The first pre-independence concert being organised by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation will now hold in Lagos, the corporation has disclosed.
The new venue was announced in Abuja by the Director-General of the Corporation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, who said the change from Abuja to Lagos was due to logistic reason.
He said for instance, all the Musicians for the concert are based in Lagos indicating that the change would be cost effective.
According to Runsewe, the event will still hold on Friday September 30, 2011, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, the spot where the Nigerian flag was first hoisted while the British flag, the Union Jack was lowered on Independence Day on October 1, 1960.
Artistes billed to play at the concert, dubbed “Unity and Patriotic Pre-Independence Concert” are, Lagbaja, Ayefele, Sunny Nneji, Paul Play Dairo, Shina Peters and many others.
The event described by Runsewe as a strategic move to inculcate the spirit of patriotism in Nigerians and assure them of their security in the country, is the first of its kind by any organisation.
“The concert will also boost the nation’s quest for unity among the citizenry. The concert may enter the nation’s calendar of pre-independence activities and therefore become a yearly affair”, the NTDC boss told journalists last Friday.
Other highlights of the concert include a condition which provides that only people who wear local fabrics printed in National colours of green and white would be allowed into the arena.
At the event, 36 different dishes representing the best of each State of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory would be available for consumption at the venue. It is an avenue to see Nigerian dishes on display which may be new to some.
“The idea is for Nigerians to taste foods other than from their states, it is another way of knowing ourselves better to foster unity”, Otunba Runsewe said.
A Raffle draw has also been planned to enable some lucky ones take something home from the event, among other side attractions.