Lagos showcases acquatic endowment at boat regatta

By Taiye Olayemi/Aderonke Ojediran

The Lagos State Government, on Saturday, hosted its 2024 Boat Regatta in a spectacular celebration of the state’s wealthy and distinctive tourism and maritime heritage.
The occasion, which started on the Five Cowries Creek by means of to the Wings on Victoria Island and 6 different areas, witnessed a grand procession led by a particular fleet by the state Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
With the theme: “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life”, the boat regatta was a treasure trove of colors, sounds, spirituality and pleasure, with revellers throughout the 5 divisions of the state in attendance.

The occasion highlighted the financial, cultural and non secular significance of the coastal areas Lagos is thought for.
The occasion organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture had no fewer than 200 boats from indigenous communities of Lagos take revellers by means of a journey of cultural brilliance.
The Badagry neighborhood’s Zangbeto masqueraders and the Epe neighborhood’s Gelede masqueraders excited revellers as they carried out some non secular procession on waterways.
The revellers adorned their boats with vibrant colors and complex designs, that includes symbols that represented their beliefs, spirituality and cultural id.
Sanwo-Olu, who declared the occasion open, described it as the most important aquatic pageant in Africa.
Sanwo-Olu stated that the boat regatta represented the Lagos envisioned by the federal government as a metropolis of innovation, tradition and boundless potentialities.
He stated it was a testomony to his administration’s dedication to tourism and the inventive financial system as pivotal contributors to the social and financial progress of Lagos beneath the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda.
“This extraordinary event is not only a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Lagos but also a vibrant showcase of our city’s unique connection to water, an essential element of our identity and livelihood.
“Through this festival, we illuminate the aquatic splendour that makes Lagos a premier destination for tourists and stakeholders from across the globe.
“This regatta is a reflection of our resolve to embrace and promote our traditions while creatively harnessing the boundless opportunities within our maritime resources.
“This vibrant display is complemented by private boat owners’ creative ingenuity, adding a modern twist to our celebration,” he stated.
Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, expressed pleasure on the means of the state to host the pageant after a number of trial.
Benson-Awoyinka recommended Sanwo-Olu’s visionary management and unwavering dedication to the event of the state’s waterways and tourism infrastructure.
She stated that Sanwo-Olu’s efforts in selling sustainability and environmental conservation have been additionally commendable.
“I am particularly thrilled that after several attempts to hold this spectacular event for some years, the event is finally holding today, making all efforts and resources committed into organising this boat regatta worthwhile.
“This year’s theme, “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” underscores the integral position our waterways play in shaping our historical past and id as Lagosians,” she stated.
The commissioner stated that the regatta was not solely showcase of the state’s vibrant traditions but additionally a testomony to shared dedication to fostering tourism, cultural satisfaction and unity.
“Through the dazzling display of decorated boats, exhilarating traditional races and captivating water sports, we celebrate the boundless creativity and dynamism of our people.
“Beyond its cultural significance, this event serves as a driver of economic growth by boosting tourism and creating opportunities for local businesses,” she stated.
The Oloja of Lagos, Abiola Olojo-Kosoko, recommended Lagos State Government for reviving boat regatta, which he described as one of many age-long tourism practices in Lagos.
Olojo-Kosoko stated that boat regatta, identified historically in Lagos as Oko-Aje or Okosi pageant, was first held in 1967, throughout the period of late Mobolaji Johnson.
He stated that throughout the boat regatta, a few of late King Kosoko’s battle relics resembling his cannon weapons have been displayed.
“This is a beautiful display of our treasured cultural heritage. I know many people must have been entertained, but this is one of the attractions Lagos has to offer tourists.
“I believe next year’s edition will be more memorable,” he stated. (NAN) (nannews.ng)