Lagos Countdown Festival: Lagosians Hold Breath as Fireworks Experts Arrive From UK

Posted by: stiphbami in GIST Dec 30, 2012

The newly reclaimed Eko Atlantic City is set to host the biggest cross-over party in Africa as the bouquet of activities created by the Lagos State government to mark the Lagos Countdown 2012 gets into full gear. Part of the high points of the months of preparations for the Lagos Countdown event being driven by the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) is arrival of Experts brought in by the state government to manage the spectacular fireworks and for the first time in Africa, a Lazer Beam and Water Projection Display to herald Lagos into the new year.�

Managing Director, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA, George Noah, who met with newsmen while inspecting facilities for the Fireworks, Laser Beam and Water Projection Display at the Eko Atlantic City, venue of the event, hinted that �the strategic intent for hosting the event is to put Lagos on the global tourism map in the league of cities� as New York, London, Sydney, Paris, Los Angelis and other major destinations that will be commemorating the cross over into the year 2013 in spectacular ways.� He further added that, �what the agency is doing on behalf of the state government is leveraging the proposition of Lagos as a premium destination for business and leisure.�� The Bar beach end of the Eko Atlantic City has already become a beehive of major commercial and leisure activities thronged by thousands of domestic and foreign tourists who are entertained every evening by different artistes at the instance of Nigerian Breweries Plc, one of the sponsors of the event who give away various mouth-watering freebees night after night.

The celebration officially began on Thursday 20th December 2012 as the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola officially �switched on� the Lagos Festival of Lights, heralding the holiday season. In his remark at the flag-off ceremony, the Governor said that the Lagos Countdown was conceived to create an end of year cross-over tradition that engages citizens of the state, tourists and investors throughout the end of year holiday season. �This year, Lagos state will be amongst many global cities and states that will be under much focus and attention as we march on from 31th December, 2012, into the New Year. It would be a new year unlike any before, as we will be celebrating in Lagos with the whole of the world participating with us.� He said.

It is anticipated that over 100,000 people will converge on the Eko Atlantic City on the year�s eve to welcome the new year in true Lagos style, while millions of people would experience the event via the mass media as well as the social media.

According to the organisers, there will be restriction of movement from the Adeola Odeku junction along Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, from 6pm on Monday 31st December 2012 till the end of the event. This is to accommodate the mammoth crowd expected at the event.

The Lagos Countdown activities will come to a climax with a thrilling display of spectacular fireworks, laser beam and water projection as never seen before in the entire continent of Africa. This will be preceded and followed by rich musical performances to be led by an array of A-list Nigerian artistes which will include Tu Face Idibia, Dbanj, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, MI, Burma Boy, Ice Prince, Brymo, Dr. Sid, Durella, Jessy Jagz amongst others. Other activities billed for the cross-over night will include an interdenominational prayer session for Lagos State amongst other side attractions.