By Jimoh Babatunde

Lagos state government has promised that the 3rd edition of the Black Heritage Festival, BHF, will be  an enjoyable family outing for the  residents and tourists, stressing that it is looking forward to handing over the planning and sponsorship of the festival to the private sector soon.

Lagos state commissioner for  tourism, Disu Holloway, in a chat with journalists during the week said  the parades and floats will traverse major streets on Lagos Island and Ikoyi before  culminating  at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in a grand display.

“Carnival is the high point of the week long activities of the Lagos Heritage Week. It will hold on Easter Monday. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Eko 4 show.”

Masquerade dancing on water

The commissioner  said they expect this year’s edition to me more exciting  as they intend lightening up the 9km stretch from Ikoyi to TBS for the adult carnival which will likely have more than 1500 adults and the 6km for the children carnival that will feature over 2500 kids.

He added that there will be fun spots along the routes  that will be mind blowing as they intend creating more fun for the people, “as part of the fun, we are bringing popular artists like Nice and Whizkid to entertain at the event.”

Speaking on logistics,  Holloway disclosed that  flayers will be circulated to people living in the carnival route areas  that will be blocked  on the alternative  routes they can take.

“Entry into TBS is free whilst entrance into the VIP section is strictly by invitation. Security in and around the TBS as well as the parade route is guaranteed.”

On the boat regatta, the commissioner disclosed that  the regatta will feature a parade of floats and canoes with traditional, cultural and social troupes from 20 communities of the five divisions that make up the state.

To ensure sustained excitement that day, he stated that a regatta village was being constructed at the Water-view on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, that will hopefully turn the water regatta to a convergence leisure point for Lagosians from all walks of life, Nigerians home and abroad and tourists from around the world.

While explaining that there are five to six sponsors for this year’s edition, the commissioner noted that it is the aspiration of the government to hand over the planning and  sponsorship to the private sector.

Meanwhile, the festival will feature activities such as symposium; drama, music;  boat regatta; beauty pageant and the street carnival will commence  next week and climax with the street carnival on  Easter Monday.