Let’s warmly welcome our visitors, Fashola charges Lagosians

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos has charged Lagosians to welcome its visitors warmly just as the 18th National Sports Festival tagged Eko 2012 kicks off tomorrow.

The governor, who received the torch of unity at the weekend, believes the state is fully ready to host the country to an epoch-making event. He specifically urged Lagosians to embrace visitors from across the country that will throng the state for the festival, adding that hospitality is the hallmark of a good host.

 Receiving the torch, Fashola expressed delight that having gone round all the participating states of the federation, it eventually landed in Lagos as a mark of the flagging off of Nigeria's most prestigious sporting event.

 "I am happy today receiving the torch of developmental sports. I am particularly delighted because this event characterises the flagging off the festival, which started here some years back.

I want to thank the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the innovation that we have seen like the torch coming through water and others since the preparation for the games started. Like I said a few weeks back we are ready," Fashola reaffirmed.

 The torch which landed at about 12pm on Saturday in Lagos has traveled round various states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, before coming to Lagos to kick-start the festival slated to commence On Tuesday to December 9.

 Coming to Lagos from Abeokuta through the waterways for the first time in the history of the competition, the torch was handed over to the governor by the Zonal Coordinator, South-West zone 1 of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Steve Olarinoye at the Governor's House in Marina.

Olarinoye said the arrival of the torch to Lagos was unique coming through the waterways for the first time in the history of the event.

"Your Excellency, you are aware that this torch was lighted at the Presidential Villa some months back and today it has finally arrived Lagos after going round the country.

This is unique because it came through water. We at the NSC wish Lagos a successful hosting," he said.