Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Mr.
Dino Melaye on Monday lauded the various initiatives of Lagos State Governor,
Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode towards the promotion of tourism and entertainment, saying
that the Governor has demonstrated rare commitment to the sector.
Speaking at the 51st edition of the popular Notting Hill
Carnival in United Kingdom, Melaye said Governor Ambode deserved to be
commended for his commitment to the development and promotion of tourism and
culture as an alternative way of job creation and youth empowerment.
He said it was on record that the Governor had been using
the rich artistic potentials of the State as a veritable tool for branding and
for polishing the image of Nigeria abroad.
While addressing several thousands of people at the
Carnival, the Senator said Governor Ambode's exemplary achievements in the area
of culture and tourism promotion was a shining example of how a State can
develop and distinguish itself among its peers.
In its second year running, Lagos State Government
supported the Lagos Corner, a section of the Notting Hill Carnival, which is
famous world-wide as Europe's biggest street party that celebrates
Afro-Caribbean culture and lifestyle.
"I'm impressed with what Lagos State Government is
doing here. This is a huge platform for the promotion of our culture and
creative artists. I must commend Governor Ambode for his rare commitment to
this initiative and for providing a rallying point for Nigerians in the UK and
those visiting to have a voice and quality presence at this extraordinary
gathering," Melaye said.
In apparent reference to The Lagos Street Party, a yearly
showpiece that made its debut in December 2016, the Senator said with what he
saw in London, Lagos State should organise a carnival that will attract the
attention of the world to Nigeria's rich culture and artistic talents.
"I want to congratulate Lagos State for taking the
lead in tourism and entertainment in Nigeria.
Thumbs up to Lagos State, thumbs up to Governor Ambode and thumbs up to
the All Progressives Congress (APC) party. With this fantastic outing, I also
congratulate Nigeria for having a Governor like Ambode. There's no country like
Nigeria,” the Senator said.
Besides, Melaye urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to show
more interest in the developments being recorded in the country, saying that
very soon, they would see that the APC means well in Nigeria.
Similarly, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and
Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the huge presence of Lagos State at the
carnival and the success it recorded was "a demonstrable evidence of
Governor Ambode's commitment to promote tourism and entertainment as
alternative to oil and gas in Nigeria."
Ayorinde said it was gratifying that Lagos State
reverberated throughout the high season of cultural promotions which the month
of August represents in London.
He said aside the Lagos Corner at the Notting Hill
Carnival, the State also supported the Felabration Initiative, which saw the
hosting of a musical float in honour of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti at the carnival to
commemorate the 20th anniversary of his death.
The State also promoted the participation of students
from public schools in Lagos at the month-long Totally Thames Festival. All
this at a time that a Lagosccentric theatre production - Saro the Musical - by
Bolanle Austen-Peters is running for a whole week with rave reviews at London's
westend.
"What this portends for Lagos State in terms of
brand identity and reputation is unquantifiable. Lagos State is gaining fast
traction as a big player in international cultural circles. The State has
practically been on everybody's lips in London in the past one week,"
Ayorinde stated.
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Entertainment