Lagos State is seeking to turn the traditional Yoruba headtie into a bigger source of employment and income for young creatives through its 2026 Gele Festival, with plans to connect trained stylists to event organisers and tourism opportunities.
The festival, scheduled for Sunday, November 8, will feature a ₦2m prize for the participant adjudged to have the best gele, alongside skills training and mentorship for hundreds of aspiring headtie artists.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, said the initiative was designed to preserve Yoruba heritage while equipping participants with skills to benefit from Lagos' growing events and creative economy.
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He said the gele remained an important cultural symbol whose significance extended beyond fashion and personal appearance.
“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,” Aregbe said.
He added that some traditional headtie designs carried cultural meanings that deserved greater recognition.
According to him, the state government wants to recognise experienced gele artists and encourage younger practitioners to develop the craft into sustainable businesses.
Aregbe said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu considered tourism, arts and culture important tools for economic empowerment rather than activities meant solely for entertainment.
“For me, tourism, arts, and culture must go beyond just entertainment; it must be impactful,” he said.
He explained that the training programme was intended to create more opportunities for women, particularly given the number of social events and celebrations held in Lagos every weekend.
“If we empower one woman, we empower the family and the entire community,” he added.
The government is also planning to create a database of successful participants to link them with event organisers, high-profile functions and tourism showcases across the state.
Aregbe said the arrangement would ensure that the benefits of the festival continued beyond the competition.
Organisers disclosed that registration for the training programme had exceeded initial expectations, prompting plans for additional masterclasses and mentorship sessions after the festival.
The initiative also aligns with the state government's THEMES+ agenda, which promotes gender equality, fairness and inclusive economic growth.
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