Fun, Excitement As Lagos Countdown Begins December 8th

By Adebayo Dawodu

The Lagos Countdown begins on December 8th at the Lagos Bar Beach, Victoria Island Lagos with series of activities scheduled to make this year's event memorable for Nigerians and other tourists to the city of Lagos.

In line with its vision to become the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians, leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has announced its partnership with Lagos State Government to host this year's edition of the Lagos Countdown Festival.

The 23-day event will commence from the 8th through to 31st of December, 2013. The year-end countdown festival is an initiative of Governor Babatunde Fashola, which was started last year with the aim of placing the state on the global map, in the same league of cities as New York, Dubai, London, Sydney and other major destinations that celebrate the annual cross over into a New Year.

The event is expected to provide a strong platform for family bonding, interaction, fun, celebration of music and culture as well great entertainment for Lagosians and tourists.

Speaking on the partnership with the State, recently at a press conference in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, admitted that the company is pleased to be partnering with the Lagos State Government and expressed commitment to ensure a fun-filled celebration for guests, especially at the Airtel Exhibition centre.

Ogunsanya who was represented by the Company's Vice President, Corporate Communications& CSR, Emeka Oparah, explained that Airtel is passionate about bringing fun, excitement, laughter and joy to its numerous customers in line with its corporate vision.

“The Lagos Countdown 2014 will be a great opportunity to celebrate and close the year in grand style. Airtel is calling on all Lagosians and Nigerians to be part of this great event. We also urge everyone to visit the Airtel stand at the venue as we will be showcasing our superior 3.75G Network,” he said.

He also commended the efforts of the Lagos State government, adding that the initiative was consistent with Airtel's ardent drive towards excellence because “we thrive on innovation that has direct bearing on the quality of life of our customers and particularly Lagosians in our quest to become the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians.”

He added that the network is passionate about building veritable platforms for the celebration of both the citizenry and Nigeria as a whole, noting that, Airtel “will continue to support initiatives that will bring excitement and happiness to the door steps of all our stakeholders.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director of LASAA, Mr George Noah, said the Bar Beach venue of the Lagos State Countdown initiative will feature an array of shows including open mic night, disco nights, live performance by popular Nigerian artistes, games and display of light and fireworks. He also took his time to explain how the state plans to celebrate this year's Countdown.

The press conference was attended by popular Nigerian artistes including African Queen crooner, 2face Idibia and the boss of Mavin Records, Don Jazzy.