Lagos Plans Fiesta During New Year Crossover

The Lagos State Government says it is set to host the first edition of ‘One Lagos Fiesta’ to further the tradition of the New Year crossover celebration.

Mr Folarin Coker, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, disclosed this weekend at a conference to unveil the ‘One Lagos Fiesta’ scheduled to hold in Lagos between December 27 and January 1, 2016.

The commissioner said over 50 artistes are expected to perform for over 300 hours at the event, which is expected to attract one million people to welcome the year 2016 at the biggest crossover party in sub-Saharan Africa.

Coker added that the festival-like event will happen simultaneously in five locations in the three senatorial districts of the state.

The event, aimed at showcasing the state’s cultural heritage and art, according to him, will take place in Agege Stadium, Badagry Stadium, Ikorodu Town Hall, Bar beach, Lagos and Epe Youth centre in Epe.

“The ‘One Lagos Fiesta’ is a 5-day celebration of entertainment with fun, food, drink, comedy, dance and theatre, with a strong infusion of the culture of each location,” he said.

“The people of Lagos are known for hard work, which is complemented with a jovial spirit for celebration, especially during the festive period.”

“Our plan is to take advantage of these attributes and identify with the residents in a one community, one celebration and one purpose approach,” Coker said.

While noting that the fiesta is an entirely private sector-funded initiative at no expense to the state government, the Commissioner added that adequate arrangements have been made for security, traffic management, sanitation, health and safety, while urging the members of the pubic to continue to be vigilant at all times.