Water–based clubs and associations have been invited to participate in this year’s edition of the Lagos State Water Regatta.
The call was made by Olusegun Jawando, Chair, Planning Committee of the Lagos State Water Regatta 2011 during a press conference held on Tuesday, March 1 at Glover Hall, Lagos Island.
In attendance was Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, in his role as arrowhead to the Lagos Black Heritage Festival; the planned water regatta is part of activities planned for the festival, beginning next month. Also at the press conference was Disun Holloway, who will be in charge of the boat competition. The press conference was intended to promote an awareness of the Lagos state water Regatta.
According to Mr Jawando, the festival which is slated to hold on Sunday, April 24, will have as its Chief Guest of Honour, Babatunde Fashola, the governor of Lagos State. Jawando said that this year’s edition is tagged ‘Bright and Beautiful’; and that it is scheduled to hold at the city’s Marina and various creeks around Lagos Island, Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lagos Mainland. The festival will feature a parade of boats and Yachts. The parade will include large fishing boats, ferries, barges and other marine vessels adorned, depicting social – cultural, traditional folklores and occupational aspects of the people of Lagos State.
The essence
Mr Jawando added that the essence of the festival is to promote the cultural heritage of Lagos State. “The annual Lagos State Water Regatta is one of the state festivals organised to promote the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities to the world and the sustainable development of the tourism potentials of Lagos state as part of the Black Heritage Festival week,” he said. Among the events scheduled to hold at this year’s festival are paddled canoe racing competitions involving all the 57 Local government councils in Lagos state; swimming competitions and Kayak racing.
The Planning Committee chair called for the support of individuals and corporate organisations in the successful staging of the event and its associated activities. He said the event is not only meant for water–based clubs and associations but also for families and even children. “This is a Lagos State event, by Lagosians, for citizens of Lagos, and we enjoin all and sundry to come out and join us on Easter Sunday, April 24 as we celebrate the aquatic splendour of our state,” he said. “Families are especially welcome, so please bring the children along especially to view the spectacular fireworks.”
Plans have been made for families to watch the event at various viewing centres including Walter Carrington Crescent, the Peninsula Restaurants, Victoria Island, Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi; and Wole Olateju Crescent in Lekki Scheme 1.
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