By Taiye Olayemi/Aderonke Ojediran

The Lagos State Government, on Saturday, hosted its 2024 Boat Regatta in a spectacular celebration of the state’s rich and unique tourism and maritime heritage.

The event, which began at the Five Cowries Creek through to the Wings on Victoria Island and six other locations, witnessed a grand procession led by a special fleet by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

With the theme: “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life”, the boat regatta was a treasure trove of colours, sounds, spirituality and excitement, with revellers across the five divisions of the state in attendance.

The event highlighted the economic, cultural and spiritual significance of the coastal areas Lagos is known for.

The event organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture had no fewer than 200 boats from indigenous communities of Lagos take revellers through a journey of cultural brilliance.

The Badagry community’s Zangbeto masqueraders and the Epe community’s Gelede masqueraders excited revellers as they performed some spiritual procession on waterways.

The revellers adorned their boats with vibrant colours and intricate designs, featuring symbols that represented their beliefs, spirituality and cultural identity.

Sanwo-Olu, who declared the event open, described it as the biggest aquatic festival in Africa.

Sanwo-Olu said that the boat regatta represented the Lagos envisioned by the government as a city of innovation, culture and boundless possibilities.

He said it was a testament to his administration’s commitment to tourism and the creative economy as pivotal contributors to the social and economic growth of Lagos under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda.

“This extraordinary event is not only a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Lagos but also a vibrant showcase of our city’s unique connection to water, an essential element of our identity and livelihood.

“Through this festival, we illuminate the aquatic splendour that makes Lagos a premier destination for tourists and stakeholders from across the globe.

“This regatta is a reflection of our resolve to embrace and promote our traditions while creatively harnessing the boundless opportunities within our maritime resources.

“This vibrant display is complemented by private boat owners’ creative ingenuity, adding a modern twist to our celebration,” he said.

Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, expressed excitement at the ability of the state to host the festival after lots of trial.

Benson-Awoyinka commended Sanwo-Olu’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the development of the state’s waterways and tourism infrastructure.

She said that Sanwo-Olu’s efforts in promoting sustainability and environmental conservation were also commendable.

“I am particularly thrilled that after several attempts to hold this spectacular event for some years, the event is finally holding today, making all efforts and resources committed into organising this boat regatta worthwhile.

“This year’s theme, “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life”, underscores the integral role our waterways play in shaping our history and identity as Lagosians,” she said.

The commissioner said that the regatta was not only showcase of the state’s vibrant traditions but also a testament to shared commitment to fostering tourism, cultural pride and unity.

“Through the dazzling display of decorated boats, exhilarating traditional races and captivating water sports, we celebrate the boundless creativity and dynamism of our people.

“Beyond its cultural significance, this event serves as a driver of economic growth by boosting tourism and creating opportunities for local businesses,” she said.

The Oloja of Lagos, Abiola Olojo-Kosoko, commended Lagos State Government for reviving boat regatta, which he described as one of the age-long tourism practices in Lagos.

Olojo-Kosoko said that boat regatta, known traditionally in Lagos as Oko-Aje or Okosi festival, was first held in 1967, during the era of late Mobolaji Johnson.

He said that during the boat regatta, some of late King Kosoko’s war relics such as his cannon guns were displayed.

“This is a beautiful display of our treasured cultural heritage. I know many people must have been entertained, but this is one of the attractions Lagos has to offer tourists.

“I believe next year’s edition will be more memorable,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola