Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Sunday evening hosted a well-attended special Lagos Jump event at the New Afrika Shrine to round off Felabration 2017 to mark the 79th posthumous birthday of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Ambode, who had earlier in the day unveiled an effigy of the late Afrobeat legend erected at the Allen Avenue Roundabout, led top officials of the state government and other special guests of honour to witness the climax the 2017 Felabration.
Among those who graced the event were Senator Solomon Adeola, James Faleke, Kunle Afolayan, Femi Falana, Femi Pedro, Professor Pat Utomi and Bolanle Austen-Peters.
In an opening remark, Fela’s daughter, Yeni Kuti thanked the Lagos State government for supporting this year’s edition of the event, saying that it was an honour done to the entire Fela family.
She specifically thanked Governor Ambode for personally gracing the Special Lagos Jump at the Shrine, noting that he was the first sitting governor to do so in an official capacity.
“I sent the governor an email requesting for support for Felabration 2017 and he responded immediately. I was shocked. I met him (Governor) for the first time two weeks ago, but he has proved that he is an action governor,” she said.
Also speaking, Afrobeat star and son of the late icon, Femi Kuti thanked the governor for the honour done to the family, just as he urged him to continue the developmental strides and purposeful leadership in the state.
“Your Excellency, we wish you good governance, we wish you prosperity in your leadership and we do hope this State can be satisfactory to all citizens because I believe that is your ambition,” Femi said.
Femi later invited the governor and members of the top table to the floor to try out some dance steps.
Wizkid, Burna Boy Humblesmith, Nneka, Seun Kuti and several others also performed on the closing day of Felabration.
