The governor gave the applause during the visit of Celtel officials and the Top 10 contestants of Idols West Africa, which was held between January and May this year.
The visit was part of the Celtel Music Roadshow activities in three Nigerian cities, Calabar, Lagos and Abuja lined for the Top 10 Idols.
Mr. Fashola also said he was particularly pleased about the decision of Celtel to sponsor the music talent hunt competition, Idols West Africa, which seeks to identify, nurture and reward young music talents across the sub region.
He added that such a programme not only help to keep young hands and minds busy but also reduces the number of young people who are likely to take to criminal activities.
He stressing that Celtel through its programmes is assisting youths to contribute their quota to the development of the society.
Gov. Fashola who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Aderele Ogunsanya, equally said the popular music talent competition for youths, Idols, has opened the eyes of all Nigerians and indeed the entire world to the immense music talents that abound in the country.
According to the governor, the performance of the Top 10 Idols, especially the eventual winner of the contest and the runners up, Timi Dakolo and Omawumi Megbele respectively, goes a long way to show that Nigerians have a lot to offer the world despite the daily negative reports that assault the mind.
“Nigeria has a frontal place in music. This is very clear from the talents in this room and in the Nigerian music industry. I am happy that many of the Idols are going to become professional musicians. The story of the Top 10 Idols will no doubt help to inspire hope in many youths in Lagos State,” he said.
The governor said some of the negative behaviours of youths could be attributed to anger or protest against unmet youths needs by the society, pointing out that both the government and the private sector need to take concrete appropriate actions to abate this anger and assist young people to discover themselves.
The Idols were advised to work hard and to do their best to produce and release their albums.
Mr. Fashola further explained that they all posses fantastic talents which will surely make room for them in the professional music industry.
Celtel’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Michael Foley, who led the team including the Sponsorship Manager, Mr. Chris Adetayo, Public Relations Manager, Mr. Emmanuel Otokhine, Celtel’s Public Relations Specialist and Nsikan Umoh, said the telco decided to sponsor the Idols Roadshow to showcase the Top 10 contestants to more Nigerians, nurture their talent further and assist them to step into the professional music.
He said Celtel is committed to empowering the youths, helping them to realise their potentials, emphasising that the company will continue to create blissful experience for its customers with music and entertainment.
Also speaking during the visit, Timi thanked the State Government for receiving the Idols. He said the idols have also started to make a difference in the society by donating 10 per cent of their earnings to the less privileged.
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