The long awaited One Lagos Fiesta(OLF) has come and gone but the pains and pounds put into it in terms of preparations by the Lagos State Government, sponsors and the participants have not gone down the drain. This was indicated by divergent views expressed by diverse groups of people whose opinions were sought during the 8-day event.
The Annual Fiesta was decentralized by the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as a way of affecting the grassroots positively through inclusive governance.
Speaking on the impact of the Fiesta on his career, Mr. Oluwadare Femi, an upcoming artiste who had earlier taken part in an audition tagged “Lagos Grows Talent”, said, “We the upcoming artistes in Ikorodu Division are privileged to share the same platform with popular artistes because OLF and Governor Ambode made it possible. This event has enabled us to showcase our talents to the larger society. On behalf of my fellow artistes, I want to say a very big thank you to our amiable Governor for being passionate about the youths.”
A participant, Miss Nkechi Nnamdi, who could not hide her joy, said that if not for OLF, most of them (the participants) could not afford to pay for shows usually organized by A –artistes, adding that the Fiesta has given most of the participants a rare opportunity to see some of the movers and shakers of the Nigerian entertainment industry live on stage.
On the economic front, the Fiesta brought tremendous gains/profits to the businesses of the residents, particulaly those who were at the venue to sell various items ranging from food to drinks.
Bearing testimony to this was a seller of Star lager beer who pleaded anonymity. She revealed that apart from the fact that her daily sales were more than what she used to make in a week due to increase in demand, she also employed more sales girls to assist her.
Also, stage managers, transporters, carpenters, electricians and masters of ceremonies in Ikorodu were among those who equally shared their delightful experiences about the benefits they derived from the Fiesta tagged “See, Feel and Explore Lagos” and showcased tourism, arts and culture of the State of Excellence.
This year’s OLF held at Ikorodu Town Hall had in attendance important dignitaries amongst who were Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Prince RotimiOgunleye, Commissioner for Estabs, Training and Pension, DrAkintola Benson Oke, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. OlufemiOdubiyi, Hon S.O.B Agunbiade, Hon Babajimi Benson, HRM Kabir A. Shotobi, Special Adviser, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. AramideGiwanson, Permanent Secretary, Mr. FolarinAdeyemi, Chairmen of Local Government and representatives of various groups.
While the artistes that performed included 9ice,Sound Sultan, Nyanya, Qdot, Mr P (Psquare), Tony Tetuila, Lil Kesh, Small Doctor, LAX, Buga, Xplore Twins, Raskimono, Excharge Twins, Hazardous, Small Doctor, Kenny St. Ogungbe, Lanre Teriba, Malaika, Osupa, Just Man, Earthquake, Valentine, TySleek, Daniella among many others.
The anchors were Gbenga Adeyinka the great, MC Afo, Ibroli, while Djs Mickey4, Jaju, Shina, Annex among others reigned supreme on the turntables.
Gabriel Isiwele, Okedeyi Adesina & Bisola Ogunleye
Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Ikorodu Division Office
