The Lagos State Government today described the upcoming Y2017 Lagos Street Carnival as one that will project the dynamic culture and hospitality of the people of the state and linger in the memory of residents for a long time to come.
Speaking at a Press Conference, the Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Adepimbe Akinsola stated that the carnival, which was formerly known as Lagos Street Party has been rebranded and repackaged to serve a much wider purpose beyond a party.
She described the event as part of the commitment of the State Government to use entertainment as a springboard to drive development and market the state’s potentials to domestic and foreign investors who will contribute meaningfully towards making Lagos a smart city.
According to her, “Besides entertainment and fun-making, the carnival will offer upcoming artists and tradesmen an opportunity to exhibit their skills and market their products which fit into the agenda of the administration.
The Acting Commissioner encouraged Lagosians and visitors to take the huge opportunity being provided through initiatives such as the Lagos Street Party to promote the hospitability of the state in a secure environment.
She said that the carnival will not exclude any category of people, as many exciting activities to thrill the people will be offered.
While assuring the people of adequate security during the event, Hon. Adebimpe also said that effective traffic management arrangement has been put in place to ensure that motorists plying the designated route do not experience discomfort as a result of the closure of the route of the Carnival.
She further disclosed that the event, slated for 3rd December, 2017 along the stretch of Oba Akran Road, Ikeja, is largely private sector driven as more private organisations are sharing in the vision of empowering the people and promoting tourism through initiatives like this.
The Acting Commissioner stated that the carnival will launch the state into series of programmes to herald Christmas and New Year, adding that it will feature activities like carnival procession, Outdoor games, Kiddies Corner, a concert with over 700 revellers in colourful costumes to take procession during the event.
Speaking in the same vein, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, described the event as one that will display the inherent candour of the abundant creativity and beauty in the state.
He explained that the culture, food and lifestyle of Lagos people could better be felt and experienced by promoting ideas that encourage people to showcase their creativity, adding that the reform was born out of the need to design the carnival to draw parallel with international carnivals across the world.
Also revealed at the media briefing is a new programme concept “TEMINTIYIN” meaning “My Own is Your Own” set to be introduced by the State Government, which is design to reward outstanding conduct of kindness from Lagosians towards the people.
Speaking on the initiative, the promoter, Seun Awojobi described the programme as a way to celebrate a random act of kindness in Lagos, adding that nomination of individuals who have impacted on people’s lives will be received across the five divisions of the state.
“The State wants to identify people who have impacted their community immeasurably and to drive a campaign of selflessness and care toward one another”, he said.
Present at the briefing were ace musical Artists Olamide and Lil Kesh who described the upcoming event as huge for Lagos identity and the country as a whole.
