Lagos comes alive as thousands mark International Day of Friendship

In a bid to create an atmosphere where people can connect and socialize with the aim of reviving true friendship, the Biggest Friendship Festival, formerly known as the BFF Conference, hosted a large forum to celebrate the International Day of Friendship.

The Festival, a brainchild of a social reformer and impact strategist, Adetoun Jegede, convener of the Building Forever Friendships (BFF) Lifestyle Community, organised the event held on August 2, 2025, at the Alpha Hall in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, with over 7,500 attendees physically and more than 3,000 virtually.

According to Adetoun, who is also the author of The BFF Book, she highlighted the need to promote friendship, foster unity, and create awareness of the importance of friendship in building a better society.

The event, moderated by Mr. Femi Taiwo and Ms. Ariyiike Owolagba, had in attendance some of the ‘A’ list speakers, such as Debola Deji Kurunmi (DDK), a strategic thinker and exemplary visioner; Pastor Yemi Davids; Pastor Godman Akinlabi; Bunmi George and Ayoyinka Abolarin, who gave a thought-provoking speech on the importance of friendship, real brotherhood, sisterhood, and building a true legacy that will stand the test of time.

Delivering a keynote address titled “Our Connections and Their Impact on Our Mental and Emotional Wellness,” Debola stressed that strong social connections are vital for both mental and emotional well-being, offering a buffer against stress, promoting resilience, and enhancing overall life satisfaction.

Lighting up the event are other entertainment activities by artists such as Femi Leye, Gaisebaba, Damilee and the Purple Rose Band, Ademola Makinde, and Saelem.

These activities help to foster dialogue and understanding between individuals and communities, promoting social harmony and peaceful coexistence.

FruityLife was the headline sponsor for this year’s festival, joined by other partners including Close Up, Malta Guinness, Krispy Kreme, Providus Bank, Landmark Hotels, Wiicreate, Micdee, Oak and Teak, TVC, and Arise TV.

Photo from left to right: Bunmi George, CEO of Shredder Gabber; Debola Deji-Kurunmi, Keynote Speaker & Lead Coach for Visionary Leaders; Adetoun Jegede, The Convener of the BFF Festival; Ayoyinka Abolarin, CEO of Arire; Morenike Molehin, Founder of Oak and Teak, during the Biggest Friendship Festival in Lagos, recently.