Greater Lagos Regatta holds in April

By Oyebola Owolabi

A MAJOR event is set for inclusion in the country’s culture, entertainment and business calendars with the launch of The Greater Lagos Regatta and Festival (TG-LARAF).

The first edition holds from April 10 to 12.

TG-LARAF is the brainchild of Gradient Hill Ltd that has the support and endorsement of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu and the state government.

The event organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, working in partnership with Gradient Hill, is billed as a blockbuster three-part event.

A statement by the Principal Consultant, Gradient Hill Ltd, Mr. Ivor Ekpe, said the event is designed to be a fusion of business, music, arts, culture and general entertainment.

The statement said the event will open on April 10 with the Greater Lagos Inland Waterways Optimisation and Business Conference at the EkoHotel and Suites.

Expected at the conference, to be hosted by Governor Sanwo-Olu, are major  local and international experts and investors in the maritime, finance,  insurance, tourism, hospitality and cultural sectors, among others.

Read Also: ‘Sanwo-Olu has not disappointed Lagosians’

The conference is expected to provide directions on how to optimise the economic potential of the state’s marine assets. On the same day, Governor Sanwo-Olu will declare the festival open at an elaborate opening ceremony holding at the Eko Atlantic City.

The second and final days of the event have been set aside for boat regatta, which will feature traditional and contemporary marine vessel parade, displays and competitions at the Five Cowrie Creek.

A family funfair and bazaar as well as live musical performances by top-tier local and international artistes are planned to hold at the Eko Atlantic City from Friday through Sunday.

Ekpe expressed delight at the support of the government, saying:  “We are very pleased that Governor Sanwo-Olu has aligned his vision for the Lagos Inland Waterways with our proposal and together with the Executive Council, gave approval for a partnership with Gradient Hill Limited.”

The Greater Lagos Regatta and Festival is expected to kick-start the economic development vision of the governor for the inland waterways and waterfronts of Lagos State.