By Princewill Ekwujuru

Grand Oak Limited, owners of the Calypso brand has thrown their weight behind the third Badagry Coconut festival tagged; “Akunkefest 2011.”

The festival with artistic offering of cultural performers, musical entertainment, games, art & craft exhibition and beauty contest to the admiration of local and international visitors, was put together by Gunuvi Heritage Entertainment & Events with support from Grand Oak’s Calypso Coconut Liqueur brand, aims to further boost the tourism potentials of Badagry.

According to Prince Doherto Mesi, President, Gunuvi  Heritage, the motive behind the event is to promote, preserve, and enhance the tourism potential of Badagry as the preferred tourism destination in Africa.

“The motivation underlying the festival is traceable to the quest for Badagry to have a world renowned and unique festival that is synonymous to the ancient, historical and culturally blessed town taking place in the scenic coastal region of the ancient town”

Speaking on the event,  Dorcas Dada, Brand Manager, Calypso, explains that Calypso Coconut Liqueur is noted to be a tropical spirit liquor with the brand personality of fun and excitement.

“Given the symbiotic relationship between Calypso and Coconut, as well as the fun and excitement that characterizes the event, there is a good synergy between the brand and the event. This informed our decision to support and felicitate with the people of Badagry on the festival.

The carnival-like festival is hinged on the abundance of tropical Coconut in the coastal town which has the reputation of being the largest producer of this most versatile crop explained Prince Mesi.  He added that the crop which has good economic value in view if the numerous uses also attracts tourists to the coastal town.

Also endorsing the event, His Majesty, De Wheno Aholu  Toyi 1, Akran of Badagry, Oba Babatunde Akran says the coconut festival would annually foster unity and boast social cultural and tourism potential of Badagry division and the entire Lagos state at large.