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Tag: LAGOS FIESTA

  • Spectacle trails Greater Lagos Fiesta

    Spectacle trails Greater Lagos Fiesta

    The annual end-of-the-year entertainment event by Lagos state government through the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture tagged Greater Lagos Fiesta kicked off simultaneously on Friday through Sunday in Epe, Agege, Ikorodu, and Badagry areas of the state amidst large turn-out of fun seekers at all the locations.

    The 3-day event rounded off on Sunday through the early hours of 1st of January, 2024 as attendees will countdown to the New Year at all the locations including Sol Beach, Oniru, Lagos.

    Speaking at the Badagry venue of the event on Friday, December 29, the Chairman of Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture Hon. Solomon Bonu expressed satisfaction with the huge turnout of fun lovers at this year’s Greater Lagos Fiesta, saying that Badegry venue had always been known large turn-out of attendees.

    He informed that the state governor approved the hosting of the event as a way of bringing Lagos youths together for entertainment, fun, and relaxation.

    The yearly event, according to him, also provides a platform for the discovery of talents and exposure for indigenous artists, comedians, and entertainers to further showcase their talents in each of the divisions of the State.

    He said: “Not only will the Greater Lagos Fiesta be a hub of musical brilliance, it will also be a platform to celebrate the vibrant culture and traditions of Lagos State. From traditional dances to captivating art displays, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of these Lagos residents.”

    In Ikorodu, the council chairman of Igbogbo Bayeku, Sesan Daisi declared the entertainment show open on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with a promise that Lagosians will enjoy more dividends of democracy and more developmental projects in the year 2024.

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    He said this year’s edition of the event is a remarkable celebration of culture, music, and entertainment, as  upcoming artists, indigenous entertainers, and A-List artists like Davido, Kizz Daniel, Flavour, Olamide, Teni, Mayorkun,  Seyi Vibez,  Spyro,Shallipopi and many others are expected to continue to provide entertainment for Lagosians throughout the event.

    Earlier in the day,  the event kicked off in Agege Stadium venue under Ikeja Division with Children’s Corner where participants were engaged in different fun activities including face painting, dancing competitions, and games, the Children’s Corners were observed in all other locations including Epe, Badagry, and Ikorodu.

    In Epe, there were live performances by the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture troupe, and some indigenous artists and entertainers were witnessed by a large crowd of fun lovers across the entire Epe division.

    As the event continues today with a lineup of sensational performances from renowned artists, both local and international, the Greater Lagos Fiesta guarantees an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all genres.

  • Yuletide fun at One Lagos Fiesta, Calabar Carnival village, other places

    The yuletide period is here again and the holidays offer people opportunity to  step out of their busy schedules and unwind. As usual, Lagos, Africa’s entertainment hub offers quite so much for leisure seekers. Key cities and towns where the fun would be unlimited are Lagos and Calabar.

    Maybe the biggest draw in the Lagos area during the yuletide period is One Lagos Fiesta (OLF). The OLF will kick off from next Monday, December 24 at five different centres of  Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Victoria Island and Agege.

    The Lagos State government offers residents of Lagos the opportunity of not only enjoying and having quality fun, but residents also have the opportunity of winning fantastic prizes. The fun spots are decentralized and easily accessible to residents.

    At the OLF Venues, residents of Lagos will not only see some talented up-and- coming entertainers showcasing their abilities, but would also have see established acts like Olamide, Davido, King Sunny Ade, Adewale Ayuba, Mr.P, Small Doctor and many others.

    Calabar, Nigeria’s tourism capital, would witness huge  influx of fun seekers. The Cross River State capital, this period, is shut down for fun. There are few places in Africa that would witness the kind of fun and activities. It might be difficult getting a flight to Calabar now, but the discomfort of road trips to Calabar could still be endured for the fun that awaits one in Calabar. For those in  Calabar, a most-visit spot for fun at this period is the Carnival Village. It is an all round the clock fun spot for not just for adults but places for the whole family.

    In Abuja, places like Jabi Lake, Millennium Park  and other fun spots usually witness huge number of visitors.

    Hotels under the Marriott Group which include Sheraton Lagos, Sheraton Abuja Hotel and Le Meridien Ogeyi  Place, Port Harcourt are offering a lot.

    The Area General Manager for all the hotels in Nigeria,Barry Curran, said: “That magical time of year is almost upon us and holidays are meant to be fun occasions when we feel happy and connected with friends and family.

    “Across our three hotels, Christmas will come to life with decorations to bring in the festive spirit, caroling to remind us of why we love Christmas, gifts to spread the seasons cheer and delicious meals to excite your palate and make this holiday season truly unforgettable”.

  • Over two million expected at Lagos fiesta

    The 2018 edition of the Lagos State flagship Yuletide revue tagged One Lagos Fiesta (OLF), is expected to attract over  two million participants and over 90 million viewers, Tourism, Arts and Culture Commissioner Steve Ayorinde said yesterday.

    The viewers will watch it live on television and by streaming on social media.

    Adrressing reporters at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, he said the government would take advantage of this year’s edition to fete millions of Lagosians, who have supported the initiative for the past four years.

    He said: “The One Lagos Fiesta draws parallel with other international cross-over events in the world, especially in the countdown night of December 31, and with the unique features associated with the fiesta.”

    Describing the event as the biggest end-of-the-year entertainment brand in Africa, which provides a platform for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy in a secure and serene environment, the commissioner said measures had been put in place for security, traffic management, sanitation and health concerns to ensure safety of lives and property.

    The event, with the theme: A December to Remember, will last for eight days, beginning on December 24 to January 1. It will hold simultaneously in the five divisions of the state at: Agege Stadium, Bar Beach/Eko Atlantic City, Badagry Grammar School, Epe Marina Waterfront and Ikorodu Town Hall.

  • Lagos fiesta: Ambode, sponsors promise spectacular grand finale

    The Lagos State Government yesterday promised Lagosians and visitors a world-class, spectacular finale for the ongoing One Lagos Fiesta holding simultaneously across the five divisions of the state. An array of A-list artistes, a new set of talented youths that emerged from the Lagos Grows Talent (LGT) competition and a spectacular display of fireworks are some of the “special effects” lined up for the countdown concert, which will usher in the new year and draw the star-studded fiesta to a close at the Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island, Agege Stadium, Ikorodu Town Hall, Badagry Grammar School and Epe Marina waterfront.

    In a press statement signed by the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the 8-Day, 5-Centre fiesta has again highlighted Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s passionate commitment to the promotion of art and culture, development of entertainment and tourism and using the creative sector to engage and empower the teeming youths in the state.

    An estimated 300,000 people have thronged the five locations of the fiesta on a daily basis in a multi-dimensional arrangement that has made it Africa’s biggest end-of-the-year artistic event. “It is a fiesta that has provided direct, indirect and induced jobs to more than 6,000 people like musicians, dancers, technicians, stall owners, brand ambassadors, food and beverage sellers as well as security guards and transport services owners,” Ayorinde said.

    He added that the Victoria Island zone for tomorrow’s grand finale will hold inside the sprawling Eko Atlantic City as against the Bar Beach end where the first seven days fiesta held since December 24. According to the Commissioner, the fiesta train is needed to move from Bar Beach to Eko Atlantic City in order to better appreciate the spectacular display of fireworks that will herald the New Year at exactly 12 midnight today.

    He assured that adequate parking provision has been made for those coming in their cars while shuttle buses would be available at the Bar Beach end from 6pm to take guests into the Eko Atlantic venue where some of Nigeria’s biggest artistes like King Sunny Ade, Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, Falz the Bad Guy, Adekunle Gold, Simi, Humble Smith and Osupa Saheed, among others, will stage a world-class performance that will be broadcast live on various national and international television and online stations.

    Ayorinde added that the same high standard that will be experienced at Eko Atlantic will be seen at the other four venues to give Lagosians a memorable countdown/crossover night experience, in tandem with Governor Ambode’s electoral promise that every part of the state would be carried along in all of government activities. “The governor is impressed and happy that citizens’ participation in the fiesta has been exemplary across the five zones and that in spite of the unprecedented turn-out, crowd control has been effective; people have conducted themselves responsibly and no untoward incident has happened,” he said.

    The statement conveyed the governor’s best wishes to Lagosians and urged them to continue in this orderly and peaceful manner till the end of the fiesta tomorrow.

    The governor also expressed gratitude to NB Plc, South Energy X, Eko Atlantic, GTBank, Access Bank Plc, Eko Hotels Ltd, Pepsi, Dangote Group and JMG, among other sponsors and partners whose support has not only made the OLF 2017 incomparable, but has also further developed the creative economy of the state.

     

  • Ambode kicks off One Lagos Fiesta

    Ambode kicks off One Lagos Fiesta

    •Promises youths greater opportunities

    For the second year running, the Lagos State Government has lived up to its promise of holding a concert that celebrates culture and art. Tagged One Lagos Fiesta, the event, which runs for eight days, was kicked off at the Agege venue last Saturday by the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
    The event, which was hosted by comedian, Omobaba, was set in motion by the Lagos State Cultural troupe at exactly 6:42pm with a drama series that dwelt on civil obedience, the benefit of paying taxes and the activities of the State programmes.
    Addressing residents of Agege, Governor Ambode expressed excitement to be there on Christmas Eve.
    “We are very excited to bring the One Lagos Fiesta back to Agege. We are pleased about the peace we have found in Agege here, we are sure it would remain very peaceful,” he said.
    Encouraging to youths to delve into entrepreneurship, Ambode said that his government is creating greater opportunities for all through its Employment Trust Fund.
    “I want those of you who will have the opportunity to apply to the Employment Trust Fund. We have money already established in the Employment Trust Fund to take care of your expertise. Those of you who are very creative, those of you who are artistic, those of you who are entrepreneurs, we have monies that we can give to you so that you can start your own business. We have created over N6b and we intend to push about N1b into this particular division so it is left for you to bring out your best. Whatever it is you are doing, if you don’t get a white collar job, employment trust fund is there to help promote your business,” said the Governor.
    But beyond that, he said, his administration has decided to use entertainment, arts and sports to promote tourism in the state stating that it will continue to open up the tourism potential of Lagos State and especially the Alimosho axis so that we can get the best out of our youths.
    “By this time next year, we will have an art centre and a cinema in Igando. And beyond Igando, we are putting five other ones in Ikorodu, Ikeja, Lagos Mainland, Badagry and Epe,” he promised.
    Among artistes who thrilled the audience at the show were Phyno, Salawa Abeni, Sir Shina Peters, Mr Incredible and a host of others. MI added life to the concert when he initiated a rap battle from his fans and promised the two winners two studio sessions each.
    Speaking with The Nation, The Special Adviser on Arts and Culture, Hon Adebimpe Akinsola, who is also the acting commissioner, Tourism, Arts and Culture said that judging by the turn out of Agege residents, it is safe to say that this edition of One Lagos Fiesta is successful.
    “I see it as getting acceptance from people. People love to unwind and this is a free platform for them. This programme will reduce crime rates. Last year we did it for five days and there was no incidence of crime because we have put in place a high level security apparatus. The essence of the One Lagos Fiesta is to discover talents. It is also a platform that we use to boost the economy for the locals.
    The One Lagos Fiesta is a concert featuring some of Nigeria’s biggest entertainers. It holds annually in five different locations; Agege, Epe, Ikorodu, Badagry and Victoria Island.

  • ONE LAGOS FIESTA gets a boost

    ONE LAGOS FIESTA gets a boost

    THE excitement of Yuletide is back, and Lagos State government is set to add more thrills to residents by taking entertainment to different localities through its flagship Yuletide revue popularly known as the One Lagos Fiesta (OLF).

    Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, promised that the event would continue in its tradition of holding across the five zones as it held last year including Ikeja (Agege Stadium), Badagry (Badagry Stadium), Ikorodu (Ikorodu Town Hall), Lagos Island (Bar Beach) and Epe (Epe Recreation Centre).

    The icing on the cake, according to the Commissioner, is that instead of the five days that it held last December, this year’s will run for eight days across all the zones, commencing from Christmas Eve on December 24 till the wee hours of the New Year.

    Ayorinde added that this year’s edition of the One Lagos Fiesta would also see the introduction of a talent hunt exercise tagged ‘Lagos’ Got Talent’, which according to him, seeks to discover, celebrate and reward exceptional talents among the youth or the young at heart in the areas of music, dance, comedy and other creative stunts.

    Giving credits to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his vision, Ayorinde said the reason for the expanded fiesta was to keep Lagosians, especially the youths, happy and creatively busy.

    “You will recall that we have just had a successful maiden edition of The Lagos Street Party (TLSP) last weekend, in which the popular Ahmadu Bello way in Victoria Island was turned into a carnival and concert ground.

    “While TLSP delivered on its mandate to formally usher in the Yuletide season in Lagos and create an additional platform for creative enterprise to flourish, OLF will fulfill its traditional obligation of ending the year on an entertaining note and usher in the new year with fun and fanfare, while carrying along every part of the state in line with the governor’s electoral promise that no part of Lagos will be left behind,” the Commissioner said.

    Explaining how the talent hunt would run, Ayorinde said that interested participants can register online at www.onelagosfiesta.ng as well as in the five zonal offices including Multipurpose hall of Eko FM, Agidingbi Ikeja, Divisional Information Office, Lugard’s House along the Badagry Marina, Divisional Information Office, Ikorodu, 1, Oriwu Street, Ita Elewa, City Hall, Lagos Island and Divisional Information Office, Epe, Chalet Road, beside Lagos High Court, Oke-Oyinbo, Epe.

    He said registration for the talent hunt show would run till Wednesday, December 14, 2016, while those selected from the audition would have an opportunity to perform at the OLF stage in each location between the 24th and 30th of December with the two finalists from each zone slugging it out for the final showdown in Victoria Island on the 31st of December.

    “If you are talented in any of these areas and you are looking for a platform to showcase your skills and begin a rewarding journey to stardom, then this year’s OLF is the platform you need,” Ayorinde said.

    Also speaking, co-chairs of the One Lagos Fiesta Committee, Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Adebimpe Akinshola, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, said that winners of the talent hunt show would be handsomely rewarded by the state government, adding that arrangements have also been made for varieties of A-list and upcoming artistes from all music genres to thrill participants.

    They also assured that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure safety of lives and property throughout the course of the fiesta.

  • MORE ARTISTES, MORE COMMUNITIES ENJOY AMBODE’S ONE LAGOS FIESTA

    MORE ARTISTES, MORE COMMUNITIES ENJOY AMBODE’S ONE LAGOS FIESTA

    THE usual exodus of Lagosians to the Eko Atlantic arena, former Bar Beach front, for the annual Countdown show, took a new form last December, when Governor Akinwunmi Ambode decentralised the fun event, taking it to the door steps of residents in Ikorodu, Epe, Agege, Badagry and Lagos Island.

    Tagged ‘One Lagos Fiesta’, it was an unusual experience for fun lovers in these areas of Lagos, as top artistes such as Seun Kuti, Wizkid, Olamide, Don Jazzy, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Iyanya, Dammy Krane, 2Face Idibia, African China, Nice, Sound Sultan, Baba Dee, May Dee, Y Cee, Jaywon, Dr. Sid, Ara, Darey Art Alade, Zaina, Tony Tetuila, Sasha and Oritsefemi among others raised the energy of the crowds with the best songs of the year.

    But the five-day show which held from December 27 to December 31 when it ushered in the New Year was not all about music, as the show hosts – comedians Gbenga Adeyinka and Ayo Makun of the A.Y fame – treated the crowd with jokes in between each artiste’s performance.

    The maiden edition of the tourism show, while beaming light on other parts of Lagos other than the Island, increased commercial activities in the areas. There were spectacular fireworks displays and merry-making, and on New Year’s Eve, the sounds and lights connected the whole Lagos in a joyful noise.

    Governor Ambode while flagging off the shows at the Agege Stadium reiterated his commitment to his campaign to run an all-inclusive government, where every community will not be left out in the scheme of affairs. The governor also commended sponsors in helping the state to promote unity, entertainment and the spirit of celebration for a year well spent.

    Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was at the event, lauded the governor and his team for the innovative show, just as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, also thanked the governor for showing love to the people.

    Later, Ambode and his team made stops at other venues and raised the cheers and hope of residents who savoured the camaraderie. Deputy Governor of Lagos, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, was also spotted at the Epe show.

    Interestingly, top artistes who would normally shun performances in the outskirts of Lagos for security reasons, all felt at home, and savoured the experiences of a different fan base.

    The unusual fiesta comes to many as another fulfilment of Amobde’s campaign promises that he will use entertainment for excellence by not leaving any part of Lagos State behind, even in terms of security.

    Indeed, there was no single case of chaos or crime around the show arena with a deployment of security men and crowd control officials. Apparently too, the show melted the hearts of all and sundry, even as new talents were discovered and given a chance to perform alongside great stars like D’banj, 2Face, Olamide, Don Jazzy and other Mavin crew artistes.

    The show was part of the ‘One Lagos’ scheme of the present administration geared towards the different sectors of the Lagos economy.

    During the fiesta, Lagosians were also entertained by a Pepsi road-show, fun games, and exciting giveaways, even as Globacom pavilion was a platform for indoor games such as snooker, play station and table soccer, among others.