Glamour As Lagos Carnival Ends

Amidst pomp and ceremony, the Lagos Easter Carnival ended yesterday in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, drawing thousands of tourists to the showcasing of the cultural potential of the coastal state.

The Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, venue of the carnival, witnessed a parade of diverse colours and beautiful scenes, with scantily dressed ladies in carnival outfits adding to the fun.

At the event were Governor Babatunde Fashola, his wife, Abimbola, former Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Sosan, members of the State Executive Council, the governor’s father, Mr. Demola Fashola and many guests from far and near.

The various contingents of participants had earlier danced in a procession through different routes which include Bourdillon Road, Giwa Barracks, Falomo Roundabout, Awolowo Road, King George V Road, Bamgbose street, Campos Square and Catholic Mission street to the Tafawa Balewa Square.

The participating adult band included Campos, Lafiaji, Epetedo, Oko Faji, Olowogbowo, Locomotion, Obalende, Isale-Eko and Woro Group.

Other groups included Mushin, Ikeja, Ebute Metta, Alagomeji, Sango Ago-Egba, Araromi Fanti, Odi-Olowo, Sports City, Surulere, Kilo, Ilasamaja, Agege and Epe.

Another innovation in the 2012 Carnival was the corporate float by organisations like Nigeria Breweries, MTN and Ecobank, which underscored the participation of corporate organisations in the carnival.

A tourist, Max Mclulan who flew in from the United Kingdom to be part of the carnival described the event as splendid and colourful. “I am in Lagos, Nigeria, for the carnival. I am enjoying the carnival and the weather. I was in the boat regatta show yesterday, we don’t have such in the UK. It was awesome, it was wonderful,” he said.

Mrs. Patience Sowolu, who brought her family to the show said: “We’re having so much fun and we’re enjoying the Easter celebration, and the carnival has really provided me the opportunity to catch some fun. Life is not just about working; making out time to relax and catching some fun is essential. I commend the Lagos State government for this.”

Speaking at the event, Fashola said he looked forward to a carnival next year that would be fully driven by the private sector while the state as a government supports it with traffic management, security and medical support for emergencies.

“The capacity of tourism to stimulate the economy is no longer in dispute as our transport infrastructure such as ferry terminals, Eti Osa-Lekki-Epe Expressway, Badagry Expressway, the light rail, Mile Two and Mile 12 roads come to completion. It will open the way to all other destinations and tourist assets in our dear state”.

“I am also sure that with a dedicated Ministry of Tourism formulating the policies, giving support, releasing energy and harnessing the enthusiasm of the ever dynamic Lagos youth, our journey to a new frontier of tourism economy has just begun,” he stated.

He said the Black Heritage Week, which climaxed with the Lagos Carnival, was the state’s answer to tourism as a critical driver of its economy and supporter of small businesses and cottage industries such as fashion, arts, craft and services, all of which make up the festival.

“Our critical investment in infrastructure and support for the private sector has made our state a first choice in West Africa for hospitality facilities such as new hotels, restaurants, cafes and other tourism-related ventures. Not long ago, we lived up to our ratings as the fashion capital of Africa when we hosted 34 countries in the Arise Fashion Show,” he added.

The governor stated that the colour and culture of Lagos, which were radiant in display with the outfits made at the Skills Acquisition Centres, had proved a point that the Acquisition Centres were centres for producing skilled manpower, costumes and the like.

“All the costumes you see here today were made by only 3,000 artisans that we engaged, using the skills like tailoring, tie and dye, accessory making, millinery and welding. Over 24,000 suppliers of various materials were involved, building capacity for the youth and stimulating commerce,” he enthused.

He disclosed that about 2,500 students and 18,000 adults participated in the 2012 Carnival, adding that the complaints by some market women that the carnival people had bought off all their accessories in the market was a good one, “because it speaks volumes about the Lagos State Government as one which is serious about growth, small businesses and job creation.”

Photos below show participants in colourful costumes during the carnival at the Tafawa Balewa Square. 

Story: Kazeem Ugbodaga and Photos: Abeeb Ogunbadejo