Ambode Celebrates Children in Grand Style

By Azuka Ogujiuba

It was an evening of excitement at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, recently, as Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was treated to the best of contemporary arts performances by various children’s art groups.

Speaking during the occasion, tagged ‘A Special Evening of the Arts’ to celebrate the Y2018 Children’s day, Governor Ambode eulogised the creative ingenuity of the children who performed at the event saying, “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 celeberation thus: “As we celebrate the 51st anniversary of the state, we are also giving gratitude to God for the third anniversary of this administration and more important we are celebrating our most cherished asset, the children.”

The governor, who was full of admiration for the spectacular show displayed by the arts groups, especially the Footprint of David, said the state would nurture the budding talents to an enviable height, where they would become the pride of the nation.

He said, “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 added that, 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 piece of our developmental agenda for the youth in our state,” the governor noted.

He pledged the commitment of the state government to provide new opportunities for the coming generations and to uplift the culture and heritage of the state through performing arts.

The governor 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 sector appreciate the state’s modest intervention, and encouraging them to do more.

Presenting an award to the four performing arts groups – The Dream Catcher, Dance Na the Main Thing, The Q Dance Group and The Footprint 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 give gratitude to the governor for opening 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 on the creative industry,” he said.

The evening event, 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.