By TAIYE OLAYEMI

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Brazilian Descendants Arts and Culture Association (BDACA) is set to host the third Popo Aguda Easter Arts and Music Extravaganza.

Mr Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, during a news conference in Lagos on Friday commended members of BDACA for the laudable effort in consistently promoting the culture of the state.

Aregbe assured intending tourists and revellers of an interesting edition, urging everyone to be part of the two-day Easter extravaganza, which will hold on March 29 and March 31.

Aregbe also appreciated Gov. Sanwo-Olu for his support toward the growth of the entertainment space.

“I wish to salute the Brazilian descendants association for preserving the history and culture of the state.

“We are proud of what you are doing, and I will assure you that this will be more colourful than the previous editions,” he said.

Giving details on the entire programme, Chairman, planning committee for the third edition, retired Rear Adm. Anthony Oni, said the first day of the event, Good Friday, will feature Frejon food festival.

Frejon, is an import by Brazilians to Nigeria, and is commonly eaten at Easter, particularly on Good Friday.

He said the food festival would hold at Igbosere Holy Cross Primary School, where the local cuisine would be prepared for over 1,000 people to eat, dine and wine.

According to him, for the second day of the event, March 31, there will be series of cultural performances, including a match past to begin from Tinubu Square through to Obalende.

He said this would involve different masqueraders like Gelede, Sango and many more.

“We have embraced our culinary heritage with the introduction of a food festival, showcasing the iconic Frejon delicacy.

“This traditional dish, to be prepared on Good Friday to commemorate the Easter season in Popo Aguda, not only symbolises communal love but also reflects the inter-generational transmission of culinary knowledge within our community.

“We are delighted to witness a resurgence in the appreciation of this cuisine, thanks to our collective efforts in promoting cultural renaissance.

“This event is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity that is embedded in the state as well as what it has to offer.

“The event, initiated by BDACA in 2019, under the Coordinator-in-Chief, Bolaji Mendis, serves as a platform for fostering unity, social interaction, and cultural preservation through music, arts, and tourism.

“Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain steadfast in our commitment to showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of our cultural identity,” he said.

Oni urged Lagos residents to turn out in their numbers to experience and learn more of the state’s culture while being entertained.

Mrs Oluruntoyin Atekoya, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the Brazilian descendants for always coming up with innovative ideas during the annual Easter extravaganza. (NAN)

•PHOTO Oluruntoyin Atekoya, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture; with retired Rear Adm. Anthony Oni, Chairman planning committee for the 3^rd Popo Aguda Easter Arts and Music extravaganza during a media briefing in Lagos on Friday

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