Lagos to become biggest tourism, entertainment hub in africa, sanwo-Olu assures

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, last Friday, October 29, 2021, unveiled the 2021 Greater Lagos Fiesta, stressing that the month-long event will help the state’s recovery efforts after the devastations of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Held at the Eko Hotel, Lagos, the event has as theme, ‘Lagos Rocks’.

Represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the event would feature activities such as, cycling, photography and fashion competitions, the Xmas Souk Village, traditional games, and the popular Greater Lagos concerts featuring A-list artistes in all five divisions of the state.

While noting that the pandemic affected the three critical pillars of society, Sanwo-Olu stated that the fiesta, holding from December 1 to 31, is part of efforts to reposition the state.

He said: “Society relies on three tripods: Economy, health and well-being and security of lives and property. What COVID-19 has done is to affect all the three as well as nightlife, but this edition of the Greater Lagos Fiesta, which activities speakers have highlighted, will help reflate our economy.”

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharmacist Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, noted, “the 2020 edition didn’t hold because the Lagos State government prioritised public health and safety, but this year will be with a “blend of uniqueness and touch of innovation and creativity.”

According to her, the ‘Lagos Rocks’ will be “an immersive experience of entertainment, awe, and inspiration, the likes of which has never been seen before in Nigeria.

Akinbile-Yusuf said government would use the fiesta to further transform the state into a major tourism and entertainment hub in the continent by exploring and promoting the potentials that abound in the state, as well as integrating the trending entertainment and art industry as a viable platform to attract visitors and create job opportunities.

She disclosed that only vaccinated persons against COVID-19 would be allowed into the fiesta’s venues and assured adequate security and emergency services.

Speaking on the Fiesta’s importance, Special Adviser to the governor, on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu, said it affirms his principal’s commitment to tourism development.

“The Greater Lagos Fiesta 2021 is a reflection of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s love for tourism and entertainment and fervent belief in the ability of the ministry to organise an event that would portray the standard Lagos has been known for over the years,” he said.

Chair, Marketing Communications Sub-Committee for the fiesta, Mr. Israel Jaiye Opayemi, spoke on the evolution from ‘Lagos Countdown’ to ‘Greater Lagos Fiesta’ saying despite the changes in its name, its purpose remains “to serve as a unifying platform to promote entertainment, commerce, arts, culture, and the bubbling spirit amongst the people of Lagos State.

Explaining the brand identity and meaning of the logo, Opayemi disclosed that: “red symbolises – Courage, Love, Vigour, Warmth; orange symbolises – Energy, Excitement, Vibrancy, Youthfulness, Change and blue is Peace, Trust, Calmness, Healing. Yellow to symbolise – Cheerfulness, Passion, Friendship; Green to symbolise – Growth, Prosperity, Progress; Black to symbolise – Power, Prestige, Strength, Elegance, and White to symbolise the clarity of our vision.

“The bold fonts used to render Lagos were carefully selected to underscore the bold character of our people. If you are in doubt, go and ask COVID and some of the adversities we have faced as a people. It underscores the resilience of our people.

“The iconic Lekki –Ikoyi link bridge was carefully embedded inside the Letter O to boastfully remind ourselves that we are not just the melting pot of the diverse cultures of our land, but we are the bridge that connects peoples of the over 250 ethnic nationalities.”

The fiesta will open in Lagos’ five divisions of Ikorodu, Ikeja, Badagry, Lagos Island, and Epe on December 18.