The Lagos State Government has commended Ecobank and some other corporate organisations for their consistent support to the development of tourism in the state.
Speaking at the 2014 Lagos Water Regatta held recently, the Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations, Lagos State, Mr. Disun Holloway, said the sponsors of this year’s Water Regatta, among which is Ecobank, must be commended for supporting tourism development in the state.
He noted that it was an opportunity for the supporting corporate organisations to showcase their brand to millions of people home and abroad through the branded boat and exhibition stands.
The commissioner explained that the regatta is a fun filled water-based cultural sporting and recreational activity put together to showcase the aquatic splendour of the state.
Speaking in the same vein, Chairman, Planning Committee, Otunba Olusegun Jawando, said the decision of the private sector to support the good initiative of the Lagos State Government in the development of tourism in the state was a welcome development. He observed that, “it is a good avenue for publicity, showcasing their products. As you can see, the benefits and exposure is well received by thousands of people that have come to be part of this event.”
Jawando noted that this year’s event attracted huge turn out including eight states, which are participating for the first time and a foreigner in the swimming competition.
“The Lagos Water Regatta was conceived as a means to preserve our socio-cultural sporting heritage in water sports, traditional games and other ways of exploiting the water for human social needs. Above all, we are using the annual Lagos Water Regatta to promote the state into the global tourism destination map,” Jawando said.
This year’s Lagos Water Regatta, which is the 5th edition, attracted dignitaries, including the state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, members of the state executive and fun seekers from different parts of the world.
The regatta consists of large fishing boats, ferries, barges and other marine vessels adorned with colours and decorations depicting the social, cultural, traditional folklores and occupational aspects of the Lagos people.
There was a parade of floats and canoes with traditional, cultural and social troupes from 20 communities of the five divisions that make up the state. Boats branded by sponsoring corporate organisations and jet skis from members of the Aquamarine Boat Club participated in water racing and performed stunts to the delight the audience.
The regatta is a cultural festival of indigenous communities for the sustainable development of the tourism potentials of Lagos State. It is a private sector-led initiative with support from other corporate bodies and the state government to promote the tourism potential of the state.
