For the second year running, the Lagos State Government has lived up to its promise of holding a concert that celebrates culture and art. Tagged One Lagos Fiesta, the event, which runs for eight days, was kicked off at the Agege venue last Saturday by the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
The event, which was hosted by comedian, Omobaba, was set in motion by the Lagos State Cultural troupe at exactly 6:42pm with a drama series that dwelt on civil obedience, the benefit of paying taxes and the activities of the State programmes.
Addressing residents of Agege, Governor Ambode expressed excitement to be there on Christmas Eve.
“We are very excited to bring the One Lagos Fiesta back to Agege. We are pleased about the peace we have found in Agege here, we are sure it would remain very peaceful,” he said.
Encouraging to youths to delve into entrepreneurship, Ambode said that his government is creating greater opportunities for all through its Employment Trust Fund.
“I want those of you who will have the opportunity to apply to the Employment Trust Fund. We have money already established in the Employment Trust Fund to take care of your expertise. Those of you who are very creative, those of you who are artistic, those of you who are entrepreneurs, we have monies that we can give to you so that you can start your own business. We have created over N6b and we intend to push about N1b into this particular division so it is left for you to bring out your best. Whatever it is you are doing, if you don’t get a white collar job, employment trust fund is there to help promote your business,” said the Governor.
But beyond that, he said, his administration has decided to use entertainment, arts and sports to promote tourism in the state stating that it will continue to open up the tourism potential of Lagos State and especially the Alimosho axis so that we can get the best out of our youths.
“By this time next year, we will have an art centre and a cinema in Igando. And beyond Igando, we are putting five other ones in Ikorodu, Ikeja, Lagos Mainland, Badagry and Epe,” he promised.
Among artistes who thrilled the audience at the show were Phyno, Salawa Abeni, Sir Shina Peters, Mr Incredible and a host of others. MI added life to the concert when he initiated a rap battle from his fans and promised the two winners two studio sessions each.
Speaking with The Nation, The Special Adviser on Arts and Culture, Hon Adebimpe Akinsola, who is also the acting commissioner, Tourism, Arts and Culture said that judging by the turn out of Agege residents, it is safe to say that this edition of One Lagos Fiesta is successful.
“I see it as getting acceptance from people. People love to unwind and this is a free platform for them. This programme will reduce crime rates. Last year we did it for five days and there was no incidence of crime because we have put in place a high level security apparatus. The essence of the One Lagos Fiesta is to discover talents. It is also a platform that we use to boost the economy for the locals.
The One Lagos Fiesta is a concert featuring some of Nigeria’s biggest entertainers. It holds annually in five different locations; Agege, Epe, Ikorodu, Badagry and Victoria Island.
