By Janefrances Chibuzor
There is a palpable feeling of expectation and excitement ahead of this year’s IPADA Initiative Celebration 2025, as preparations gather momentum for the highly anticipated cultural gathering scheduled to hold between November 28 and December 7, 2025, at the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Ikegun Village, Ibeju–Lekki, Lagos.
This year’s 10-day celebration, which will draw participants and travellers from across Nigeria, Africa, and the world, promises an exceptional showcase of African theatrical heritage in its purest and most authentic form. At the heart of the festivities will be two dramatic productions written and produced by Cash Onadele Aiye-Ko-Ooto, performed by a cast of seasoned Nigerian artistes renowned for their mastery in live theatre.
In what has been tagged “Africa Rising,” the festival will spotlight The Noble Warrior and Fork in the Road—two theatrical masterpieces that transcend borders and unite humanity through storytelling, music, dance, costumes, and lighting. For 10 magical days and nights, audiences will experience a fusion of drama, rhythm, and rebirth, designed to reclaim Africa’s beauty, identity, and destiny.
According to the organisers, “This is not just a carnival; it is a cultural awakening—a renaissance of art, a celebration of history and heritage reborn for the world to see. One stage, two plays, Black theatrical entertainment written and produced by Aiye-Ko-Ooto. Daily from noon to dusk, audiences will be thrilled by dance, drums, and drama—two stories performed like never before.”
They added, “Lovers of theatre, tourists, investors, Diaspora returnees, and dreamers are all invited. Here, theatre becomes a weapon of pride. Here, Africa takes its rightful place on the global stage. This is more than entertainment—it is Africa’s heartbeat: bold, unapologetic, and unforgettable.”
The IPADA Initiative, founded by Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, President of La Campagne Tropicana and Motherland Beckons, debuted grandly last year as a major entry in the cultural tourism calendar of Nigeria and Africa. The term IPADA—meaning “mass exodus of people”—represents a symbolic and physical homecoming for people of African descent across the globe.
Designed to drive tourism and economic development across the continent, the initiative focuses on reconnecting Africans in the Diaspora with their roots while contributing to the continent’s growth. Lagos and Abuja serve as the main gateways for participants, with activities spread throughout the year, culminating in the grand celebration at La Campagne Tropicana.
Supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria, state governors, corporate organisations, and the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, the initiative enjoys the distinguished patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who serves as the Global Ambassador, Chief Host, and Grand Patron.
Speaking on the broader vision, Akinboboye explained, “The concept is about bringing people of African descent back to their roots. We have 32 million Diasporas in the Caribbean, 66 million in the United States, 120 million in Brazil, and about 9.6 million in Europe. We need to entice them back to add value to the entire continent.”
He added, “No country can develop without the contribution of its Diaspora. IPADA is presenting the entire continent of Africa in a basket—an African shopping mall—so the Diaspora can visit every country on the continent. There are 54 African countries; we’re not just selling Nigeria, but offering Africa as a whole, with Lagos and Abuja as the entry points.”
With its fusion of theatre, tourism, and transcontinental unity, IPADA Initiative Celebration 2025 promises to be more than an event—it will be a defining moment of cultural renaissance and African pride on the global stage.
