The Lagos State Government has announced that its end-of-the-year fiesta commences today, Friday.

The Countdown 2024 Greater Lagos Fiesta will end on the morning of January 1, a statement said on Thursday.

The state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, had said during a press conference that over 25,000 participants are expected at the event, assuring of watertight security at the event.

“We have put a lot in place for security. We are working actively with all security apparatus of the state, the Nigeria Police, DSS, civil defence, LASTMA, and Neighbourhood Watch, among other security operators in the state. We are making sure that the entire space is secure, and we are ensuring that our children are well taken care of and secure as well,” she said.

Announcing the commencement of the event, the ministry said on Thursday, “Lagos Countdown 2024 #GreaterLagosFiesta starts on Friday 29th December, join the three-day unlimited fun in all the Ibile zones Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island and Epe.”

It said while entry into the venues of the fiesta is free, participants are to register to gain access to the SOL Beach venue of the event’s grand finale.

Speaking on the significance of the fiesta, Benson-Awoyinka said, “The Lagos Countdown Greater Lagos Fiesta has been serving the purpose of discovering and nurturing new talents, exposing young talented entertainers to bigger platforms while also serving as a mechanism for curbing youth restiveness that often characterises the festive period.

“The three-day event, apart from showcasing the cultural activities and nurturing up-coming talented youngsters in the entertainment and creative industry, the entertainment show will also positively impact the state’s economy through massive sales of goods and services to thousands of fun and entertainment lovers throughout the duration of the event.”