The unveiling of Lagos SWAN traditional fashion fiesta, cultural entertainment and cultural sports was what could be termed as a “commercialised innovation” that will structure the greater will of the nation’s economy, ” tourism and culture invigoration” and the “will of the purse” , for individuals who embraces the ingenuity of this work of art at every angle .
The official launch of the cultural initiative unveiled recently in Lagos at the Summer Glass House of the glamorous Golfview Suites and Conference Center, Ikeja GRA, was no doubt has created another dynamic attributes for “sports” as an entity that depicts and serve as an “unconditional religion of sincere acceptance that brings the community closer to the cultural benefits and values and also enhancing the relevance and importance of culture in tourism and travels in the global space.
Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Lagos State chapter, Olatutu Oladunni, who was the convener and chief host,of the unique initiative, said it’s indeed a glorious era of excellence for the amiable professional body, the Lagos SWAN, as a time of greater fulfillment of productive purpose has commence with Lagos SWAN with its evidential testimonial of glorious progression has began not just for Lagos SWAN but for its entire membership who has keyed into the futuristic vision of excellence that sports can only flourish better and get better when integrated with culture, arts and tourism.
Oladunni hinted that the event has attracted several personalities of high repute from different spheres of professionalism and corporate institutions ranging from aviation, health, arts and culture, tourism, immigration etc. to grace the event.
Oladunni said sports has become a dignified religion of humanity, an entity of socio-economic building and an integrative force of sustainability in community building and character building of any progressive nation when it sincerely embraced the arts of culture in sports.
Chairman of the event, Dr Gabriel Olowo , who officially declared the Grand Finale of the two-day event opened, described the initiative as a unique template one needs to embrace with sincere hearts as it is another clarion call to invigorate sports tourism and sports culture.
The chairman of Sabré West Africa and Central Africa Region said: “I must commend Olatutu, the chairman of Lagos SWAN big time for this incredible concept. It is indeed incredible because one of the best ways to boost national economy is investing and initiating a productive partnership with institutions that will support and promote culture, arts and tourism as this attracts bigger commercialisation and bilateral trades in diplomatic engagements.
Olowo, who is also an international aviator said, this amazing initiative unveiled officially is not just an event but it has come to stay and it will stand the test of time as he can see a great fortune ahead of this impressive concept. He said, tourism arts and culture, when harnessed well with sports, boost IGR better than crude oil. He said nations with bigger commitment and dedication towards tourism, arts and culture create better sustainability for the well-being of its citizens alongside a reassured hope for flourishing future.
Having collaborated with reputable institutions like Coca-Cola, Amber Energy Drink, Lagos State Ministry of Arts,Tourism and Culture, Lagos State Traditional Sports Association, Golfview Suites and Conference Center, Newspost Magazine and Arise TV, the event came out dignified as the diversity and importance of cultural heritage was well displayed and presented via traditional sports unveiling alongside cultural entertainment.
In the same vein, one of the special guests of honour, Professor Anthony Kila, a first-class product of the prestigious Cambridge University London, an International Director of Studies at the European Center of Advance and Professional Studies, A BBC London commentator and analyst, described the initiative by LAGOS SWAN as another creative exploration for sports as sports is not just a recreational element to ease stress or create rejuvenation, but a multi-dimensional endeavour that reputable institutions, both local and international alongside serious minded visionary individuals, should tap ambiguously.
Professor Kila, who is also a global expert of internationalisation and joint ventures with remarkable records on various international projects across the European Union and Commonwealth Nations, expressed his utmost happiness towards the unique concept of Olatutu on cultural sports and traditional fashion entertainment, as this will definitely attract better bilateral trades and foreign relations .
The policy analyst and advisor to European nations said there are unquantifiable benefits in the integration of sports with culture arts and tourism. “I hope our agencies here in Nigeria tap into this opportunity to boost sports relevance and give performing athletes a promising future of dynamism,” he said.
The event which showcased the cultural diversity, beauty and uniqueness In Nigerians heritage as Africans and black race is what we should continue to promote, says SWAN Lagos chairman Olatutu Oladunni.
She commended Nigeria Bottling Company, Coca-Cola, Golfview Suites and Conference Center, Amber Energy Drink Ltd, Interguide Air and Wisefare Ticketing company, Lagos State Traditional Sports Association, Lagos State House of Assembly, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, Arise Television, Newspost Magazine, Sabré Central West Africa Region and Lagos State Government for the continuous support towards the success of the project.
While the colourful cultural heritage was displayed accordingly, Oladunni noted further that, there is strength of flourishing and abundant progression in our diversity as a country with various ethnic groups in their own uniqueness.
A national officer of SWAN and a former vice president southwest zone, Oluwaseun Ajayi-Obe, expressed his full joy towards the success of the event. He said this is another major record of stability that has come to stay in sport ls and tourism. He commended Lagos SWAN for this initiative and also appreciated Nigerian Bottling Company, Amber Energy Drink, Golfview Hotel and Conference Center and other personalities who supported the project.
“Coca-Cola has indeed played a major role as the official cultural drink of the event and Golfview Suites and Conference Center as the major host venue for the grand finale,” Ajayi-Obe said..
Special credit goes to Lagos State Traditional Sports Association under the leadership of Mrs Bunmi Ojo and reputable personalities who contributed towards the success of the Project launch, which include, Deputy Comptroller Nigerian Immigration Service (rtd) Segun Adegoke, Chief (Dr) Mrs. Oluremi Faderera Johnson, a Culture and Tourism Global Ambassador and a legendary international golfer, a UK certified international sports and event planner, who has continued to place cultural heritage on the global pedestrian via diplomatic influence.
Also is Dr Funlola Williams-Daudu, an Harvard University graduate and licensed medical professional in general medical with Canadian Medical/Health who is the Chief Medical Director Of Miteda Wellness Initiative, Miteda Hospital and CEO of Mitelo Farms who has promoted culture, sports, health safety at global stage .
Another special credit goes to Dr. (Barrister) Adesola Falae, Managing Director of Afkar Print and Doctor in Corporate Law, who also doubled as Special Guest of Honour and Chief Guest Speaker. She has in no doubt promoted sports, culture, arts and tourism via her charity foundation called For The Love of Golf and international certified wellness expert and skin therapist, Folake Lawal who analysed the essence of well-being as a cultural habit we all need to imbibe in order to sustain a good tradition and heritage.
Traditional classic fabrics designed as costumes were on displayed at the event. Aso-oke in the yoruba ethnic group which featured (Sanyan, Alaari, Ẹtu of various ranges and pattern), also is Adire of various designs, which are worn by bioh male and female personalities who graced the occasion.
Igbo traditional costumes and the ankara fabric and of course the indigenous animal costumes of Boron foron people of Plateau Jos came exceptional as it all depicts pure tradition.
Men from Yoruba region came out in their Agbada, kembe and buba, iro and.buba for women and admixture of Ankara fabrics with English tops was also on displayed.
Traditional royalty items like Irukere (horse tail0, was given prominence alongside, obi abata (kolanut), ororgbo (bitter kolanut), atare, aadun , schinapp, and musical instruments like sakara, gangan, bata, sekere, Northern drum were took prominence.
Major traditional sports took prominence as Langa, Dambe, kokowa and Ayoolopon were hugely displayed and well presented as their respective professional athletes came enmass to participate in the maiden edition of the tournament.
Diary Farm school Agege played a host to the event as several athletes participated at various categories of traditional sports and games on the local pitch.
The grand finale which took place at the prestigious Golfview Hotel and Conference Center ikeja GRA , played a host to several Traditional and cultural musical groups across the ethnic groups in Nigeria to demonstrate the diversity and beauty in cultural heritage
SWAN Lagos State Chapter appreciated the amazing contributions of all the traditional sports coaches who supported this initiative. They included Falana Olawale (Kokowa), Muritala Owolabi (Abula coach), Omoware Rilwan (Langa), Johnny Monday (Dambe) and Kassem Oniga (Ayo).
