The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, has a particular trade mark, which marks him out in a crowd. If you are someone, who is lost in thought, maybe absent mindedly gazing at or thinking about something, when the “Ambo” song is sung, when the number one citizen of Lagos State saunters in with his entourage, this well-composed sing-song playing in the background would immediately bring you back to reality that the Governor is around in flesh and blood.
That was exactly what happened, when he entered the venue of the Ikorodu One Lagos Fiesta on the fourth day of the event, held on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at the Ikorodu Town Hall field, Ikorodu by 09.49p.m As a result of the thick swarm of youths at the venue of the event and the head breaking music emanating from gigantic music arsenals located somewhere in the field, it was not easy to notice when he entered, except those who sighted him on the projector.
The Governor, who appeared in blue jeans, dark blue jacket and white T-Shirt, with a white face cap to match, while holding a small Lagos Fiesta flag, was visibly elated at the massive turn-out of youths. He said, “I am very excited tonight and I love you all. It was not possible for us to be here last year and I can see that this is really a big thing. I want to use this opportunity to thank Kabiyesi for his supports and royal presence.”
Looking optimistically at the future, Ambode predicted that the year 2017 would bring better prosperity to Ikorodu. His address was signed off with his trade mark song, “Ambo”. Before the arrival of the Governor and his entourage, the youths, who came in thousands, were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Both established artists and the upcoming ones gave their best, while the upcoming ones were identified simply by the number attached to them for the sake of the competition. Among the established ones, who thrilled the audience, were, Falz, Lil Kesh, Niyiola, Azadus, EEDris AbdulKareem, Olu Maintain, D.J Zeez; Big Shef, Clever J., CDQ, Q-Dot, G, among others.
For the upcoming artists, those who performed better or otherwise were announced with the shouts of ‘Waka’ or ‘One Lagos Fiesta’ by the talent coordinator. ‘Waka’ means ‘disqualified’ to go further while ‘One Lagos Fiesta’ puts the competitor in a good standing. At the end of it all, those who emerged, first, second runner up, and the winner get one hundred thousand (N100,000), one hundred and fifty thousand (N150,000) and three hundred thousand (N300,00) respectively.
One thing that was not compromised during the fiesta was the issue of security. Right from the main entrance of the town hall opposite the High Court, a long line of youths on queue, stretching some kilometres away, tells you that nothing is taken for granted. They were frisked and searched while extending their hands above their heads to show that they had no clandestine motives. Inside the arena, cascades of light pervades everywhere, giving one an impression of day break.
The dignitaries, who attended the fourth day of the event, included, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi and his Olori; Acting Commission for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Nosimot Akinsola; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Jamiu Asimi; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Rotimi Ogunleye; Publisher of Oriwu Sun, Alhaji Monzor Olowosago.
Others were, Hon. S.O.B Aguniade, Majority leader, Lagos State House of Assembly; Hon. Nurudeen Solaja, representative constituency II, Lagos State House of Assembly; Oba of Igbogbo, HRM Oba Orimadegun Kasali; Oba of Ibeshe, HRM, Richard Ogunsanya; the Regent of Ipakodo, among others.
The event ended around 1:30pm as thick crowd of youths streamed out of the field.
