Community commends Ambode on support for Zangbeto festival

The governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, at the 2018 Zangbeto Traditional Festival held recently at Aholu Thanji Ajido, Badagry, revealed that his government will continue to reawaken the hidden treasure in indigenous traditional festivals and the originality of the culture of the people of the state. He said his administration will not renege on engaging and giving expression to the culture and heritage on the people of the state and set visitors’ minds towards appreciating Lagos common purpose.

Ambode alluded to the belief that to make appreciative progress as a people, culture and tradition remain significant and as such must be cherished. The governor, whose address was delivered by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Fola Adeyemi, declared that in “celebrating the rich culture and tradition of the people of Badagry and to further strengthen peace and cultural development of the environment, the government has taken initiative of making the Zangbeto festival a model of propagating affinity for all”.

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He affirmed that in past years, “the festival was only celebrated by few communities in the Badagry division and in instilling our policy of inclusiveness, where no one is left behind, the state government promised to organise ground breaking festivals for all the daughters and sons of the Badagry kingdom and today, history is made.” Governor Ambode said the maiden edition of the Zangbeto festival will not only serve as a valid point for the people of Ajido town and by extension the Badagry Local Government Area, but will also be instrumental in moulding Badagry and making it a focal point for tourist attraction in Lagos.

“I’m without doubt that this festival in years to come will grow to generate meaningful economy and have a great impact in the economy of the people of Badagry. This festival promises to create employment and improve the life style of the indigene of this community and the entire Lagos State’’.Speaking further, the governor stated that his government is committed to the preservation, propagation and promotion of the culture and heritage of the people of Lagos State, adding that the clear promotion of indigenous culture has been demonstrated with the inclusion of Zangbeto festival in the state’s calendar of tourism event. “Our intention as a government is to use this festival to raise the standard of and make it one of the most celebrated festivals alongside other important festivals being celebrated across the world.”

According to Governor Ambode, “in consonance with the inclusive government policy, the state is willing to collaborate with individuals, corporate organisations, other government agencies, traditional institutions to complement our efforts in promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Badagry people’’.

He, however, congratulated the Akran of Badagry, the Aholu of Ajido Kingdom, the cabinet chiefs and the indigenes of Ajido Kingdom for placing Badagry on the tourism map, assuring them of the usual government support in the next edition.