It’s mid-day. The long stretch of Oba Akran Avenue looked impassable as the bands from the five divisions of Lagos State begins to file out for what could be called a grand street carnival in Lagos. Colourful costumes in different designs lit up the entire space.
Before long, the carnival process was about to begin. Arranged according to their local government area, each band moved along the street dancing, yelling and showing off their beautiful costumes. One of the outstanding bands was a moving train with the iconic Ikoyi bridge, National Arts Theatre, the Lagos Lagoon and other skyscrapers were carefully painted on a board placed on it with a big Eyo Masquerade wrapped in the iconic white cloth placed in front of. On the rear plate number was written ‘The Lagos Street Carnival’.
“We promised during the campaign to use entertainment and arts to grow the state economy,” said Idiat Adebule, deputy governor, Lagos while giving the opening remark on behalf of the Lagos State Governoer, Akinwunmi Ambode. “We are going to continue to provide the best when it comes to entertainment and arts to support, grow and develop the economy in the state.”
Steve Ayorinde, the commissioner for Information and Strategy said the Lagos Street Party as we know it has been transformed into The Lagos Street Carnival. “There is a bit of a difference from what we had last year. Last year it was a party, this year it is a proper carnival party. Last year, it happened on the Island, this year it is happening on the Mainland. So, you will find a multiplicity of vibes. The Ogba vibe, the Ikeja vibe, the Agege vibe, everything is coalescence in Oba Akran,” he explained.
At the street carnival there was an impressive line-up of engaging activities which ran for 12 hours starting from 12pm to 12 midnight. Aside the carnival procession, there were outdoor games, kiddies’ corner, music concert which featured Olamide, Lil Kesh, Oritsefemi, Yemi Alade, Humble Smith, Salawa Abeni among others. Salawa Abeni thrilled the audience with her classic hit songs who sand along with her during the duration of her performance.
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