Indigenes of Ikorodu in Lagos State on Saturday unveiled the Asa Traditional Festival to promote tourism and culture of the people of the area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Asa, also known as Agere in other Nigerian cultures, is a traditional festival of man walking on long stilt to entertain the public.
At an elaborate ceremony attended by many traditional rulers and community leaders in Ikorodu area, the revival of Asa also featured the launch of Asa Arokolo – a book on the festival published by Ikorodu Division Rebirth Foundation.
Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Sanai Agunbiade, who initiated rebirth of the festival, said it would be an annual celebration in all the six divisions of the area.
“We have revived this culture in the six divisions of Ikorodu and we hope it continues.
“Just like Eyo festival is celebrated on Lagos Island, we want to be celebrating this too in our community annually,” said Mr Agunbiade, who is an Ikorodu indigene.
Speaking at the festival, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Arts and Culture, Adebimpe Akinsola, who represented Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, lauded the initiative.
She said Asa was a popular cultural heritage in Ikorodu which had been long forgotten.
“As an indigene of Ikorodu, I have known Asa during my childhood days but suddenly it faded away,” Mrs Akinsola said.
Chief Olumayowa Johnson, who represented Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, traced the Asa culture to Ile-Ife and commended Ikorodu Indigenes for reviving it.
Also speaking, the Ikorodu monarch, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, commended the Lagos lawmaker for spearheading the revival of the festival.
“We appreciate this and we are happy this is happening in our town, henceforth, we will continue to celebrate this festival,” the Ayangburen of Ikorodu said.
