Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has declared opened the historic “One Lagos Fiesta’’ at Agege Stadium , promisine to make the event an annual programme that would be held in all the five Divisions of the State.
Ambode told a mammoth crowd of fun seeking Lagosians at the Stadium, that he had, during the electioneering campaign pledged to run an all inclusive government that will involve every Lagosians as well as bring governance closer to the people, saying that the “One Fiesta programme” is in fulfillment of that promise.
“You mean a lot to me, this event is all about you and the rest of Lagos.”
He recalled that the last time he was at the Agege Stadium was during the electioneering campaign of Mr. President and expressed happiness that he was back to the area as elected Governor, adding that the fiesta will hold simultaneously in all the divisions of the state.
The governor thanked the people of Agege for identifying with the State Government as manifested in the massive turnout and in a peaceful and orderly manner, even as he asked all residents to participate fully in the five day programme packaged to make every Lagosian enter the new year in joyful mood.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who represented the federal government, commended the initiative of the Ambode led administration for decentralizing the Countdown to end of year programme to accommodate all divisions.
“This far sighted concept has given every Lagosian the choice either to be in Agege, Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry or Lagos Island to fully participate in Countdown celebration.
“One Lagos Fiesta” is in line with the Buhari’s policy of organizing festivals regularly, as the Federal Government is now in the process of compiling compendium of festivals in Nigeria as part of efforts to leverage on our rich cultural heritage to create employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.”
Lai Mohammed said that the Federal Government had made provision of N500 billion as social intervention fund in the next year’s budget to assist young individuals to set up small businesses, adding that in year 2016 the government will try as much as possible to engage youths in various enterprises.
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa thanked the people of Agege for embracing the “One Lagos Fiesta” wholeheartedly, even as he assured them that the event is going to be an annual one with the primary objective of promoting tourism in the State. [myad]
