It was an evening of bountiful harvest of artistic performances and entertainment by children at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja on Sunday as Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was treated to the best of contemporary arts performances by various art groups.
Speaking during the occasion, tagged “A Special Evening of the Arts” to celebrate this year’s Children’s Day, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode eulogised the creative ingenuity of the children who performed at the event saying that “every work of art has an innate expression that tells the story of the past, the present and the future”.
The Governor in his words captured the three-in-one celebration thus ‘’as we celebrate the 51st year anniversary of the state, we are also given gratitude to God for the third anniversary of this administration and more importantly we are celebrating our most cherished asset, the children’’.
The Governor, who was full of admiration for the spectacular show displayed by the various performing arts groups especially the Footprints of David, said the state will nurture the budding talents to the enviable height where they will become the pride of the nation.
According to him, “I am inspired by the deep and descriptive message conveyed in their performance, particularly when they said, ‘Lagos! We are the future and the future is now’, which according to their rendition there is hope for Nigeria and only unity will lead us to the future”.
The parents of the Footprints of David Group were specially invited and appreciated by the Governor for the support and efforts they invested in the children. “Lagos honours and celebrates you and the children as no nation can achieve its full potentials without investing in human capital which the children and youth represents,” said Ambode.
He said, Lagos excels because of the exceptional talent of its vibrant and creative youths because the state has the largest concentration of talented youths in education, innovation, arts, literature and sport anywhere in the black world and this is why the state chose to celebrate them with one of the gifts we are renowned for in the world, the performing arts.
“This is in line with our promise to make tourism, hospitality, entertainment and sport a central pace of our developmental agenda for the youth in our state”.
He pledged the commitment of the state government to providing new opportunities for the coming generations and to sustain the culture and heritage of the state through performing arts.
His Excellency further affirmed that in the three years of renewed vigour and commitment to the things of life like arts and culture, the state is pleased that critical stakeholders in the arts and entertainment appreciate the state’s modest intervention while encouraging them to do more.
While presenting an award to the four performing art group, The Dream Catcher, Dance Na the Main Thing, The Q Dance Group and The Footprints of David, the Governor appreciated them for uplifting the standard of performing arts in the state.
Speaking at the gathering, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Steve Ayorinde appreciated the consistence of the Governor in providing strategy and direction for enriching arts experiences in the state.
Ayorinde said the entire people of Lagos gives gratitude to the Governor for opening the possibilities in the world of arts and entertainment to enrich people’s life.
“The entire world of arts and entertainment are grateful for the exceptional confidence, vision and commitment you have bestowed into the creative industry”.
The evening which was full of glamour and enthusiasm was witnessed by distinguished personalities including the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Idiat Adebule; the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji. Lai Mohammed; Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Ambode; The first Governor of the State, Rtd. Brigadier Gen. Mobolaji Johnson; Chief Kesington Adebutu; Senator Solomon Olamilekan; Members of the State House of Assembly, Members of the State Executive Council, Body of Permanent Secretaries, Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas and party leaders across the State.
