Lagos Begins Nigeria’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

LAGOS STATE GOVERNOR BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN.

LAGOS, SEPT 23, (THEWILL) - Lagos State Government Wednesday came up with grand plans to celebrate Nigeria’s 50th anniversary starting with an array of events put in place to strengthen the country’s unity in spite of her diversity.

The plan was revealed the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Aderenle Adeniran-Ogunsanya at a news conference held in the Bagauda Kalto Press Centre, Alausa along with Commissioner for Culture and Home Affairs, Mr. Babatunde Balogun with Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello among others.

In her address, Adeniran-Ogunsanya said Lagos State "occupies a strategic position in the history of Nigeria, which makes it significant for the state government to celebrate the country’s 50th anniversary."

She said the events to mark the 50th anniversary commenced on Wednesday with boxing between Lagos Aba versus Repton Boys Club, which would be presented at the Eko Hotels and Suites.

She said an inter-denominational state prayer would hold inside the Secretariat Mosque, Alausa on Friday while the Christian prayer would follow on Sunday with focus on the unity and survival of Nigeria in spite of all her troubles.

He said there would be photo/art exhibition and book presentation/review under the title; Lagos Ancient to Modern (1960-2010), saying the exhibition would put Lagos in graphic and historical perspectives.

She said the old prison would now be renamed Freedom Park because the country’s key freedom fighters like Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe were once imprisoned at different times in their political struggle.

She added that three different plays "will staged free of charge. The plays include Ajantala written by Femi Robinsons, Yeepa Solarin Nbo by Femi Osofisan and Fere Bi Ekun by Adebayo Faleti which will be shown in different locations across Lagos.

"Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) will hand over Old People’s Home in Yaba as part of the events to mark the anniversary. Aside, there will be boat regatta in Ikoyi and Naval Fleet Review by the Nigeria Navy," she said.

Fashola will also commission the Independence Tower at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) as part of the celebration. "A monument will be unveiled as a tribute to the progress and strength of Nigeria," the SSG added.