The Lagos Countdown festival was officially flagged off by Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola. Fashola, deputy governor, Adejoke Adefulire and other members of the State Executive Council, performed the ceremonial flag-off of the Airtel fun zone by kicking an Airtel branded football.
The Lagos Countdown is a 23-day event, which began on 8 December and will finish on 31 December. The event is expected to provide a strong platform for family bonding, interaction, fun, celebration of music and culture as well great entertainment for Lagosians and tourists.
Deepak Srivastav, Airtel’s Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director, welcomed the governor and his team and took them on a brief tour of the company’s exhibition area. He commended the governor for his visionary leadership and laudable efforts at creating a friendly environment for businesses to thrive in the State.
He also commended the Countdown initiative, saying “the Lagos Countdown has brought excellence, quality and standard to the state.
“Airtel proudly supports the initiative because we are a brand that stands for quality and excellence. We believe in giving global standard and excellent service to Lagosians as well as all Nigerians.” He also noted that the countdown initiative has brought Lagos to the level of other countries such as Sydney, New York, London, etc.
The Governor later embarked on a walk down the stretch of the venue to meet the Chief Executive Officers of the other companies that collaborated with the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LAASA) to sponsor the event.
Fashola appreciated Airtel and other sponsors partnering with the state government. He said the Countdown initiative has brought together people and businesses that have leveraged on both the coastal and business assets of the state.
“Today we stand on a significant place, the Bar Beach, which at a point was becoming an eyesore due to coastal erosion. But the initiative of people in government has restored the dignity of this location. The credit belongs to all young men and women working in government,” he said.
His Royal Majesty, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Managing Director, LASAA Mr George Noah; General Manager, Brand Assets, Airtel Nigeria, Obinna Aniche; Regional Operations Director, Lagos Region, Airtel Nigeria, Bayo Osinowo; Zonal Business Manager, Lagos Metro, Ayo Ogunranti and Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy were notable guests present at the official flag off.
