Apr 2, 2012 - The Lagos Black Heritage festival 2012 got off to a colourful start on Monday with the State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) formally opening Kongi's Harvest, the new exhibition gallery at the Freedom Park while also flagging off the weeklong cultural fiesta.
Describing it as a festival of colour which promotes the cultures of the people with a proud heritage, Governor Fashola who flagged off the impressive event amid cultural displays and performances by the Igunnuko masquarades, Ekpe masquerades from the South South, Agere performers and Gelede dancers acknowledged the participating states who have sent delegates and representatives to the event.
"I thank you very much for adding a lot of colour, a lot more verve to the 2012 edition of the Heritage week. This also signals the beginning of our tourist week that climaxes on Monday with a carnival that builds up with a boat regatta that has the spice of a beauty pageant and so many other events that will take place in this very hallowed grounds of Freedom Park", he added.
The Governor who also welcomed guests from outside the country as well as participants from within and other parts of the world to the tourism week had earlier on arrival at the event inspected the Art exhibitions and paintings mounted in the Freedom Park alongside Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and Commissioner for Tourism, Mr Disun Holloway before formally commissioning the Kongi's Harvest Art Gallery.
Built by the Lagos State Government, the Kongi's Harvest is the new exhibition gallery at the Freedom Park on Broad Street(the former Colonial Prison) where Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka's collection of arte facts and artworks will be housed.
Governor Fashola also went round the various facilities and recreational points at the Park before inspecting an installation artwork by Temitayo Ogunbiyi depicting the slave trade movement from Africa to the Mediterranean.
The opening ceremony was attended by many dignitaries including ace cinematographer, Mr Tunde Kelani, foreign tourists and arts lovers.
