Soyinka, Gbadamosi to direct Lagos 50 years anniversary

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and businessman, Mr. Rasheed Gbadamosi, have been appointed as co-chairmen of the Lagos at 50 Planning Committee.

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, during the inauguration of the committee on Wednesday said the celebration of the creation of the state would showcase Lagos in its full splendour.

The committee also has 10 others as members — Habeeb Fasinro, Chief Olawale Cole, Mrs. Sarah Boulos, Mr. Abimbola Obafunwa, Prof. Senapon Bakare, Mrs. Chika Balogun, Mr. Folarin Coker, Prof. Ademola Abass, Bolanle Peter and Mrs. Olufunmilayo Balogun (Secretary).

Ambode said he was sure that the committee would deliver a world class celebration, adding that the opportunity of Lagos at 50, would afford the state to celebrate its achievements, as well as showcase its immense potential.

He said, “Lagos State will be 50 years next year. Fifty years is a significant landmark in the life of any individual, institution or state. For Lagos State, it has been an eventful 50 years which deserves to be celebrated.

“Lagos, despite being the oldest state in Nigeria, remains the only state that has not been divided to create more states since its inception on May 27, 1967.

“The state has maintained its status as the commercial capital of Nigeria and the most cosmopolitan state in the country where people of every tribe, race and creed reside peacefully with an excellent record of religious tolerance.

“Indeed, Lagos has justified its creation. Apart from being the pacesetter, the state also occupies a noticeable position in global affairs, especially as the fastest growing mega city in the world.

“With all these in mind, it is imperative that we celebrate Lagos at 50. In celebrating Lagos, we must showcase our cultural heritage, the language, arts, sights and sounds.”

Ambode said a celebration of such great significance required proper planning; hence the inauguration of the committee comprising respected men and women.

The terms of reference of the committee, according to the governor, are to develop a comprehensive programme for the celebration; identify series of events that will take place as part of the celebration; and make appropriate recommendations that will ensure a successful celebration, among others.

Soyinka said the celebration of Lagos at 50 would afford the state the opportunity to identify with the triumph, losses and experience of the black race at home and in the diaspora.

He pledged that members of the committee would work to ensure that Lagos got a befitting celebration.

He said, “It will be used to project the black race, not just for its colonial experience and slave trade, but also as a cultural people.”