The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, is set to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence with the “Eko on Show” festival slated for Friday, 15th October 2021, at Muri-Okunola Park, Victoria Island. The event is one of the strategies adopted to showcase and revive the entertainment scene in Lagos.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, said the festival will feature A-list artists like Davido, Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Teni and D’banj, among others, while veteran musicians like Kwam 1 and Shina Peters also billed to perform at the event.
Speaking at a Press Conference on Tuesday, at Muri-Okunola Park, Victoria Island, the Commissioner noted that the festival is in continuation of Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary celebration, through music, fashion, dance and the display of an array of food and drinks to entertain Lagosians, Nigerians and the world as a whole.
Referring to the recent presentation of the Guinness World Records certificate acknowledging Lagos as holder of the world’s largest anniversary logo made with cupcakes mosaic, Akinbile-Yussuf said the feat has put the State on the world tourism map.
The Commissioner said: “This October 15 event is also a way of sending a message to the entire world that Lagos, apart from being a land of creativity and innovations, is also the soul of entertainment, fun and relaxation, rich in culture and hospitality”.
She pointed out that the event was conceptualised to enhance the State’s competitive positioning as one of the top five tourist destinations in Africa, build on the inherent creativity of Lagosians, establish the State as a vibrant and innovative tourism destination that creates jobs across multiple tourism segments and offers the world access to the ingenuity and hospitality of its residents.
“Specifically, this event will feature an exceptional experience of good music, fashion, food, and dance extravaganza and lots more. We will be showcasing most of our local contents at this event”, Akinbile-Yussuf stated.
She asserted that ‘Eko on Show’ will showcase the creativity of talented individuals, stating that the Sanwo-Olu administration will continue to commit resources to produce filmmakers of international standards, fashion designers of class, musicologists, dancers and other professionals in the industry.
The Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu, also disclosed that October 15, which coincidentally is the “Felabration” week, would provide different avenues of fun for Lagosians, just as Nigerians will be celebrating the life and times of foremost music icon, late Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Princess Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi, informed that the event will be a hybrid version in line with COVID-19 protocols and will be used to further reopen the entertainment sector as the pandemic gradually declines.
She urged interested participants to register ahead to take part in the show and obtain the limited number of free tickets on https://tix.africa/eko.
In separate contributions, Ara – the Drummer, Teni – the Entertainer and Dede Mabiaku, a versatile musician applauded the “Eko on Show” initiative and promised the best of entertainment for fun lovers that would join the show either physically or virtually.
