The 2017 edition of Open House Lagos is here again. Although publicity began some weeks ago, an official press conference was held on Wednesday 19th April 2017 with the Open House Lagos Board, British Council and the lead Partner of the event, Sterling Bank PLC , at the Sterling Bank Headquarters in Lagos.

Open House 2017, Celebrating Lagos Architectural Beauty and its People
From L-R (Ojoma Ochai,Papa Omotayo,Chuka Ihunor and Sterling Bank Representative Henry Bassey

Olamide Udoma, Project Manager for Open House Lagos began the press conference with a brief summary of the ‘Open House Lagos ’ Project. Udoma recalled success from its maiden edition that was held last year and why the festival is returning again. In addition, Udoma said ‘Open House Lagos’ is aimed at celebrating the architectural excellence and the people of Lagos especially now that Lagos is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Open House 2017, Celebrating Lagos Architectural Beauty and its People

After Udoma, the Directors of Arts for the British Council, Lagos, Ms Ojoma Ochai gave full details of the operations of the ‘Open House Lagos’. She said the British Council is on the project because the main essence of ‘Open House Lagos’ falls under British Council’s main objective of promoting arts and culture in Lagos state. She further explained that after this year, the ‘Open House’ will be an independent body on its own.

Board Member of Open House Lagos, Papa Omotayo explained the importance of the festival saying “As an architect, what architecture  represents for me is the timeline of who we are as humans and our relationship with our environment and culture”

Papa Omotayo further explained that another important part of ‘Open House Lagos’ is creating the cultural highlight in every year in Lagos State.

Open House 2017, Celebrating Lagos Architectural Beauty and its People
Papa Omotayo,Ojoma Ochai,Chuka Ihunor and Henry Bassey at the Press Briefing in Lagos

Chuka Ihunor, Fringe activities representative of Open house Lagos also gave a breakdown of the Fringe activities that will be taking place during the ‘Open House’. Highlights of the Fringe activities include; A cycling tour with Cycology, Symposium, an exhibition etc

Speaking on behalf of Sterling Bank Plc, the Chief Marketing Officer, Mr Henry Bassey gave a reassuring statement to British Council and the Board Members of ‘Open House Lagos’ by stating the Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that’ll help safeguard the environment and its people. He went further saying the theme for this year’s ‘Open House Lagos’ with the keyword  (Resilience City, Lagos at 50) speaks into the core inner statement of what Sterling Bank Plc values.

Ms Ojoma Ochai wrapped up the Press Conference by saying “Open House Lagos is focused on building and connecting the people  with  its immediate  environment and growing that bond that hastens global development

The Press Conference ended with a few questions from the members of the Press.

The Open House Lagos will hold from 29th  -30th  April. The two-day event will feature tours of historical buildings and landmarks in Lagos state, exhibition,discussions and the games night.

For more information, visit the website HERE  to register