COVID-19: LASG Suspends ‘Greater Lagos Fiesta 2021’; Fourth Wave Looms

By Akinwale Kasali

The  Lagos State Government has suspended the Greater Lagos Fiesta 2021 over fears of  Covid-19 Fourth Wave. The fear has also led to the reintroduction of restrictions in Europe and other Western Countries.

The Lagos State Government had earlier announced that there could be restrictions of movement into Lagos from other States and International borders as the Fourth Wave of the deadly Coronavirus looms.

However, the Lagos State Government has also now considered it imperative to follow the latest proactive advice from health authorities to suspend all activities earlier announced for the Greater Lagos Fiesta 2021.

In a Press Statement signed by the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, the Government said the decision to suspend the fiesta followed sound advisory from health authorities in consideration of the mammoth crowd expected at some of the gatherings as well as the dangers associated with attendance by members of the Diaspora community, who may be returning from Europe and other parts of the world now experiencing the fourth wave.

Her words: “We have seen Germany, Austria, and Greece reintroduce restrictions to curtail the spread of the pandemic. Germany is particularly a country in Europe with many Nigerians, who typically return home for the Christmas holidays. This is what science enables us to predict to forestall the tragic experience of last December when scores of our citizens died during the pandemic around yuletide. Our emotions favour going ahead with the plans but we must, as a responsible government, submit our will to the predictive intelligence and overriding power of science.

“The strategic intent of the State Government in wanting to hold the fiesta was to accelerate the process of reflating the economy of Lagos State by putting money in the hands of our people through the deluge of commercial activities planned to take place during the fiesta. But the imperatives of protecting the lives of our people clearly override all economic and commercial considerations”, she added.

Expressing her profound appreciation to all the corporate sponsors who have so far indicated interest to support this year’s edition of the fiesta, Akinbile-Yusuf said the LASG will not forget their rare demonstration of goodwill towards the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and, indeed, the people of Lagos State at a challenging time when businesses are battling with limited resources. You will remain our partners for this and similar initiatives that are in the works”.

The Commissioner, therefore, counselled and urged event organisers and owners of event centres in the State with plans to host events in December to seek the guidance of the Lagos State Safety Commission, as well as the Ministry of Health, and enforce strict adherence to all COVID-19 health safety protocols.