There was a spectacular display of culture, tradition and aquatic splendour as Lagos State held its Regatta on Sunday.
The boat sporting event, which was a part of the state's Heritage Week, was government's way of drawing the attention of visitors and investors to the state's waterways to maximise usage.
The occasion was also used to draw the attention of the residents to security issue and to urge them to be part of the efforts to prevent terror in the state.
It was learnt that many of the residents had arrived the Civic Centre, venue of the celebration, very early.
Large boats decorated with colourful clothing adorned the water surface. The men in the boats later danced and rowed to show agility and their prowess in handling water transport.
Other young men also swam to show their mastery of the sea.
Governor Babatunde Fashola, however, urged them and other residents to be vigilant and report activities of anyone who threatens the peace in the state.
The governor, who saluted the residents in the spirit of Easter, also called for tolerance and peaceful co-existence among people who has chosen the state as their home.
He said," Let me stress that our state is home to all of Africans. Its capacity to be home to all is because of our resolve to respect cultural differences, religious differences and the laws of the land.
"Be accommodating and vigilant to detect who threaten our peace or abuse our hospitality. Let us use this season to reach out deep in the spirit of restraint to enjoy this season offers".
He said the regatta was a decision of the government to expand, as well as showcase, the cultural heritage of the state.
He said, "For us here in Lagos, it is not just a fun but a display of tradition of our ancestors, how they survived on the waterways. It means a lot to us, our drainage system, which is why we are intolerant of people who degrade it and dump refuse in it."
"Anyone who threatens it, threatens our means of transport and waterways and we would not allow that. It is also our source of seafood as well".
Earlier the Regatta Planning Committee Chairman, Mr. Olusegun Jawando, said the event offered the opportunity for residents and tourists to enjoy the beauty of the lagoon in a safe and exciting atmosphere.
He said, "The Lagos Regatta is a private sector initiative supported by the state government as a part of the Black Heritage Week event.
It is born out of the desire of the government to draw attention to the state's waterways which is one of its biggest assets."
