The Airtel Fun zone, a custom exhibition stand showcasing the telco’s latest 3.75G Internet offerings, was the centre of attraction, yesterday (Monday, December 23rd, 2013) when the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, officially flagged off the 2013 Lagos Countdown festival, at the Bar Beach stretch, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Governor Fashola, in company of his Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Adefulire and other members of the State Executive Council, performed the ceremonial flag-off of the Airtel fun zone, when he kicked an Airtel branded football, thereby, drawing loud applause from customers that thronged the Airtel Fun Zone to enquire about Internet offerings.
The Lagos Countdown is a 23-day event, which commenced on the 8th of this month and will climax on the 31st December with games, musical and dance performances. The event is expected to provide a strong platform for family bonding, interaction, fun, celebration of music and culture as well great entertainment for Lagosians and tourists.
Airtel’s Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director, Deepak Srivastava, welcomed the Governor and his team and took them on a brief tour around the company’s exhibition area. He commended the Governor for his visionary leadership and laudable efforts at creating a friendly environment for businesses to thrive in the State. He also commended the Countdown initiative, saying “the Lagos Countdown has brought excellence, quality and standard to the state.
“Airtel proudly supports the initiative because we are a brand that stands for quality and excellence. We believe in giving global standard and excellent service to Lagosians as well as all Nigerians.” He also noted that the countdown initiative has brought Lagos to the level of other countries such as Sydney, New York, London, etc.
The Governor later embarked on a walk down the stretch of the venue to meet the Chief Executive Officers of the other companies that collaborated with the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LAASA) to sponsor the event.
In his remarks at the event, Fashola appreciated Airtel and other sponsors for partnering with the state government to making the event a success. He said the Countdown initiative has brought together people and businesses that have leveraged on both the coastal and business assets of the state.
Fashola said, “Today we stand on a significant place, the Bar Beach, which at a point was becoming an eyesore due to coastal erosion. But the initiative of people in government has restored the dignity of this location. The credit belongs to all young men and women working in government.”
Among the notable guests present at the official flag off event were: His Royal Majesty, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Managing Director, LASAA Mr George Noah; General Manager, Brand Assets, Airtel Nigeria, Obinna Aniche; Regional Operations Director, Lagos Region, Airtel Nigeria, Bayo Osinowo; Zonal Business Manager, Lagos Metro, Ayo Ogunranti as well as popular artistes including Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy.
