The Lagos State Government says it is set to host this year’s edition of the Yuletide revue -‘One Lagos Fiesta’ (OLF), which is anticipated to attract over two million direct participants across the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Steve Ayorinde, said this on Monday in Alausa, while unveiling activities ahead of the fiesta themed ‘December To Remember’, to hold from December 24 to the wee hours of the New year.
He announced the introduction of a raffle draw as part of this year’s fiesta for the purpose of winning a brand new car.
Ayorinde said the event had become the biggest end of the year entertainment brand in Africa, as it provides an unparalleled platform for residents and visitors, both old and young, to relax and enjoy themselves in a secure environment.
He said that over 90 million viewers were expected to participate via live television and live streaming on social media.
“As a government, we are encouraged by the noticeable achievements recorded as a result of hosting this event and we are taking advantage of this year’s edition to fete millions of Lagosians who have supported this initiative running for the 4th consecutive year.
“The OLF draws parallel with other international crossover events in the world, especially in the countdown night of December 31, and with its unique features,” he said.
Ayorinde said the State Government believed that the platform had and will continue to engender economic development, empowerment of the people and promote tourism.
“This is exemplified by the fact that besides entertainment, OLF offers upcoming artistes and tradesmen ample opportunity to showcase their talents and market their products, which fits into the agenda of the present administration,” he said.
According to Ayorinde, this year’s OLF will continue in its tradition of holding across the five divisions of the state for eight consecutive days.
He listed the venues to include the Agege stadium, the bar beach/Eko Atlantic city in Victoria Island, Badagry Grammar School, Marina waterfront in Epe and the Ikorodu town hall in Ikorodu.
The commissioner said festivities for the OLF include kiddies corner, cultural performances, stage plays, talent hunt and live music concert.
He said the talent hunt tagged “Lagos Grows Talent” , is a grassroot competition which provides a platform for youths to compete using their talents in the areas of music, dance, comedy and other creative activities.
Ayorinde said the objective was to discover, celebrate and reward budding talents amongst the youth in the state.
He also gave details on the introduction of a raffle draw as part of this year’s fiesta for the purpose of winning a new car.
“The competition is open to only residents of Lagos State who are up to 18 years of age and are in possession of a valid Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC).
“Every individual that resides in Lagos and wishes to participate is a potential winner of the vehicle.
“Entries will open on December 6 and close on December 26, and entries will be submitted strictly online through the OLF website, while the winner is expected to emerge through a raffle draw which will be conducted on the December 31 at Eko Atlantic City venue.
”There are other consolation prizes to be won,” he said.
Ayorinde thanked all the sponsors for supporting the vision of the present administration to scale up the entertainment and tourism potentials of the state via the OLF platform.
The commissioner also encouraged Lagosians and visitors to take advantage of the fiesta to experience and savour the attraction it brings, while enjoying the fun available in all the venues.
He assured that adequate measures had been put in place for security, traffic management, sanitation and health concerns, to ensure safety of lives and property throughout the course of the fiesta.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that artistes expected to perform at the OLF include Olamide, Teni, Slimcase, Mr Real, Humblesmith, Blackky, Mr P, Adewale Ayuba and Saheed Osupa. (NAN)
