one destination for arts, culture and tourism in a few years to come.

“We will continue to invest in the sector in which our youths have exhibited remarkable talents,” the Governor said.

 

 

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Medical Negligence Blamed For Chimamanda's Son's Death

Fresh details have emerged surrounding the death of the 21-month-old son of writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, following a brief illness while the family was in Lagos during the Christmas holidays.

The child, identified as Nkanu Nnamdi, reportedly fell ill after developing an infection. Sources familiar with the matter said the parents had already arranged for a full medical evacuation abroad, with a specialist medical team scheduled to transfer him to the United States for further treatment on January 7.

According to the sources, the child was taken to a private medical facility in Victoria Island, Lagos, on January 6, 2026, primarily to undergo medical tests requested by the overseas medical team. He was said to have arrived at the facility in a stable condition.

However, before the planned evacuation could take place, the child’s condition reportedly deteriorated. Individuals close to the family have raised concerns about the medical care provided in the hours before his death, describing it as inadequate and questioning whether established clinical protocols were fully observed.

“This wasn’t an act of God,” one source said, reflecting the views of those who believe the outcome could have been different. “This was a failure of care. If those professionals had done their jobs for just a few hours, that child would be alive today.”

The family has not made a public statement beyond requesting privacy during their period of mourning. Efforts are ongoing to obtain responses from the medical facility involved, as further details continue to emerge.

Lagos Today Extra! will keep you posted.

 

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Sanwo-Olu Cancels 2025 Greater Lagos Fiesta

The Lagos State Government has cancelled the 2025 edition of the Greater Lagos Fiesta. The yearly end-of-year concert is traditionally held on December 31 and features some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars.

The announcement was made on X(formerly Twitter) by the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Jubril Gawat. In his post, he disclosed that the state government had decided to call off the event scheduled for December 31, 2025.

The Greater Lagos Fiesta, organised annually by the Lagos State Government, is one of the state’s biggest entertainment events and usually features top artistes like Olamide, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Seyi Vibez and other A-list artists.

Mr Gawat’s post quoted an official statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile.

According to the statement, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the cancellation of the event and gave a directive on how residents should mark the end of the year.

Instead of the usual concert and countdown celebration, the governor urged Lagosians to spend the period in personal prayers for the nation, Lagos State and its people.

The statement said the governor encouraged residents to pray for continued prosperity, good leadership, peace, productivity and the general wellbeing of the people.

“Lagos State Government cancels Greater Lagos Fiesta 2025,” the statement announced, confirming that the event scheduled for December 31, 2025, would no longer hold.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in the statement, called on residents to reflect on the year and seek divine guidance as the state and the country prepare to enter a new year. He emphasised the importance of unity, peace and shared responsibility in building a better Lagos.

The governor also used the opportunity to wish Lagosians a happy and prosperous new year, expressing optimism about what 2026 holds for both Lagos State and Nigeria.

“On behalf of my family, I wish every resident of our dear State a happy and prosperous new year,” the governor said.

He assured residents that the coming year would be better, noting that his administration remains committed to improving governance and delivering meaningful development across the state.

“I want to assure you all that the year 2026 will be a better year for us in the State, as our administration is determined to work twice as hard to deliver the good for the residents of the state,” he added.

Governor Sanwo-Olu further appealed to residents to continue to live in peace and harmony, stressing that collective effort and cooperation are essential for the progress of the state.

Over the years, the Greater Lagos Fiesta has become a major cultural and entertainment attraction, marking the end of the year with music, performances and fireworks across several venues.

However, the state government did not give further details on why the event was cancelled. The official statement focused mainly on encouraging prayer, reflection and goodwill among residents.

Despite the cancellation, the government expressed confidence in the future, describing 2026 as a year full of promise for Lagos State and the country at large.

 

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Vacant Stool: Stakeholders Urge Sanwo-Olu To Resolve Obaship Tussle In Epe

Seven months after the demise of the Olu-Epe of Epe, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, the ancient town remains without a traditional ruler, as the process of appointing a successor continues to be stalled by controversy and unresolved claims from two prominent sons of the community.

Following the passing of the monarch in May 2025, expectations were high that the process of enthroning a new king would be swift and peaceful.

However, the succession has since been marred by disagreements, claims and counterclaims, and heightened tension among supporters of the two contenders.

Efforts by community elders to mediate yielded little result, while youth groups became increasingly agitated.

The tension reached a peak during the last Sallah period, when fears of possible violence prompted the Epe Local Government to suspend the 2025 Eid prayers at the Eid ground.

The decision was later reversed by the Lagos State Government, which assured residents of adequate security and called for calm.

The state government subsequently invited the two factions for dialogue, leading to a temporary agreement and renewed emphasis on peace, law and order.

However, a few months later, community members say no concrete steps have been taken to resolve the succession crisis.

Residents now express growing fears over the continued vacuum in traditional leadership, noting that major cultural, social and community programmes are being held without a king on the throne, an unusual situation for a town with a rich heritage.

In response, youth groups and religious organisations have written formal letters to the Lagos State Government, appealing for urgent intervention, warning that prolonged delay could trigger a breakdown of law and order.

At the weekend, some youths, led by Alhaji Musbau Adeola Agoro, gathered at the residence of the Baamofin of Epe Kingdom, Tunde Seriki, to formally register their displeasure and urge him to use his influence and connections to appeal to the state government for decisive action.

Speaking to the youths, Seriki appealed for calm and restraint.

“We must shun any act that can lead to a breakdown of law and order,” he said, adding that he has confidence in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whom he described as “a leader with listening ears who will be fair to all parties.”

A call was also made to the president of Epe Ogunmodede Club and the Alakoso of Epe Kingdom, Alhaji Omodele Ibrahim, a prominent indigene of Epe in the United Kingdom, who expressed deep concern over the prolonged impasse.

“The government should wade in fast. The youths are agitated, and the people are unhappy that after the demise of our monarch, things are still not in proper shape,” he said.

He urged notable sons and daughters of Epe to rally round the government and relevant agencies to ensure a lasting and credible resolution to the Obaship tussle.

Community stakeholders insist that only the Lagos State Government has the authority and moral standing to mediate and deliver a solution that will be widely accepted as fair, just and transparent.

As tensions simmer, residents of Epe are calling for swift action to restore traditional leadership, preserve peace, and safeguard the unity and stability of the historic town.

Culled from The Guardian 

 

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"Eyo Festival Is Not An Avenue For Personal Profit", Oba Akiolu Warns Participants As Lagosians Get Set For Festival

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu, has announced that the Eyo Festival will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in honour of the late Chief Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu, as well as the late Lateef Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola.

Oba Akiolu made the announcement during a media briefing at the palace in Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island, attended by the White Cap Chiefs. He assured residents and tourists of adequate security before, during, and after the festival, while warning participating masquerades against harassing spectators, fun seekers, or other participants.

“Eyo is not an avenue to make money for any chief. It is our sacred heritage and must be treated with dignity, not an avenue for personal profit,” the monarch said.

This year’s festival will be held at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and restricted to Lagos Island, with 100 buses planned to transport participants from across the state to the venue.

The Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a traditional Yoruba festival held on Lagos Island. It celebrates the city’s ancestral heritage and is used to guide the souls of departed kings and chiefs to the afterlife.

Eyo masquerades: Participants, known as Eyo, dress in white robes, veils, and color-coded hats (Aga cap), carrying long staffs (Opambata).

The procession: Eyo groups emerge from the palaces (Iga) of ruling families and proceed to the shrine (Agodo), accompanied by singing, drumming, and dancing.

Today, the festival also serves as a major tourist attraction and is sometimes organized for special state functions, while maintaining its cultural and spiritual significance.

As part of the activities running up to the main event, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted representatives of the families of Jakande, Johnsons, Mogaji, and Otedola. 

The event took place at the State House Marina, Lagos, amid colourful display of Eyo masquerades and other performers.

Speaking at the event, the Governor said the 2025 Eyo Festival will showcase the deepness of Lagos cultural heritage, explaining that it is a ceremony that holds together the local and international friends and audience of Lagos.

He said: “We know that there is a rich tradition and culture in Lagos, because they say that a people without a culture will go into extinction. If you don’t have a culture you are not relevant. What are you living for? What are you passing on?

“So, it will be a cultural event that we will use to demonstrate to all of our visitors and friends that Lagos is not only the centre of excellence, or the commercial nerve centre of the country; it is also the melting point of culture and tourism.

“So, I want to formally acknowledge and thank all of you for coming out in large number this afternoon to demonstrate your support,” the Governor said.

The iconic Eyo Festival is staging its comeback after eight years of absence. It is scheduled to hold at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos on December 27, 2025. 

 

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Wole Soyinka Centre To Host Public Symposium In Honour Of Biodun Jeyifo At 80

    As debates on decolonisation continue to shape global intellectual and political discourse, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) will, on Monday, 5 January 2026, convene a public symposium in honour of renowned scholar Biodun Jeyifo, Professor Emeritus at Cornell (English) and Harvard (Comparative Literature and African and African American Studies), as he marks his 80th birthday. 

This is contained in a statement from the organizers, made available to Lagos Today Extra!. According to the statement, the symposium will take place at the AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, at 9:00am (WAT).

“The symposium, themed ‘Who Is Afraid Of Decolonisation?’, will examine Jeyifo’s enduring contributions to curriculum reform, cultural resistance, and critical thought, while interrogating the contemporary relevance of decolonial ideas in education, politics, and public discourse,” the statement read.

It added that the programme will feature a keynote lecture by Priya Gopal, Professor of Post-Colonial Studies at the University of Cambridge, titled ‘Who’s Afraid Of Decolonisation? Reflections on particular pasts and planetary futures.’

“The event which will be chaired by Yemi Ogunbiyi (PhD), Chairman, Tanus Books, Lagos, will have two panel sessions follow the keynote lecture. The first panel will offer critical responses to Gopal’s lecture and will feature Jibrin Ibrahim, Professor of Political Science and Chairman of the Editorial Board, Premium Times; Chidi Amuta (PhD), Chairman, Wilson & Weizman Associates, Lagos; and Akin Adesokan, Professor of Comparative Literature, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA. The session will be moderated by Ropo Sekoni, immediate past Chair, WSCIJ and  Professor of Literature in English.

“The second panel, themed ‘Pedagogy For Liberation: Then And Now’, will bring together former students and mentees of Jeyifo to reflect on his influence as a teacher, thinker, and institution-builder. Panellists include Bisi Anyadike (PhD), Proprietress, Sunshine Nursery and Primary School, Ile-Ife; Kunle Ajibade, Co-founder, TheNEWS and PM NEWS; and Ogaga Ifowodo (PhD), lawyer and poet. The session will be moderated by Chima Anyadike, Professor of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife,” the statement also read.

A major highlight of the symposium will be remarks by the celebrant, Jeyifo, reflecting on curriculum, society, and revolution across generations.

The symposium will convene students, scholars, writers, journalists, and cultural critics, and will conclude with audience interactions, networking, and reflections on Jeyifo’s enduring contribution to African scholarship and critical pedagogy. 

Members of the public are invited to attend.

 

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Marriage And Faith On The Front Burner As Katherine Nathan Releases Three Books

Katherine Nathan, has presented three books titled ‘See Him,’ ‘Forty Four,’ and ‘Daily Dose of Faith,’ at an event in Lagos that brought

together family members, pastors, colleagues, and readers.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the CEO of Stravigo, Omolabake Fatayo, the event provided a platform for participants to engage with narratives

shaped by real-life experiences of marriage, loss, faith, and personal growth.

“The reviews of the books were led by voices who engaged deeply with the themes, not from theory, but from lived experience.

“Their reflections focused on perception within marriage and the need for wives to recognise love as it is expressed, not only as it is expected”, the

statement partly read.

It added that the author’s mother, Mrs Bridget Okpeaye, who reviewed ‘See Him’, alongside the Resident Pastor of David’s Christian Centre, Pastor Eyewunmi

Ghereje, spoke about the book’s message to women across different stages of marriage, stating that “The book challenges women to change the lens through

which they view their husbands”, noting that “love is often present but unseen because of emotional habits and long-held assumptions.”

She described the book as “engaging, practical, and relevant across generations and stages of marriage.”

It further noted that ‘Forty Four’ was reviewed by the Executive Director at Lekki Gardens, Dr Christy Amida, and the founder of Raising Women Initiative

and L’avyanna, Dr May Ikeora.

“Their reflections drew listeners into a journey marked by answered prayers, unexpected loss, surrender, and faith held quietly in pain. Both reviewers

spoke about the emotional honesty of the book, highlighting how grief was presented without haste and faith without performance. The audience listened

intently, and many visibly moved,” the statement continued.

The third book, ‘Daily Dose of Faith’, was reviewed by a Certified Marriage and Relationship Coach at David’s Christian Centre, Pastor Chikezie Oke, alongside

Mrs Ogochukwu Ghereje.

“Their reflections centred on the importance of daily spiritual encounters, courage, and vigilance. Pastor Chikezie spoke about faith as a lived experience

that shapes direction and identity, while Mrs Ghereje highlighted the need to guard thoughts, habits, and spiritual posture in everyday life,” the statement

added.

The three books were consistently described during the launch as grounded in lived faith and personal reflection.

“Across the reviews, the books were consistently presented as honest, vulnerable, and grounded in lived faith. The launch stood as a moment of testimony

and purpose, marking a significant chapter in Katherine Nathan’s journey as an author committed to healing, clarity, and spiritual growth”, the statement said.

 

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Shakara Festival To Thrill Lagosians With 50 Afrobeats, Alté, Gospel And Other Artists At Elegushi

About 50 Afrobeats, Alté, gospel, and other artists will thrill music lovers at the maiden edition of Shakara Festival.

Shakara Festival is a comprehensive cultural experience built around four key zones: Shakara Junction, an ultimate marketplace for culture and commerce; Shakara Series, featuring deep-dive conversations and panels on the music industry and creative economy; Shakara Games Village, a dedicated space for competitive and casual gaming; and Shakara After Dark, the premier late-night party experience.

The organisers of the four-day music festival have unveiled a star-studded lineup and confirmed an electrifying Shakara After Dark takeover, solidifying its position as the must-attend event for Detty December.

The festival will run from Thursday, December 18, 2025, to Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Nautica Beach Resort, Elegushi, Lekki, Lagos.

The festival’s musical curation showcases a powerful blend of established legends, Alté icons, and the fastest-rising stars in Afrobeats, Alternative, and Highlife music, guaranteeing a diverse and unforgettable sonic journey. The full lineup features lyrical heavyweights like BlaqBonez and Show Dem Camp, bringing Naija Rap and Alté fire, alongside soulful Afro Soul and R&B vibes from artists like J’Dess and Mich Straw.

The energy is set for the Afrobeats crew with fast-rising stars such as Mavo, Llona, Tar1q, and Morravey.

The alternative and indigenous sounds will be represented by Brymo and Johnny Drille with Folk-Fusion, while the legendary The Cavemen will deliver proper Highlife groove. The roster also connects the Diaspora with acts like Curtis J and Keys The Prince.

A key highlight of the festival will be the highly anticipated ‘Shakara After Dark’ late-night party series. The renowned nightlife brand, Obi’s House, will take over the late-night stage on December 20, 2025, promising the ultimate rave experience. Obi’s House will bring its A-team of heavy-hitting DJs, including WanniXHandi, DJ Shawn, and Bonamax, to keep the party pulsating after the main stage concludes.

The festival will climax on Sunday, December 21, 2025, with Shakara Gospel Day, an entire day dedicated to high-energy praise and worship featuring some of the biggest names in Nigerian gospel music. This powerful closing event will feature performances by Gbenga Akinfenwa, SMJ, Yinka Alaseyori, Bidemi Olaoba, Sinach, Noble G, Kingdom, Magpsalms, Ada Ehi, Gerald Bishung, and many more, offering a perfect, uplifting conclusion to the four-day cultural celebration.

When asked why gospel artistes will be performing, CEO of Shakara Festival, Godson Oriaku, said: “We have three days of performances before the gospel concert. There were clamours for a gospel concert.”

 “The primary goal of Shakara Festival is not to make money. I am not trying to compete with anyone, but to better the space. This is a legacy project, and we will do better next year,” he added.

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