Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, is clearly ahead of the pack – and there’s no contest about that.
Of Nigeria’s 36 state governors, only Lagos, the Centre of Excellence, was duly represented at the 2017 Notting Hill Carnival which held on Monday, August 28.
And not only that, the Lagos Corner, celebrating Lagos@50 and situated on Adela Street, off Kensal Road/Ladbroke Grove, in London, bubbled ceaselessly, uniting thousands of Nigerians and also flying Nigeria’s green-white-green flag so high and proudly.
Ably represented by Mr. Steve Ayorinde, his Commissioner for Information and Strategy as well as a renowned art buff, any Nigerian in London for this year’s summer as well as those residing there will never forget the event in a hurry.
Spiced with so much fun and fanfare, the likes of Senator Dino Melaye, Okey Bakassi, Harrysong, Steve Onu (Yaw), Helen Paul, Desmond Elliot, Alex Ekubo, Seyi Shay, Howie T, Michael Effiong, Loye Amzat, Mosy Oginni, Klint da Drunk, Ayo Animashaun, Mojeed Jamiu, etc, were all there.
Likewise Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola; messrs Fola Ayeni, Deji Balogun, Habib Aruna and Keshinro, all in the LASG team.
Kicking off at 12 noon as advertised, revellers, comprising Nigerians and Caucasians, had to be begged to vacate the venue at 7pm.
Currently in its second year, the Notting Hill Carnival, Lagos Corner, is in fulfillment of one of Gov. Ambode’s campaign promises ‘to grow the Lagos economy and empower the youth through several alternative means which include the tactical promotion of tourism, entertainment and sports.
‘Our intention is to put Lagos on the world map as one of the top 10 tourist destinations because we know that the hospitality and entertainment business are thriving and that is the reason we are investing heavily on this sector. The truth is that the era of white collar job is over. The ultimate now is to encourage youth entrepreneurship and create a platform for our youths below 35 who are the future of tomorrow; because when they are engaged meaningfully they would contribute their quota towards increasing the IGR of the State.’
In one word, Mr. Ayorinde summed up what unfolded at the Lagos Corner this year as simply ‘spectacular!’ Adding, however, that next year will definitely be better.