Greater Lagos Fiesta Commences December 1 Despite COVID-19 Regulations

Sunday Ehigiator

The Lagos State Government yesterday disclosed its resolve to commence its Greater Lagos Fiesta December 1 despite protocols and regulations put in place to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

The state government justified its decision to hold the fiesta on the need to promote arts, culture, entertainment and tourism in the state, stating that the fiesta would last for 31 days.

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Yussuf made this disclosure at the official unveiling of the 2021 Greater Lagos Fiesta held on Victoria Island, Lagos yesterday.

Formerly called ‘The Lagos countdown’ and ‘One Lagos fiesta’, Greater Lagos Fiesta is an annual event held to showcase the peculiarities of Lagos state, especially as it relates to entertainment, fashion, food, cultural diversity, sports among others, while also exploring its economic opportunities.

The 2021 edition, tagged, ‘Lagos Rocks’, was scheduled to commence from December 1 to 31 with a line-up of activities to excite its residents

At the unveiling, Yussuf noted that the fiesta was in continuation of the state’s efforts to meet the yearnings of fun loving public, while also fulfilling the mandate of entertainment and tourism pillar of the current administration.

She said: “Having recorded an impressive success in the fight against the COVID-19 between 2020 and now, the state government has approved the gradual return of normalcy to the entertainment scene amidst adherence to all necessary safety protocols that will help us keep the virus at bay.

“The ministry is also working with the ministry of health and the Lagos State Safety Commission to ensure that all health and safety protocols are put in place. We equally appeal to the public to take their vaccines, as the ministry will only allow vaccinated person’s into the venue of our events.

“With this year’s theme of Greater Lagos Fiesta tagged, Lagos Rocks, the state government will be hosting a 31 days massive experience of entertainment, art and inspiration, and the likes which has never been seen before in Nigeria from December 1, 2021 to January 1, 2022.”

She also said the state government would be using the Greater Lagos Fiesta to further transform the state into a major African tourism and entertainment hub by exploring and promoting the potentials that abound in the state, as well as integrating the thriving entertainment and art industry as a very good platform to attract visitors and create job opportunities.

Speaking on the lined up activities, she said, the fiesta will commence with the unveiling of an iconic chair with the traditional colour of Lagos creatively embedded and erected in a central area of the state.
“This choice of this 20 ft iconic chair is to showcase the hospitality and diversity of Lagos as a cosmopolitan city that welcomes everyone from all spheres of life, for socio-economic prosperity.

“I want to assure Lagosians and visitors that will be taking part in this event, that adequate security measures and emergency medical services have been put in place in all zones in the state, throughout the duration of this event.

“Several activities have been slated to make this event a worthwhile outing for Lagosians and visitors. On December 1, we would open the fiesta with an opening concert and cultural performance. This will take place in all the five divisions of the state. On December 5, we will hold our cycling competition.

“On December 10, we will be having our fashion show. On December 18, we will be having our food festival and opening our Christmas Souk village. This event will feature a food festival which marks the beginning and opening of Lagos Christmas Village with various activities not limited to marketing of SMEs, children’s corner, book exhibition, and funfair among others. It will run through till December 31.

“On December 26, we are having the marina experience. We have reserved this date to celebrate Lagos marine by exploring water tourism to complement the effort of Lagos State waterways authority, the lag berry, and other water transportation services that operate along our water ways.

“From December 27 to 31, we have the Greater Lagos Usual Concert. This event will feature five days back to back concerts in all the five divisions of the state, with arrays of big artists, music icons, other artists, best of comedies, DJs, dance performance, talent hunt, etc.”