In an event held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday, February 10, 2016, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has given Prof. Wole Soyinka, a new appointment.
Governor Ambode discussing with the Chairman Committee for Lagos @ 50, Prof. Wole Soyinka
Nigerian playwright and poet, Prof. Akinwande Oluwole Soyinka, has today, 10th February, been appointed Soyinka as the Chairman of the Lagos at 50 planning committee by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
Lagos state will be 50 in 2017 and ahead of the celebration, Governor Ambode inaugurated the committee at the Lagos house in Ikeja today, and appointed the Nobel Laureate alongside Rasheed Gbadamosi to both head the committee.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule; Prof. Wole Soyinka and
Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello, during the inauguration of Committee for Lagos @ 50
Other members of the committee includes; Hon. Habeeb Fasinro, Chief Olawale Cole, Mrs. Sarah Boulos, Mr. Abimbola Obafunwa, Prof (Mrs) Senapon Bakare, Mrs. Chika Balogun, Mr. Folarin Coker, Prof. Ademola Abass, Bolanle Austen Peter and Mrs Olufunmilayo Balogun as secretary.
Governor Ambode who expressed confidence in the ability of the committee to deliver a world class celebration, said that the opportunity of Lagos at 50 will afford the state to not only celebrate its past achievements, but also to showcase to the world its immense potentials for future growth and development.
Governor Ambode (middle); Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule (6th left); in a group photograph with Chairman, Committee for Lagos @ 50, Prof. Wole Soyinka (6th right) and other members of the Committee, during the inauguration of Committee for Lagos @ 50
He said: "Lagos state will be 50 years next year. 50 years is a significant landmark in the life of any individual, institution or State. For Lagos State, it has been an eventful 50 years which deserves to be fittingly celebrated.
"Lagos State has justified its creation. Apart from being the pacesetter and first among equals in the comity of States in the Nigerian Federation, Lagos State also occupies a noticeable position in global affairs especially as the fastest growing mega city in the world.
"With all these in mind, it is imperative that we celebrate Lagos at 50. In celebrating Lagos, we must showcase our cultural heritage. We must celebrate the language, arts, sights and sounds of Lagos. Celebrating Lagos is to celebrate Nigerian Unity and Progress because Lagos provides the cohesion that keeps Nigeria together," he stated.
Governor Ambode, in a warm handshake with Prof. Wole Soyinka, during the inauguration of Committee for Lagos @ 50
In his short remarks, Professor Soyinka said the celebration of Lagos at 50 would afford an excellent opportunity for the state to identify with the triumph, losses and experience of the Black Race at home and in the diaspora. He promised that members of the committee would work towards making the celebration a success.