The Temple Company and Balmoral Group have postponed their long-planned independence festival over security concerns.
In 2021, both firms partnered to create what was to become an annual festival marking Nigeria’s independence.
They said the project — named the Lagos Independence Festival of Excellence (LIFE) — is targeted at appreciating Nigeria’s rich history “while showcasing Lagos as a centre of excellence and the entertainment capital” of Africa.
Plans were set in motion a year ahead, with three days of activity scheduled to lead up to October 1, 2022.
But in a statement coming just a day before the inaugural edition was to hold, the organisers announced that the festival has been postponed.
Both firms attributed the decision to security concerns raised by state forces with respect to the use of their venue.
“Balmoral Group and the Temple Company have regretfully postponed the Lagos Independence Festival of Excellence (LIFE) scheduled for October 1 through to October 2, 2022, due to security concerns,” they said.
“The decision has been made based on the advice of security agents with the safety of our audiences, artists, crew, and venue staff in mind. And, with planning already at a very advanced stage, it was not a decision taken lightly.”
Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of the Balmoral Group and co-founder of LIFE, described the postponement as “difficult to accept.”
“The safety and security of the community is our top priority and at the forefront of all decisions made during this rapidly evolving situation,” Adamu said.
“It is difficult to accept that this unprecedented event cannot hold this year because there are conflicting political events which cannot guarantee our access to the number of personnel required to secure such a large event.”
It is understood that the tickets purchased are valid for the rescheduled festival to take place on October 1, 2023.
It is also understood that all vendors and partners who have made deposits/payments will be refunded in full.
The Temple Company is a creative industry services firm while Balmoral Group is an events management brand.
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