Lagos@ 50: Government kick-starts seven weeks celebrations

The Lagos State Government, Nigeria on Saturday April 8, 2017 formally flagged off the opening ceremony of the activities marking the commencement of the full-scale Golden Jubilee anniversary celebration of the State with a pledge by the Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi  Ambode, that his administration would pay particular attention to the growth of young entrepreneurs and back it up with an enabling environment and friendly policies that will enhance success of business initiatives.

The Governor made the pledge at the weekend at a colourful opening ceremony event, Wakaa the Musical, one of the several programmes lined to celebrate the anniversary held at the newly-refurbished privately-owned theatre, Terra Kulture in Victoria Island.

Ambode stressed that the government is committed to further boosting the state economy by building capacities of young entrepreneurs especially in areas of arts, culture, tourism, hospitality and other businesses.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, Ambode urged the youths, especially young graduates to take advantage of the hospitality and friendly business environment created by the present administration to explore other areas of possibilities and develop their entrepreneurial skills, such that will place them at vantage position in the on- going economic reform of his administration.

He stated that the 50th year anniversary of the state has presented a unique opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements of its founding fathers in the last 50 years, but also to showcase to the entire world the State rich cultural heritage and immense potentials waiting to be tapped by people with ideas and great vision.

“As the 6th largest economy and emerging megacity, our administration would stop at nothing to explore all other areas of possibilities for growth with the determination to lay a solid foundation for another glorious 50years journey that will be remarkable in mutual love, peaceful coexistence, greater economic prosperity, tourism, urban renewal and infrastructure development projects that will befits the megacity status of the state.”

“On our part, we are determined and committed to fully explore all the possibilities presented by this moment to lay a solid foundation to another glorious and prosperous 50 years. This golden jubilee therefore presents a unique opportunity for us not only to celebrate our achievements, but also showcase to the entire world the immense potentials waiting to be tapped in our dear state,”  Ambode said.

He commended the founding fathers and all his predecessors for their great vision for the state, pledging that that his administration would strive hard to build on their good legacies to deliver a new Lagos that will be the pride of every African man.

The Governor commended the Director / Executive Producer of Wakaa the Musical, who is also the founder of Terra Kulture, Mrs. Bolanle Austen – Peters for her initiative, focus and business ingenuity, describing the actualization of the edifice as a reward for her selflessness, vision, courage, determination and belief in one’s ability.

He noted that the partnership between the state government and Terra Kulture, is not only to identify with the success story of the private cultural heritage but a demonstration of the administration’s  commitment to encourage younger generation to maximize their potentials while the government provide the necessary impetus.

Earlier in her opening remarks, Austen- Peters stated that Terra Kulture has been in the forefront of theatre promotion in Nigeria with over 70 plays from various Producers and Directors since year 2005.

She stated that Wakaa the Musical premiered to entertain guests at the opening ceremony of the  Lagos @ 50 was a compelling story of the travails of what young people go through after graduation in a bid to achieve their dreams.

The collection of plays according to her explored the challenges and obstacles young graduates faced after leaving their colleges and the assurances for victory and success when they show commitment, brevity and tenacity in the face of adversity.

“WAKAA celebrates patriotism, honesty, diligence and the eventual success of excellence over mediocrity, greed and selfishness”, she stated

Lagos at 50 Celebrations, which commenced on Saturday, is expected to feature several interesting programmes from now till May 27th, the date of the creation of the state.

Among a must watch  programmes lined up for  the anniversary celebration by the organising committee led by the Nobel Laurete, Professor Wole Soyinka  are Fela, the Broadway Musical in Concert in memory of Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Boat Regatta, Fashion parade and the Public Service day which comes up on the 1st of  May 2017.