Lagos State Government has felicitated Brazil on the commemoration of the Bicentennial Independence anniversary of the Federative Republic of Brazil which was marked with a dinner at the Eko Hotels and Suites.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Olufemi Martins, congratulated Brazil’s Consul General, Ambassador Francisco Carlos Soares Luz, on the anniversary celebration.
Martins noted that Brazil and Lagos share a lot of historical antecedents and that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is excited and pleased to celebrate with the good people of Brazil.
In his words: “The Brazilian Quarters in Lagos Island underscores the historical affinity between Lagos and Brazil, which dates back to the 19th Century. However, it is noteworthy to state that when our country gained independence in 1960, Brazil was the only South American Country invited to Nigeria’s Independence Celebration and, thereafter, both Nations established diplomatic relations that culminated in Brazil setting up a resident embassy in Lagos and Nigeria in 1966”.
Recalling the history of the independence of Nigeria and the role Brazil played, Martins pointed out that Nigeria has continued to maintain close cultural relations with Brazil, which has resulted in both Nations signing several agreements on cultural and educational cooperation in the year 2000 and agreements on trade, technical and cultural cooperation in 2005.
“Lagos State Government has continuously sponsored and collaborated with the Brazilian Descendants association to host the Popo Aguda Easter Music Concert Yearly since the first Popo Aguda festival took place on Easter Sunday, 21st April, 2019, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. This festival is organised to celebrate and showcase the culture of Lagos and Brazil”, he asserted.
The Special Adviser also assured the Consulate General of Brazil of the continuous partnership of the Lagos State Government with the Brazilian People across the country.
Dignitaries present at the event included the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Aare Ona Kakanfo, Chief Gani Adams among others.
