The latest tourism product of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), ‘Pre-independence concert’ conceived by the corporation to take the attention of tourists away from the negative developments across the country held last week Friday in Lagos.
Described as a spectacle by those who were at the event at the ?Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation had an impressive outing given the fact that it was the maiden outing.
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The star-studded pre-independence show tagged “Unity and Patriotic Ppre-Independence Concert”, ?commenced at about 12 noon and lasted for several hours with major household names in the music and comedy industry taking turns to thrill the crowd with exhilarating performances.
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Contemporary highlife maestro, Sunny Nneji, popularly known as “Mr. Fantastik” got the ball rolling with his attractive stage presence performing popular hits like, ?Mr. Fantastik, Oruka, Lovey Dovey, Ojoro and Face Me while Paul Play Dairo was next to entertain with his exquisite vocals singing timeless songs like, Mosorire, Angel of My Life, Delicious, Happy Day and many more.
Afro-beat specialist, Alariwo of Africa, proved his mettle as a renowned Afro-beat expert by dazzling the crowd with melodious tunes reminiscent of the late Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulakpokuti while veteran showman and icon of juju music, Sir Shina Peters did not disappoint with his breathtaking songs accompanied by mesmerising dance routines from his energetic backup dancers.
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The concert also featured hilarious comedian, Elewon, who reeled out funny jokes to the admiration of all in attendance just as popular Masquerade, Lagbaja, was on hand to entertain with his excellent mastery of the saxophone, rendering classics like, Never Far Away, Konko Below, Gra Gra, Nothing For You and several more all complemented by a superb display of fireworks.
The high point of the event was the cutting of the independence ‘unity cake’ which was designed to reflect the colours of the Nigerian flag and the pictures of all Nigeria’s leaders from independence till date.?
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During the cutting of the cake, the Director General of NTDC, Otunba Segun Runsewe while thanking all for participating in the pre-independence concert said, “I want to reveal to you that this very spot where we have placed the cake and where we are standing to cut it is where the Nigerian flag was first hoisted while the British flag, the Union Jack was lowered at Independence Day on October 1, ?1960?and it is also the spot where the likes of Azikiwe, Balewa, Akintola and Awolowo all stood and agreed that we must move our country forward, that is where we are meeting today so you can all see the significance. Adding, “It is my prayer that God will continue to strengthen us as a country and grant us the spirit of unity and true patriotism.”
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Dignitaries at the concert include representative of the wife of the Senate President, Hajia Rabi Mohammed Hassan, office of the Senate President, Lagos State and Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Executive Director, Dozzy Oil and Gas and Publisher Vogue magazine. Also at the event were some top Nollywood personalities like; Fred Amata, Saidi Balogun, Halima Abubaka and Kola Olaya.
It will be recalled that Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos was the spot where the Nigerian flag was first hoisted while the British flag, the Union Jack was lowered at Independence Day in October 1st, 1960.
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