Lagosians home and abroad will once again converge on the waterfront pier on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos on Easter Sunday, April 20 for the 5th edition of the Lagos Water Regatta 2014, a fun-filled water-based cultural sporting and recreational activity put together to showcase the aquatic splendour of the state.
Sticking to its yearly theme: Lagos: Splash the Excitement, in the celebration of the Lagos aquatic splendour, Lagos Water Regatta is a cultural festival of indigenous communities for the sustainable development of the tourism potential of the state.
According to a statement by the organisers, signed by its Chairman, Engr. Olusegun Jawando, the Lagos Water Regatta is an annual water-based cultural sporting and recreational activity put together to showcase what the various coastal communities have to offer in terms of water sport, cultural beauty and aquatic splendour.
The event, planned to coincide with the Easter, is meant to energize the tranquil nature of the Lagos Island waterfront during the festival and transform it into meeting point of colour, excitement and beauty.
According to the Chairman, Lagos Water Regatta is part of the activities lined up to celebrate the 2014 edition of the Lagos Black Heritage Festival. “The regatta is a private sector led initiative with support from other corporate bodies and the state government to promote the tourism potential of the state,” said Engr. Jawando.
He said: “The Regatta will consist 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 will be a parade of floats and canoes with traditional, cultural and social troupes from 20 communities of the five divisions that make up the state.”
Engr. Jawando added that boats branded by sponsoring corporate organisations and jet skis from members of the Aquamarine Boat Club would participate in water racing and perform stunts to the delight of fun seekers.
He then called on private organizations to support the good initiative of the Lagos State Government by sponsoring boat branding and exhibitions to showcase their brand to the millions of people home and abroad.
Mr. Jawando said prizes would be presented to winners in boat racing, swimming contest and colourful boat presentation.
He said, “In terms of security, adequate provision has been made with the navy, police and ambulance boats. We are going to have participation from LASWA, All Boat Clubs in Lagos, Boat & Ferry operators in Lagos and representatives of riverside communities in Lagos.
“We are expecting over 50,000 fun seekers to visit the Regatta Village on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive in Ikoyi, Lagos”.
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