The Lagos State Government, in furtherance of its commitment to boost tourism and entertainment, is set to hold the 2019 ‘Greater Lagos’ fiesta in a grand style.
Addressing reporters on Monday, December 23, 2019 the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Shulamite Olufunke Adebolu, stated that the 2019 celebration has additional features that will help to discover and nurture talented performers to become celebrated stars across the country.
The event, usually celebrated annually is an entertainment funfair highlighting the State’s rich talents reservoir and promoting the relevance of entertainment and tourism as a major driver of the State’s economy.
According to the Commissioner: “This year, Greater Lagos Fiesta is more than a show, it is all encompassing. That is the reason we want to cement our position as Lagos being the absolute place for top-notch entertainment and tourism in Africa. For the first time on the continent of Africa, we are going to be experiencing a proper show that can rival any show in Dubai, the United States and the United Kingdom.
“In addition to that, it is very critical to understand and nurture the talents we have in Lagos State. Many international artistes that are up for Grammy Awards are home grown talents. To this end, the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration realises that there is need for a platform for our talents to thrive.
“This year, we have injected some addition to the formula on ground whereby Lagos actually identifies a talent, nurtures and grows the talent to become the future stars.”
The show, which will hold from 25th to 31st of December, was described as a family event where everybody is expected to attend with members of their family.
She announced that the show will hold in five locations simultaneously and two winners that will contest at the Grand Finale will emerge from each of the five locations.
She said: “Across the five Ibile Zones – the locations where these events will be holding, there will be competition such as talent hunt. There will be two last contenders in each of the five zones that will contest at the venue of the Grand Finale at Eko Atlantic City. We will ensure that by 2021, these artistes will perform as big shots in the country.”
“The bottom line is to engross us with the culture, talent and diversity of Lagos. We are diverse and we need an avenue to display it. Mr. Governor is offering it this year, taking the greater Lagos platform to another level.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, assured that the issue of insecurity would not be a barrier noting that Lagosians have nothing to fear while attending the shows.
“It is not the kind of show you will be afraid to attend or take your kids and family members to. There is no room for negativity at the shows.”
“I want to also reaffirm that it is going to be a show like never before because it is well planned. New stars that will go into the shoes of the already established stars in the country will be discovered,” he said.
He further explained that entertainment is the big game changer in the economy.
Notable artistes like Olamide, Naira Marley, Zlatan, Patoranking, Niniola are expected to perform at the events. In addition, popular artistes in each locality of the Ibile would be allowed to perform.