The Lagos State government has stated it would be staging its 2019 Greater Lagos Fiesta “in grand style” in furtherance of its commitment to boost tourism and entertainment in the state.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Shulamite Olufunke Adebolu, told reporters on Monday that the 2019 celebration possessed additional features that would help to discover and nurture talented performers to become celebrated stars across the country.
According to Mrs Adebolu, “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, and nurtures and grows the talent to become future stars.”
The fiesta, which will hold from December 25 to 31, was described as a family event where everybody is expected to attend with members of their family.
She announced that the show would hold in five locations simultaneously and two winners that would contest at the Grand Finale would emerge from each of the five locations.
“Across the five Ibile zones – the locations where these events will be holding – there will be competition such as a 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 Commissioner said.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, assured that the issue of insecurity would not be a barrier during the show. “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,” he said.
Notable artistes like Olamide, Naira Marley, Zlatan, Patoranking and Niniola are expected to perform at the events.