Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode says Lagos is gradually emerging as the true capital of arts and entertainment in Africa, saying his administration is working to equally transform the state to the continent’s tourism hub.
Ambode spoke at the Lagos International Jazz concert held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Saturday, to commemorate the 2016 International Jazz Day (IJD), which attracted local and international jazz artistes.
The governor said the event was part of efforts to join the rest of the world, particularly the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to celebrate the day.
According to the governor, April 30 has since 2011 been designated as the International Jazz Day and that Lagos being the centre of excellence is using the platform to promote arts and entertainment.
“This musical show is a continuation of our promise to Lagosians that we will use tourism, hospitality, entertainment and the arts as well as sports to create jobs and opportunities for our people and to position Lagos State as a destination with rich entertainment content.
“We also want to use today’s event to identify with every musician here today, from far and near and to use their God-given talents and creativity to announce to the world that Lagos is the true capital of arts and entertainment in Africa and that Lagos is in tune with the rest of the world,” he said.
He said the light up Lagos project and huge investment in its security machinery, which has brought down crime rate by 65 percent, was part of efforts by his administration to create a 24-hour economy and the “template of a city that does not sleep and with government that does not slumber either.”
Among the dignitaries who graced the concert include former governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu I, Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Femi Adeniyi Williams, Rtd justice of Supreme Court, George Oguntade, among others.
Issac Anyaogu
