Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday officially launched the one year long activities to mark the 50 years anniversary of the State which will climax on May 28, 2017, just as he said the activities lined up would showcase to the world the unique achievements, culture, heritage and the tourism potentials of the State.
Governor Ambode, who spoke at a special children programme tagged “Vision of the Child” to officially kick start the one year long activities for the Golden Jubilee of the State, said the celebration was put together to provide historical opportunity to propel the State into unimaginable greatness as well as put it on highest pedestal in the league of world megacity states.
The Governor, who assured that the events would be the biggest celebration in the 50 years history of the State, added that Lagosians should expect nothing short of world class events.
He said: “This golden jubilee celebration will show Lagos for what it is – a home for all and a land of opportunities where dreams are made and fulfilled.
“This celebration will be all inclusive and in furtherance to this, each of the five administrative divisions of the State will have one month to showcase their culture and landmass. In this way, we will expose to the world the uniqueness and diversity of our culture and tradition as well as our great tourism potentials.”
Speaking on the vision of the child initiative, the Governor who said the State had consistently supported the initiative explained that it was aimed at promoting creative thinking, literary arts and painting skills.
Besides, Governor Ambode commended the Lagos At 50 Celebration Committee headed by Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, and expressed optimism in their ability to showcase the State to the world and organize memorable events.
The Governor also solicited the support of individuals and corporate organizations toward the successful hosting of the celebration.
In his remarks, Soyinka clarified that the idea of the one year long celebration was just to create consciousness of the celebration in the minds of the people, and not that events would be organized every day.
He said for instance, a month of solidarity would be dedicated to victims of Boko Haram, while the people would equally be given the opportunity to know more about Lagos.
Soyinka also used the opportunity of the occasion to fault those against his appointment by Governor Ambode as co-chair of the Committee, saying they were only exhibiting ignorance.
While stating that he would not join issue with such people, Soyinka said his family was a pioneer in the development of the State, and that it was unfortunate that the so-called Lagosians were denying themselves the opportunity of knowing Lagos which his Committee would offer.