Events

Lagos set for 3-day countdown fiesta

Published

3 years ago

December 16, 2023

THE Lagos State Government on Friday said that the ‘2024 #Greater Lagos Fiesta’ would feature a three-day entertainment show across the five divisions of the state.

Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the state’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, who disclosed this at a news conference in Lagos, said the event would hold from Dec. 29. to Jan. 1, 2024.

Benson-Awoyinka noted that the state government would be taking the fiesta to a whole new level, with a three-day non-stop excitement of comedy, cultural performances, children corner , fireworks and live music concert in Ikorodu, Badagry, lkeja, Lagos Island and Epe.

“Greater Lagos Fiesta entails the celebration of music, entertainment, and the vibrant spirit of Lagos.

“This event has become an annual tradition, we are intentional in our focus of deliberately positioning Lagos state to favourably compete with developed cities of the world in terms of hosting tourism and entertainment events.

“The Lagos Countdown 2024 #Greater Lagos Fiesta is going to be a fantastic way to bid farewell to year 2023 and welcome the new one, year 2024, with a bang.

“We have lined up an incredible array of music stars who will grace the stage and thrill all fun lovers from Badagry to Epe, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Ikeja featuring homegrown talents to international sensations, the best of Afrobeats, Highlife, Juju and Fuji,” she said.

Benson-Awoyinka said that the event would also showcase the best of Nigerian local cuisine, arts, crafts and traditional performances.

She said that tourists would have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavours that make Lagos a unique and vibrant city.

According to her, the state will leave no stone unturned as regards security at the venues of the event.

She said that that the state had engaged the services of the Police, Civil Defence, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other security agencies.

“I want to use this medium to call on members of the public, especially owners of businesses and service providers who are interested in using the platform of the Lagos Countdown 2024 #Greater Lagos Fiesta to market themselves to the world, to approach the ministry for registration.

“The window of sponsorship for the event is also open to interested corporate sponsors willing to collaborate with the state government to make the event a success.

“I call on Lagosians to mark their calendars for this very unique event, It is going to be an unforgettable experience filled with music, laughter and joy.

“Let us come together as one big Lagos family and make memories that will last a lifetime.

“The venues for the event remains: Sol Beach; Ikorodu townhall; Agege Stadium; Epe Recreation Centre and more.

“A viewing centre has been created at Eko Atlantic City for all who are unable to make it to these venues and there is a dedicated channel on DSTV that would stream the event activities throughout the three days,” she said.

Related Topics:Events Featured fiesta Lagos

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

4 days ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.