Hi, it was a nice time last night as we finally got the show started. We had the opportunity of enjoying some of the best “products” from Nollywood and I could not help but admire the expertise and array of talents that the budding industry is blessed with. It was ample opportunity to watch the screens with the who-is-who in Nollywood -- the actors, directors, producers -- just name them. We also spent a lot of time looking at the shortcomings of some of the films and gave kudos to the almost perfect ones.

Today was dedicated to a series of lectures by the experts who are really into the day-to-day affairs in the movie industry. We had topics that were targeted at combating the menace of piracy, improving the quality of works, application of the latest technology in production, distribution, and exhibition, assessing a good script, online film distribution, and so on. It was a real expose on the proper running of the film industry.

With the festival just in its second day, there is still much to do. Most especially, I am looking forward to the Gala night and the Wall of Fame but today I think I should take a tour around Lagos.

LOCATION / EXTENT
The state of Lagos is located on the southwestern part of Nigeria on the narrow coastal flood plain of Bight of Benin.

Lagos State is bounded in the North and East by Ogun State of Nigeria, in the West by the Republic of Benin, and in the South by the Atlantic Ocean. It has five administrative divisions of Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe.

Territorially, Lagos State encompasses an area of 358,862 hectares or 3,577sq.km.

RELIEF
The dominant vegetation of the State is the tropical swamp forest consisting of the fresh water and mangrove swamp forests, which makes the environment a wetland region, hence, the reference to Lagos as an environment of aquatic splendor. Vacationers should know that, generally, the state has two climatic seasons: Dry (November-March) and Wet (April-October).

HISTORY OF LAGOS STATE
Lagos State was created in 1967, when a state decree restructured Nigeria’s federation into 12 states.

Lagos is Nigeria’s economic and commercial capital. According to extant political records, “Lagos is to the people of Nigeria, what the head is to the body of an individual.”

Lagos could be described as Nigeria’s New York where the most revenue is generated. It is also the seat of entertainment -- music, film, sports, and a host of other entertainment outlets sprawl in the city. A perfect place to hold LIFFEST.

LIFFEST 2007 is a celebration of Africa. Lagos should be the host because Lagosians represent a typical Nigerian business-mind -- sharp, smart, and in love with entertainment. The movie houses are booming with screening films, both local and international. World standard cinema houses are Silverbird cinemas and Numetro.

Come and have fun in Lagos. Bye for now and see you tomorrow.