Greater Lagos Fiesta mode activated
n estimated number of over 70, 000 revelers are expected to grace the Lagos Countdown 2024’s tagged ‘Greater Lagos Fiesta,’ as activities lined up for the show get into full swing.
The yearly Lagos countdown celebration is targeted towards ushering in the New Year. It is organised by the government of Lagos in partnership with private sector operators, as part of its tourism programmes geared towards positioning Lagos State to favourably compete with developed cities of the world in terms of hosting tourism and entertainment events, boosting the sector and generating revenue for the state, etc.
According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka during a briefing in Lagos recently, this expected number of revelers for this edition represents a jump from the 20, 000 people who graced the 2022 edition of the fiesta which held across the five divisions of the state, including; Badagry, Epe, Lagos Island, Ikeja and Ikorodu centres.
The commissioner noted that the Lagos Countdown has been serving the purpose of discovering and nurturing new talents, exposing young talented entertainers to bigger platforms while also serving as a mechanism for curbing youth restiveness that often characterises the festive period.
Benson-Awoyinka revealed that the oncoming three-day entertainment show, aside showcasing the cultural activities and nurturing up-coming talented youngsters in the entertainment and creative industry, will also positively impact the state’s economy through massive sales of goods and services to thousands of fun and entertainment lovers throughout the duration of the event. “The Lagos Countdown 2024 #Greater Lagos Fiesta is going to be a fantastic way to bid farewell to year 2023 and welcome the new one, year 2024, with a bang.”
She continued: “This event is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity that Lagos State has to offer. It’s a celebration of our music, our art, and our vibrant cultural scene. The Lagos Countdown 2024 #Greater Lagos Fiesta is a platform that brings people together, transcending boundaries and fostering a sense of unity and community. We have lined up an incredible array of music stars who will grace the stage and thrill all fun lovers from Badagry to Epe, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Ikeja featuring homegrown talents to international sensations, the best of Afro Beats, Highlife, Juju and Fuji music. Let me emphasise that this event is not just about the music. The Year 2023 Greater Lagos Fiesta will also showcase the best of our local cuisine, arts and crafts, and traditional performances. Participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors that make Lagos such a unique and vibrant city.”
Benson-Awoyinka, however, solicited the support of the private sector operators for participation. “I want to use this medium to call on members of the public, especially owners of businesses and service providers who are interested using the platform of the Lagos Countdown 2024 #Greater Lagos Fiesta to market themselves to the world, to approach the Ministry for registration. Also, the window of sponsorship for the event is also open to interested corporate organisations willing to collaborate with the State Government to make the event a success.”
The press conference which held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, was attended by the Special Adviser to State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Mr. Idris Aregbe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja, amongst others.
