How ‘one Lagos’ drowned city fears and stress

Most revolutions are strategically planned and executed to generate spontaneous reactions. It is usually different from a mob reaction that leaves blood on its trail. So from “Lagos fiesta” to “One Lagos” and probably to push the city to global tourism entertainment rankings, Governor Ambode, of Lagos and his chief tourism driver Folarin Coker, whom I like to call a “chef”, Lagos is up in a revolutionary bent to generate and maximize all tourism gains as they come; from increased visitors traffic, investors rush to its vast aquatic, trade and cultural gold mines and the sweetest part, tourism tax and receipts.

Last week Friday, a full blast of “One Lagos” brand popped up – Champaign, music vibes, dance and food, a blend of fuzzy entertainment that downed city outdoor anxieties and fear. “One Lagos” is a strategic Socio-political and cultural message that is meant to re-awaken Lagosians and their friends to its rich history as Nigeria’s entertainment hub, a city reputed to had repressed fear and enemies of brotherhood, harmony and progress.

And as Ambode gradually opens up the city’s octopus dream plan as Africa’s business destination, “One Lagos” flows as the server to showcase the hidden beauty of this aquatic land, its hospitable people, the food, the plates and mesmerizing dance steps, above all, “One Lagos” tells Lagos is Safe and will respond with heavy vibes to frustrate the “Stay indoors” induced fear from messengers of hell.

How sweet it Sounds

I’ve being off the circuit of heavy vibe entertainment for quit sometime and therefore was taken aback at what I saw at Victoria beach venue of “One Lagos” Launch. The security was superb and with my “VIP” invite, all doors and I mean all doors were opened for me as I nosed around the well embellished ground. It was so sweet to see the city’s young and old mingle and it’s was like a different place, a different Lagos, no stress, bedlams, fear of robbers and trouble makers. The stage was perfect, effectively lit to create romantic ambiance and unforgettable outdoor experience. The event was yet to take off and I like it early so I can grab the behind the scene breaks. Again, the about two hours I spent before making a break for home, it was so sweet and refreshing from the crowd and crazy traffic of the city.

Dance free, pay for Your Belly

“One Lagos” indeed created jobs for DJ’s, MC’s, band boys, musicians, dancers, camera men and the whole bunch of celebrated and emerging entertainers, so when you sweat it out, Ambode and Folarin- Coker have no “Chop” to offer you. Note when next you hit town for “One Lagos”, remember it is only the dance that’s is free “for now” you must need to pay for extras.

Dedicated lines of eateries and rest zones

Lagos tourism commissioner, Folarin – Coker truly brought his years experience as entertainment facilitator to bear at the event. At any point where you find yourself, a finger snap solves your leisure and gastronomic needs. I was particularly attracted to a point where a well roasted goat was on display. It was soft to the palate and service prompt. I was treated like a royal at my expense though!!

Nanta man don’t want to go home

National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (Nanta) Executive Secretary confessed he didn’t want to leave the “One Lagos” arena when we exited. Sylvester Olobo and his boss, Bankole Bernard were VIP guests of Lagos government but the young man who pilots the affairs of travel agents in Nigeria and lives in Lagos, was taken aback by the heavy vibes and mingling of happy looking Lagosians, that he wished Lagos remains and vibrates always. As we drove home, I saw the ‘vibes’ in his eyes and regretted to had led him out against his wish.

Executive show off and rascality.

Despite tight security, some ‘VIP’s still insist to drive into the ground of the event. There is definitely something wrong with some of us and how I wish such tendencies could seen as corruption and culprits arrested. 

Muscles on show

Hey, you could mistake the bouncers as wrestlers as they slowed off their biceps. Well, maybe at the next event, we could have these guys show us the “meat” on their hands and the stone chest as a side attraction.

I thought they stole the show before the vibes splashed the waves, so next time, Folarin Coker must not pay for their services as “One Lagos” is a now a platform to market muscles.

How tourism commissioner was rattled by pidgin English text

“Oga commissioner, make you tell our listeners wetin this one Lagos be self?” a lady journalist from a popular pidgin English radio station tackled folarin Coker. He was not prepared not after addressing a “world press conference” right on the event ground. Coker adjusted his “Alfa” like cap (and I suspect he came to event from the mosque since it was Friday) and begged the reporter to make do with his earlier address in English. The reporter stood her ground and after what appeared like eternity, Coker found his voice and “Na him de thing come flow like water”. Truly, I was happy to see the ever confident Lagos Commissioner for Tourism rattled by the pidgin English text, which the conversation on Lagos must address.

Kemi Nelson and her beavies

She was there with her contingent of beauties. Honestly, I thought they were part of the show as they dressed out with the “One Lagos” T. Shirts and caps. She waited patiently until Folarin was through with the Press and later advanced to be recognized by some how tired looking Coker. I didn’t know that the lady who made mark as commissioner in Lagos during Bola Tinubu era as governor of Lagos is also “Mummy Foli”. Don’t ask me how I got to know. Her early presence confirmed Folarin Coker has her support and that of ladies with her, nothing more to add.

“One Lagos” to Badagry and not Surulere

According to Coker, “One Lagos” show may birth next in Badagry, a move in tandem with reaching out to all five divisions of Lagos State. However, I had privately told the commissioner to Vibe-up Suru-lere and see the tweet rank burst at seams. Suru-lere to those who live in Lagos ranks first in Entertainment, sport and tourism. Therefore any failure to overlook this part of the city with two stadia and a rich vibrant outdoor culture is certainly a disservice to “One Lagos”. 

One Lagos – the media still at Cross-roads?

Maybe Chef Folarin Coker still has the media at heart but for now, the media mix in what I saw at the event is far from expectation. A recent visit to California based American Entertainment Group (AEG) office to be precise, opened my eyes on how the specialized media in tourism and entertainment became a veritable partner to AEG’s Octupus hold in one of the world’s famous destination on films, sports, tourism and recreation. “One Lagos” if it must vibe across Africa must rethink its media content beyond getting Dstv and Online platforms to guide its reach. One effective strategy is for the Ministry to invest on media re-training and exposure to its mandate and future gains. Nigerian tourism media remain the most dynamic and vibrant in Africa and can partner with “One Lagos” to open the city to the eyes of the world. To add, “One Lagos” must not cage reporters to mere spectators but give their badge of coverage a nomadic approval.

“One Lagos” and Victoria Beach

Victoria beach was back on my mind throughout my stay at “One Lagos” launch. Indeed, its absence or disappearance is one way of how not to manage our tourism national resource attributes. Any day, anywhere, Victoria beach, its lush waves and splash is more touristic than the Atlantic city project. One day we shall vote on this unexplainable trend.