CULTURE, COLOUR, FUN, GLAMOUR, AS LAGOS CARNIVAL 2015 UNFOLDS

Beauty, glamour, colour, fun and a rich display of the culture of Lagos state took central stage on Saturday the 25^th of April as various groups representing diverse communities and selected associations in Lagos put up a beautiful display at the TafawaBalewa Square Lagos as the 2015 Lagos Carnival took place.

On the day of the celebration, TafawaBalewa Square (TBS), the ancient memorial arcade, was agog. Diverse colors littered the atmosphere. The scene was a delight to behold, as thousands of Lagosians trooped into the arena to catch a glimpse of the glamorous event named the Lagos Carnival 2015.

Though the carnival which usually holds during the Easter was postponed as a result of the shift on the date for the last general election, Leadership Weekend observed that the event scenery presented an opportunity to seek out African roots. It was also a window to develop a new global cultural outlook and unity.

Amid low turnout recorded for this year’s event which commenced at about 10.am, the carnival still featured about 8,000 carnival contingents dressed in various costumes to reflect the coastal nature of the state. There was also a live musical band that thrilled the audience and theatrical performances from the dance troupe, the Sax and the Islanders.

As Lagosians relished the fun provided by the participants, the junior carnival procession moved through the National Musuem through to King George V Road, Igbosere, Ajele Stadium, Catholic Mission Street (CMS) to the TBS., while the adult carnival saw participants dressed in special costumes. They moved from Bourdillion Road to Giwa Barracks, Falomo Roundabout, Awolowo Road to TBS.

The participating adult carnival groups include, Lafiaji, Emeralds, Africarebeanna, Epetedo, OkoFaji, Locomotion, Obalende, Isale-Eko, Ogba, Woro Group, Ikeja, Surulere and Ilasamaja. Many of the members were predominantly made up of youths.

As the carnival climaxed, more and more visitors thronged the venue of the event. There was a capacity crowd of excited and prominent Lagosians and foreign tourists, including the Lagos state Governor, BabatundeFashola, his wife AbimbolaFashola, the Deputy Governor, Princess AdejokeOrelope- Adefulire and Professor Wole Soyinka, among others who witnessed the beautiful display and scintillating performances by various colorfully attired Fanti groups representing different areas.

The State Governor, Mr. BabatundeFashola (SAN) while addressing the large crowd made up of participants in the carnival processions and the spectators at the stands urged all of the sponsors, the participants, the designers and manufacturers of the costumes to continue to work hard to expand on what the present administration has done.

Our source, Youtube in a video observed that the carnival was witnessed by teeming local and international fun seekers in a well secured arena. To make it memorable for tourists and Lagosians, free buses were provided for by the state government, which were deployed to the various parts of the state to convey people to the Carnival.

Mr AdeogunAdeola, the chief organiser of the carnival, said that economically, carnivals could serve as the engine of economic growth and social development. He also stated that the carnival could generate N1 billion for the state. According to him, the show was part of efforts to make Lagos state a tourist destination.

Some Lagosians lamented as the looming fuel scarcity did not allow for many to attend the festival and that has attracted many comments. 

A resident, NzenwaAmaka who confronted the challenge posed by the fuel scarcity to attend the 2015 carnival with her family said “We just tried our best to attend this year’s carnival . It took me time to get fuel to drive my car to the carnival venue. I think that is what affected many people who could not come here this year. If we get our system right in this country, occasions like this will be something to look forward to every year.”

Another attendee, AfolabiGbonjubola comments on this issue…….

However,  BabatundeFashola, in his closing remark urged all of the sponsors, the participants, the designers and manufacturers of the costumes to continue to work hard to consolidate on what the present administration has done.

The governor described the day as a great family day where all the children, parents family members came out to dance, sing, and display. He stressed that a nation that has so many young people needs many more of this kind of activity to expend the energies and channel them to productive purposes. He lauded the organizers and those who participated in the event including the many sponsors whom he said the state government was deeply grateful to.

He said that this year’s edition is the last time he would be addressing the carnival as the Governor. He expressed optimism that during the next year’s Carnival, the Governor- Elect, AkinwunmiAmbode, would be present to keep the tradition going.

Fashola also said that “We have built a great team and it couldn’t have happened without you.

 So for me, it is time to say thank you all very much. You have been wonderful over the years and it is also time to say good bye”.