From
afar, the sight depicts a unique parade of colour by revellers in
popular carnivals. On getting closer, it looks just like the epic Opobo
regatta that gets the creeks and ocean banks busy with many cultural
displays by able-bodied men on water.
Similar colour display made sitting at the waterfront of
Oyinkan Abayomi Drive in Ikoyi most pleasurable and rewarding for fun
seekers this Easter. They thronged the waterfront to enjoy an endless
display of aquatic culture and strength on the Lagos Lagoon by various
participating communities and interest groups at this year’s edition of
Lagos Water Regatta.
As they relaxed, they were excited watching large fleets
of decorated canoes and modern boats with flags and buntings displayed
by artistic paddlers. One question that came to mind was how the boat
paddlers (both male and female) felt more comfortable on water than on
land.
The creative ingenuity of the coastal communities was
brought to the fore with breathtaking artistic designs that adorned each
boat uniquely depicting the social, cultural and traditional background
and occupation of Lagos people.
The dexterity and acrobatic skills of each member of the
over 26 participating communities, 13 racers, and other non-competing
boats were mind-blowing. From the riverine communities they all came to
display their water heritage and sportsmanship along the stretch of
Lagos Lagoon just by the newly-constructed waterfront on Oyinkan Abayomi
Drive that serves as the Regatta Village.
Defying the sweltering afternoon, over 50,000 people kept
the cheers on while the fleets rowed the more. They rowed from the
Regatta Village to almost a kilometre on the lagoon and turned on
getting to the Falomo Bridge. The return seemed to bring out the best in
them as they danced more, displayed more, sang more and paddled more
just to impress the high profile guests at the pavilion of the Civic
Centre, including Governor Babatunde Fashiola.
Besides the guests, each of the competing communities and
racing boats needed to convince the five judges with a spectacular
performance in order to make good attempt at the prizes. After minutes
of display at the Civic Centre waterfront, they returned to entertain
the guests at the Regatta Village.
But while the display was on, passersby and the
neighbourhood were truly held spellbound by the displays that
complemented the Easter celebration in Lagos and also marked the fourth
edition of the annual Lagos Water Regatta. Besides the various cultural
and water sports, the newly-constructed waterfront that effortlessly
provides best relaxation and sightseeing for leisure seekers served as
viewpoint for those who are aquaphobic. At least they were able to
further explore the tranquil waterfront which ordinarily might be
difficult for many.
However, the event organisers exceeded their expected
number of participants and crowd as over 50,000 fun seekers visited the
Regatta Village. As he delighted on the improvement, Olusegun Jawando,
chairman, Lagos Water Regatta Working Committee, reiterated the fact
that the Lagos Water Regatta is a water-based cultural sporting and
recreational activity put together to exhibit diverse functions of the
boats put to use in yesteryears, from community to community. He
expressed his satisfaction that the regatta surpassed the previous two
editions in organisation, participation and excitement. The greatest
success of the event for him was the hitch-free outing, uncompromised
security and sustained excitement for all the guests.
“Aside tourism, the Lagos State governor has expressed
desire to have our waterways protected and treasured, as it is one of
the major assets of the state. Hence, the need for a collective effort
to maximise this asset’s potentials for sports, recreation,
transportation and business through the regatta,” Jawando said.
Despite enjoying the action on water, Governor Fashola
stole out time to appeal to the residents along the waterways to protect
it, while calling for the rejuvenation of socio-cultural values in the
state.
He most importantly wants the private sector take
advantage of the waterways to promote tourism and transport business.
“This administration is poised to exploit the commercial essence of its
content by heightening the interest of corporate organisations here in
Lagos and around the country in promoting it into tourist’s delight. Our
ultimate goal is to register the Lagos Water Regatta in the map of
world tourist’s destinations,” he said.
For slugging it out in swimming, rowing, Kayak race, power
boat, Jet Ski and sea school displays, the various participants
received fantastic prizes.
With the success of the fourth edition, the organisers
hope to sustain the socio-cultural heritage which the event preserves,
as well as further exploring opportunities that abound in the waterways.
Established four years ago, Lagos Water
Regatta, a part of activities for the celebration of the Lagos Black
Heritage Festival, is geared towards promoting the state’s tourism
potentials as it provides the participating communities opportunities to
showcase their best to the world.
Article accredited to; Businessday
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