4th March, 2020
Lagos State House of Assembly at the Plenary on Tuesday calls on Shulamite Olufunke Adebolu, former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture over poor performance of 2019 Greater Lagos Fiesta.
This is sequel to the motion moved by Nurudeen Saka-Solaja, Chairman House Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture for the need to question the Commissioner on how funds allocated for the Fiesta was expended.
Solaja, in his submission, said that Lagos State has been known for organising the Greater Lagos Fiesta, since Governor Babatunde Fashola’s regime which is meant to showcase Lagos State as a place where people come to commemorate the crossover into the New Year.
“The 2019 Fiesta was an eye sore, despite being invited by the Committee to give a brief about the itinerary before the event; the Commissioner said that the Fiesta was going to hold for two days, instead of 7 days. This Fiesta is to occupy the delinquents in the State for the duration and is to be compared with other carnivals, however, the Fiesta turned out to be a disaster and we therefore need to call on the former Commissioner to give an account of the whole process.”
Rotimi Olowo, representing Somolu I, in his opinion supported the motion, that the carnival was not a one man show, as it was meant to be all inclusive because the essence was to promote culture and tourism in the State; however, it ended up being a disaster and one damage can go a long way to disregard the culture, arts and tourism of Lagos State.
Also contributing, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat representing Apapa I sustained the need to summon the ex-Commissioner for Tourism as well as the current sitting bodies that would be involved in the upcoming event. She noted that the event, a 7-day program cuts across all divisions which also helps in keeping the youths and delinquents involved as well as showcasing upcoming talents.
Tunde Braimoh, representing Kosofe II congratulating the mover of the motion ascertained that public servant is public image and to whom much is given, much is expected.
“The Constitution mandates and enjoins us that all must answer to the call of the Law and the Commissioner involved must explain how the humongous fund ventured into the Y2019 Fiesta was expended. Tourism is the future of Lagos which can serve as a cash cow if judiciously managed and utilized. The Commissioner must be brought to account,” he said.
Consequently, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Azeez Sanni to submit a clean copy of the prayers to the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.