*Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State officially unveils the Lagos Shopping Festival symbol, assures the organisers of the state’s readiness to host Africa鈥檚 biggest 72-hour non-stop shopping and entertainment event

Emmanuel Akosile | 绿帽献妻

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has officially unveiled the Lagos Shopping Festival (LSF) symbol at a brief ceremony during the organisers and corporate sponsors of the festival courtesy visit to his office at the Lagos House, Alausa-Ikeja.

Slated to run from December 23-25, 2024, the Lagos Shopping Festival promises extraordinary 72 hours of non-stop shopping and entertainment event, to further establish Lagos position as Africa鈥檚 leading hub for commerce, creativity, and entertainment.

Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, welcomed the organisers and corporate sponsors of the maiden edition of LSF to the Governor鈥檚 Office, in Ikeja

Aregbe narrated how by sheer happenstance, the Ministry had used a Fair earlier organised in conjunction with another private entity, April this year, as a proof of concept to test the waters ahead of the Lagos Shopping Festival which is bigger in scope and scale.

The governor’s aide also told the gathering comprising representatives of Zenith Bank Plc, Tolaram Group and Guinness Nigeria Plc, how the sales recorded in a period of three days surpassed the N250 million sales threshold the organisers had never crossed.

He stated: 鈥淭his is the power of partnership when government collaborates with private entities. The result is always different.”

Introducing the concept of the Lagos Shopping Festival (LSF), Ms. Damilola Pedro, Director of Organisation and Logistics of LSF, informed Governor Sanwo-Olu how the Chain Reactions Africa team first did a conceptual presentation to him during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Ms. Pedro said: 鈥淢r. Governor, this project is your baby. It is one of the legacies you will be giving to Lagos.

“When we first presented the concept to you four years ago, we wanted to have it for seven days none stop.

“But you counselled us to run the maiden edition over a period of three days first.”

The Director of Organisation and Logistics of LSF, also explained: “We have been planning and refining the concept.

“Now is the time for us to join the league of other global cities, such as Istanbul and Dubai.鈥�

Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked Chain Reactions Africa for incubating the idea and never giving up despite the many hurdles on the way.

The Lagos Governor stated: 鈥淭he movers of this great idea first approached me in 2020 during the Covid-19 like Damilola Pedro said.

“I was blown away when they made their first presentation to me. Then the third wave of Covid hit us again. But since then, they have been relentless.”

He further affirmed that “the Lagos Shopping Festival is an idea whose time has come. “This December, we will be joining the league of other global cities such as Istanbul and Dubai to stage our own shopping festival.鈥�

The governor described the Lagos Shopping Festival as more than an event.

Sanwo-Olu said: 鈥淚t is a convergence of commerce and entertainment.

“This festival will not only support local businesses and create opportunities but will also showcase the vibrant spirit of Lagos, making our state a beacon for tourism, commerce and entertainment in Africa.”

The Governor of Lagos State as well thanked the Management of Chain Reaction of Africa, Zenith Bank Plc, Tolaram Africa Group, Guinness Nigeria Plc for supporting the idea of a Lagos Shopping Festival that would become a value addition to the state鈥檚 tourism calendar and the overall efforts at growing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the cosmopolitan state.

He urged Lagosians, visitors, and businesses to participate in the Lagos Shopping Festival.

The governor further described LSF as 鈥渁 transformative event that will redefine December in Lagos this year and many years to come, offering something for everyone and bringing families, friends, Nigerians in Diaspora and Lagosians together in celebration.鈥�

The unveiling ceremony featured remarks from corporate sponsors, such as the CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, whose contributions have been instrumental in bringing the festival to life.

Girish Sharma, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guinness Nigeria Plc, on the occasion, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative.

Sharma stated: 鈥淟agos is the commercial heartbeat of Nigeria and Africa鈥檚 entertainment capital, and the Lagos Shopping Festival captures its essence.

“We see opportunities in this initiative because it is a creative fusion of commerce and entertainment.

“This partnership reflects our dedication to fostering economic opportunities and supporting the nation鈥檚 vibrant entertainment industry.鈥�

The CEO of Guinness Nigeria also said: 鈥淲e are thrilled to support this groundbreaking event that brings together shopping and entertainment in an unprecedented scale.

“The Lagos Shopping Festival is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of Lagos while driving commerce and helping the entertainment industry grow. You know, Guinness is the spirit of the party.

“So, some of our major brands will be at the festival to help people exhale as we wind up a very challenging year.鈥�

According to the organisers, the Lagos Shopping Festival will transform the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island into a dynamic space for shopping, live performances by top artistes, non-stop rave parties, and family-friendly attractions.

Discounted shopping opportunities will provide affordability during the festive season, supporting local businesses and ensuring inclusivity for all, they said.

The Lagos Shopping Festival is a flagship initiative supported by the Lagos State Government designed to promote economic and entertainment activities and consolidate the City鈥檚 positioning as a premium destination for business and leisure.

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