As tourists thronged to Lagos to witness the 2012 Lagos carnival , The Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola yesterday? vowed to make the state a tourist destination in the African sub-regions, even as he used the well -attended occasion to commend Lagosians for buying into the idea of transforming the state.
In his address? at the carnival tagged ,‘Eko For Show’ which happened to be the high point of the week-long series of activities to mark the Lagos heritage week , the governor said the carnival was strategically planned to boost the tourism potential of the state in line with Easter celebration.
According to him, the state government is committed to restoring its status as Nigeria’s commercial and industrial hub , adding that the city is being re-rebranded into a major tourists attraction.??
“The Lagos carnival has grown in its three years of existence by reinventing itself and drawing more participants and spectators each year. It has become a vehicle through which the creativity of designers and the resourcefulness of the young men and women of the state’s? skill acquisition centers in which all the costumes are produced are exhibited
“ The task of transforming Lagos State to a modern mega city? and positioning it as not only? Nigeria’s industrial and commercial hub but as a global competitors,? is a commitment to which the state is resolved,” he added.
He explained that this year’s theme showcases,’ the traditional pride and dignity characteristic of Lagosians of old is back to our daily expression and aspiration. We are expressing who we naturally are; an industrious people.”
The governor emphasized that the economic implication of most of the ventures is that many of the youths are gainfully employed as tailors, welders and embellishers in the process of producing the costumes for the carnival.
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