Lagos governor promises to make state a tourist destination

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) yesterday assured Lagosians of his administration commitment to make the state a tourist destination.

Governor Fashola, said this while addressing a large audience that assembled at the Tafawa Balewa Square venue to witness the colorful celebration of the state 2011 easter carnival.

The event which commenced at about 10.am featured about 12,000 carnival contingent 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 performance from Jiimbay dance troupe and Sax and the Islanders.

Governor Fashola who use the occasion to thank Lagosians for their overwhelming support to the Action Congress of Nigeria during the just concluded election and for returning him back as the governor elect, assured that his administration will continue to pursue people oriented programme that would impact in the lives of all.

He explained that the carnival was one of the high points of the weeklong series of activities of the Lagos Heritage week. “ your government for which I have the honour and priviledge to head is strongly committed to restoring Lagos to its status as Nigeria’s commercial and industrial hub.” he added.

The governor said the city is being re-molded into a major tourist attraction, adding that beautification and land transportation work is going on for the relaxation pleasure of Lagosians.

According to him, “ the various cultural events in Lagos are being revitalized and held at specific dates to allow residents and international tourist place us on their tourism calendars.

“As you watch and enjoy the spectacle that the carnival parade offers, I urge you to also appreciate the hard work and dedication that has gone into preparing for an event of this magnitude.

“There are roughly 12,000 participants, whose costumes have all been made over many months of tireless efforts by hundreds of young Lagosians, both male and female.

He explained that all the costumes and effigy use for the carnival were produced in the state new skill acquisition center in Isheri, stressing that this only goes to show that Lagos has a pool of capable hands, who can deliver world class products if given the platform to do so.

“ The near-term economic implications of this venture is perhaps more significant than today’s event as many of our youths were gainfully employed as tailors , wielders and embellishers for four months.