The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on Nigerians to elect leaders who will recognize and take advantage of the country’s rich, multi-cultural heritage and language to unify the nation as a people and as a nation which was the intention of the founding fathers.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Eko National Festival of Art and Culture , NAFEST, with the theme culture and peaceful coexistence at Onikan Stadium in Lagos,on Wednesday, Governor Sanwo-0lu noted that the call has become necessary as the country celebrates its heritage and cultural diversity.
In the words of Sanwo-0lu: “As we celebrate the Nigerian heritage and cultural diversity here today,
my clarion call is that we take this an opportunity to elect leaders who will recognize and take advantage of our rich, multi-cultural heritage and language to unify us as a people and as a nation which was the intention of our founding fathers”
He noted that the decision to host this year’s edition was borne out of the desire of the state government to further support and showcase its arts, crafts, entertainment, nightlife its people, disposition, and the aquatic splendor of the state.
Whilebcommending and congratulating the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture and the Chairman National Organizing Committee of the 35th Edition of NAFEST, Sanwo-0lu noted that the theme is most appropriate at a time like this in the nation which is celebrating the country’s unity in diversity, its rich heritage and cultural heterogeneity.
Governor Sanwo pointed out that Lagos State Government hosted the very first edition of NAFEST, in 1970 and subsequently in 1988.
He stated that: “This administration, as part of efforts to achieve our Entertainment and Tourism pillar of the THEMES Agenda is deliberate about promoting every aspect of tourism, Arts and Culture. The State is therefore, delighted to have won the hosting rights of NAFEST 2022 which was keenly contested by three other states.
As a matter of fact, the acceptance of the hosting rights is in demonstration of my love for cultural advancement and to exemplify the true spirit of Lagos and its accommodating nature of visitors”.
The Governor explained that: “My administration has made it a practice to support, partner and collaborate in activities that would further strengthen our cultural heritage and promote our unity in diversity. We have supported community festivals such as the Popo Aguda Music Concert, Coconut Festival (also called Agunke Fest), Asa Day, Isese Day, Olokun Festival, and a host of others. These are events that attracts tourist from all over the world into our great state. We have equally supported organizations such as Q Dance productions, who have packaged our culture into a musical production named, Re-incarnation, that has been showing in various countries across the globe”.
Sanwo-0lu explained further that: ” A lot of effort has gone into the preparation of this national event including a major facelift of the National Institute for Sports, a venue which was carefully picked for its historical value and importance. Equally, this Stadium, the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, formerly known as Onikan Stadium, the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, is the oldest stadium in Nigeria. Furthermore, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture co-opt other relevant sister Agencies to ensure the event goes on without a hitch: LASAMBUS, LASEMA, our combined Security apparatus made up of LNSC and the Armed forces Force, our Traffic officials, and Safety Commission were all engaged to ensure a successful event.
Our efforts ensured that the State met and surpassed the criteria set by the National Council for Arts and Culture for hosting this event.”
In her welcome address, the Commissioner Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf stated that the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture started the process of this year’s NAFEST preparation since last year immediately Lagos State was announced as the host for 2022 NAFEST during the closing ceremony of the 2021 edition in Ekiti State.
Mrs Akinbile -Yussuf said Lagos prides itself as a peaceful State, known for co-habiting and co-existing in unity, despite the differences in ethnicity and languages, adding that Lagos remains a reference point for what an ideal State exemplifies.
She enjoined the visitors present from other States across the country to use the opportunity of the festival to explore the abundant tourism potential in different parts of Lagos State.
In her words: “Here in Lagos, our nightlife activities remains top-notch, being a 21st century economy. You have heard of the popular phrase “Eko for Show” which echoes creativity, pomp and pageantry peculiar to Lagosians. This cultural festival, however, presents an opportunity for you to experience different entertainment shows in this city of excellence.”
She stressed the need for peaceful coexistence which is very integral to development.
The event was also attended by the state Deputy Governor Mr Obafemi Hamzat, the Ooni of Ife and many state commissioners of culture and tourism.
