Year’s end signals carnival of festivals in Lagos
Lagos is known to be a state where big things happen. As such, this year’s Christmas celebration promises of fun times.
From the first week of December, companies begin their Christmas decorations and virtually all the streets of Lagos begin to wear a celebration look. More astonishing is that of Jim Ovia’s Zenith Bank, which brought world class decorations and lights to Ajose Adeogun in Victoria Island. Many Lagosians throng the Ajose Adeogun to see and appreciate the beauty and creativity introduced to the vicinity and take photos. The kind of unique and alluring decoration which occupies the entire street has turned the area to an annual tourist attraction. The glow they create at night makes night life in the mega city more appealing.
Apart from the office buildings and religious houses decorations, the State Government has also beautified every major location in the state. The beauty transcends from Victoria Island, to Lagos Ibadan expressway to Ikeja and other parts of the city. It will however not be fallacious to say that Lagos occupies the top position when it comes to Christmas decorations.
There are a number of fun activities and major events lined up for the yuletide month in Lagos, ranging from concerts featuring major artistes to musical festivals. There are also several playgrounds and parks in the state that offer a wide variety of games and entertainment, among others.
Concert organizer, Flytime Promotions has announced its three-day line-up of electrifying shows to keep Lagos residents busy during the last few days of the year. One of such is the Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged slated for December 21 with performances from A-List Nigerian artistes, such as D’banj, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Davido, DJ Cuppy and many more.
Another event will start on December 22 featuring international artistes like legendary Grammy Award winner, Bobby Brown and Bel Biv Devoe, who will perform their biggest hits.
This will be followed by GOTV’s music and boxing package on December 28 during the 17th edition of its Gotv boxing night. The event slated for the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos is expected to attract 10,000 boxing and music fans. Eight boxing bouts, including two international and six local fights, Burna Boy, Wande Coal, Teni Da Entertainer and Daddy Showkey are some of the artistes expected at the boxing night.
Other events include the first annual ‘Christmas in Lagos 2018,’ a four-day convention that consists of a range of events enabling guests to enjoy, explore and learn about the city. The event will be hosting Diaspora in Lagos every year from December 20 to 23, 2018. During the event, guests will experience the Lagos nightlife, visit cultural centres in Lagos, club, enjoy boat cruises and parties on the beach among others.
Similarly, Afro beat festival slated for December 22, 2018 is expected to feature Timaya, Runtown, Tekno, Femi and Seun Kuti. There is also the ‘Wizkid made in Lagos shutdown’ for December 23rd where Wizkid will be performing alongside his friends to an estimated audience of 20,000 people. Cool FM praise Jam and Park life festival among many others.
There is also the occasion planned by the Lagos State Government tagged, ‘One Lagos Fiesta: a December to remember,’ which will take place for 500 hours in eight days within five locations across the State. Two million Lagos residents are expected at Agege Stadium, Ikorodu town hall, EpeMarina beachfront, Badagry grammar school and Eko Atlantic City.
During the jamboree, some of the artistes expected are a combination of some new and old generation which include; Humble Smith, Olamide, Adewale Ayuba, Wizkid, Davido, Pasuma, Saheed Osupa, King Sunny Ade, Muma Gee and Salawa Abeni, among others.
Among the side attractions at the fiesta is the raffle draw specifically for Lagos residents with a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). The winner of the draw will be rewarded with a brand-new car.
In addition to the performances, communities have also keyed into the celebration galore as youth groups and associations of various communities have reeled out their invitation letters and call for support towards their end of year celebration. The fun extends to the nook and cranny of the city.
For traders and people in business, there is a lot of money to be made, particularly as some people plan to travel to celebrate the season in their hometown. Hairstylists and tailors/fashion designers are also very busy at this season to meet the demands of their many customers. Sale of Christmas decoration accessories can also be sighted at different locations in the city.
So, It’s fun unlimited everywhere as Lagosians give a touch of red or green colours to their outfit in the spirit of celebration.