Soyinka, Gbadamosi to head Lagos@50 committee
Nobel laureate and professor of literature, Wole Soyinka, and Rasheed Gbadamosi, a one-time chairman of Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), have been named by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as co-chair of the Lagos@50 Planning Committee.
The state looks to marking the 50th anniversary of Lagos next year. The state was created on May 27, 1967.
The terms of reference of the 12-man committee include the development of a comprehensive programme for the celebration next year; identifying series of events that will take place as part of the celebrations; establishing the logistics requirements to ensure a hitch-free celebration; identifying areas of possible collaboration with corporate organisations and individuals for support, as well as considering and making appropriate recommendations on any other matter that will ensure a successful and memorable celebration.
Ambode, at the inauguration of the committee, Wednesday, expressed optimism that the celebration of the 50thanniversary of Lagos would showcase its achievements over the years.
“Lagos State will be 50 years next year. 50 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 fittingly celebrated,” he said.
“Lagos is a land of opportunities, offering all residents the chance to succeed in their vocations and endeavours. Lagos provides jobs to more people than any other state in sub-Saharan Africa. Lagos is that place where you have a chance to make it if you work hard.
“With all these in mind, it is imperative that we celebrate Lagos at 50. In celebrating Lagos, we must showcase our cultural heritage. We must celebrate the language, arts, sights and sounds of Lagos. Celebrating Lagos is to celebrate Nigerian unity and progress because Lagos provides the cohesion that keeps Nigeria together,” the governor said.
Soyinka, in his remarks, said the celebration of Lagos at 50 would afford an excellent opportunity for the state 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 assiduously to ensure that “Lagos gets the deserved and most befitting celebration.”
Other members of the committee include: Habeeb Fasinro, Olawale Cole, Sarah Boulos, Abimbola Obafunwa, Senapon Bakare, Chika Balogun, Folarin Coker, Ademola Abass, Bolanle Austen Peter, and Olufunmilayo Balogun, as secretary.
JOSHUA BASSEY