DECEMBER 24, 2016
At the Agege stadium in Ikeja division, a massive crowd, typical of a world cup or championship tournament, assembled to usher in Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as he arrived with his team of officers to flag off the 2016 edition of the One Lagos Fiesta (OLF).
Regarded as the most populous part of Mega City of Lagos and the area that provides the bulk of the winning votes in almost every election, Governor Ambode honoured the inland community of Agege with his presence on Saturday, December 24, 2016 to flag off the 2nd edition of the musical fiesta in the state.
Just as he did in late 2015, when he kicked off the Town Hall meetings every hundred (100) days, starting with Agege, excited youth, adults and the elderly trooped to Agege stadium on this Christmas eve to celebrate with him and to watch their favourite, upcoming and established musical artistes and entertainers.
The whole stadium was beautifully lit with floodlight as the center stage for the musical show was powerfully set up. As in a football match, the fans were turbo charged with the doses of entertainment as they yelled, clapped, sang along and hailed the performing artistes. The sponsors stands as well as the various canopies and stands for eating and drinking and other delicacies bubbled all through that evening into midnight as the musical festival exploded in the air in this northern gateway community into Lagos State.
While flagging off the One Lagos Fiesta at Agege stadium, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode encouraged Agege Youths and Entrepreneurs to make use of the N25BN ETF, which was specially designed for them and the growth of the state. He also announced that one billion naira out of the six billion naira to be disbursed annually will be given to Ikeja Division. He further said, “We have money already established to take care of your expertise. Those of you who are very creative; those of you who are artistic; those of you who are entrepreneurial in outlook; we have money that we are ready to give to you to start your own business.”
In this speech, Governor Ambode said the government would construct an Art theatre and a cinema in Igando, and also build five new theatres in Ikorodu, Ikeja, Lagos Mainland, Badagry and Epe. He urged the people to make the most of the opportunity given them to showcase the good side of Agege to the world through the fiesta, which is not only for dancing but a way of engaging the youths. A total of 40 hours, which was arranged to be better, bigger and bolder than that of 2015, would be engaging youths simultaneously in all of the five (5) divisions of the state.
The youths and entrepreneurs were entertained by artistes like Adekunle Gold, Queen Salawa Abeni, Reminisce and Omobaba while important personalities like Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Acting Commissioner/Special Adviser, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola; member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu Phyno, and Jide M.I. Abaga, were also present at the event which started on Saturday. The cross over event was successful as the plans made for it was duly achieved and the fun loving audience went home happy.
Christmas eve, Saturday, December 24, 2016, marked the commencement of another opportunity for the people of Ikorodu to gather together and enjoy the countdown to year 2017. The people, who came from various divisions of Ikorodu, had hoped to meet various superstars (Artistes) and upcoming ones from the music industry as well as Nollywood celebrities. They were not disappointed! The Lagos State government ensured that various artistes performed live at the venues of the fiesta until January I, 2017.
During this time, the celebrities performed at Agege Stadium in Ikeja division; Badagry stadium in Badagry division; Ikorodu Town Hall in Ikorodu division, Bar beach in Lagos Island division and Epe Recreational Center in Epe division of the state, where they entertained many youths and other Lagosians, who expected to celebrate the season with their hard-working Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi. From the Ikorodu axis of the One Lagos Fiesta on the first day of the event, one could easily comprehend that a grand occasion was underway with security arrangements planned to the hilt, various types of lights dazzling the night sky and various attractive banners displaying messages of appreciation to Governor Ambode. The ones welcoming people to the fiesta was hung on different locations.
Among those, who gave a welcoming entertainment to the people during the first day of the event, was the ‘Osere Oloro Ijomu’, a local traditional group. Superstar Artistes were also there, including Earth Quake, Jazzman Olofin, Atawewe, SOJ, and Tony Tetuila, who entertained the audience with their popular hits. It was also the day of ‘Lagos Got Talent’, a talent competition of the fiesta. Not left out were the contestants with tagged numbers from 201 – 206, who thrilled the audience with their skillful talents, which included dancing, rapping, and singing of Hip-Hop songs. The audience assessed their performance at the request of the comedians anchoring the programme.
DECEMBER 25, 2016
Christmas night, Sunday, December 25, 2016, was another entertainment day at the venue. D.J Mikky 4 and D.J. Alex kept the audience on their toes. Gbenga Adeyinka (the first) was unstoppable as he cracked the ribs of the audience. Arts and culture troupe, courtesy of the Lagos State government, was also there to perform. Contestants 210, 212, and 213 were not left out as they beautifully showcased their talents in the talent hunt competition.
Boxing day, December 26, 2016, also featured other artistes like Alariwo of Africa, and Oritse Femi, who rendered his popular hits, ‘Mercy of the Lord,’ ‘Igbeyawo’ and other songs, to the great delight of the audience. Some upcoming Artistes also performed before other celebrities like Busola Oke (Eleyele), Buga, Shina Peters, Sound Sultan and Baba Dee, who thrilled the audience with their captivating performances. More youths showcased their talent in dancing, comedy, rapping and singing. Out of the 221 tag number to 230 that performed, a 7 year old boy, Ademuyiwa Semilore, emerged winner for his dexterity in handling the saxophone. His number in the competition was 217.
DECEMBER 27, 2016
During the fourth day of the One Lagos fiesta on December 27, 2016, the venue witnessed more audience and participants. A popular comedian, Gideon, joined in the anchoring of the programme and entertained the audience with jokes in foreign and various Nigerian languages. More Artistes took over the stage after various upcoming Artistes had displayed their talents. Among the Artistes include, Idris AbdulKareem, Big Sherrif, Oranze, among others.
When the Lagos Governor arrived the venue by 09:43pm with his entourage, those who have been straining their neck for any sign of his appearance heaved a great sigh of relief. No doubt, he came to encourage and celebrate with the audience. After the Governor had settled down, the program proceeded with public service announcement and the Lagos Got Talent competition. The contestants with numbers 234 – 240 showcased their talents to the delight of the Governor and the audience. However, the contestants who emerged first were 237 and 238 owing to their flexible twists, which earned them applause and set them apart from others.
In his generosity, Governor Ambode, who was impressed with the Talent Hunt competition, gave out five hundred and fifty thousand naira (N550,000) to the first, second and third positions. In a show of humility and respect, the flexible Twist, Joseph Gbadamosi and Tobiloba Popoola, who got the first position, prostrated before the Governor, which offered them the opportunity to pose for a photograph with him. Other Artistes who graced the occasion were: Clever ; T-Black; CDQ; Lil-Kesh; Q-dot; G-Tee; Olu Maintain; Azadus; D.J Zee; Niktoh; Niniola, among others.
On Wednesday, December 28, 2016, the Fiesta lasted till very late in the night as usual. Many Superstars also performed on this day. To crown the event and bring it to a climax, a popular Gospel Artist, Dare Melody as well as Fuji Icon, Obesere Omo Rapala performed passionately to the delight of the audience. Oba Shotobi thanked God and for granting everyone present the grace to witness another year in the land of the living. He equally used the opportunity provided by the event to celebrate with his grandson, Prince ………… on his birthday. The birthday cake was cut by the celebrant along with Oba Shotobi, other monarchs and some dignitaries at the event.
All indigenes and residents of Ikorodu that attended the One Lagos Fiesta commended Governor Ambode for a job well done, especially in the area of security. They believe he has achieved a greater level of friendliness, love and unity while crime was drastically reduced.
Dignitaries present at the fiesta were, Hon. Babajimi Benson; S.O.B Agunbiade; Hon. Nurudeen Solaja; Acting Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Hon. (Mrs.) Adebimpe Akinsola; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, Hon. Rotimi Ogunleye. Others were the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabiru Shotobi; Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, HRM, Oba Semiudeen Kasali; Obateru of Egbin, Oba Oyebo; Sole Administrators of LG and LCDAs in Ikorodu; Alhaji (Chief) Monzor Olowosago, Publisher of Oriwu Sun; Alhaji M. T. Amusa, Proprietor HOMAT Schools; Mayor Deen Sanwoola; religious leaders, traditional chiefs, among others.