Popular brand STAR marked the end of 2013 and the beginning of the New Year with a massive boost the Nigerian tourism sector during the Lagos Countdown, which held at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos yesterday.
Introducing a first of its kind celebratory toast-referred to as the largest and most colorful in Africa- to usher in the new year, the premium lager gathered hundreds of thousands of guests including foreigners from different countries of the world to celebrate with the popular brand into the new year.
The brand also offered a uniquely styled blue STAR Magnum bottle, specially created for the occasion as a perfect complement to the event with many guests given complimentary bottles.
The celebratory toast was led by Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries, Kufre Ekanem, who was joined by the MD LASAA, George Noah, Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Adebiyi Mabadeje, Funke Akindele, Funmi Iyanda and other celebrities who took over the imposing Lagos Countdown stage a few minutes to midnight to count down to the new year with the enthusiastic audience.
“It’s in keeping with STAR’s tradition to always refresh celebrations like these,” says Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries, who led the special toast with the STAR Magnum bottle, “this is a very important occasion as we mark the end of a wonderful year and usher in a brand new one with all Nigerians and we’re delighted to be a part of it.”
Ita Bassey, Senior Brand Manger, STAR, confirmed that the brand had made enormous efforts to ensure the success of the event and noted that “ For us, it’s only a measure of the commitment the brand had made to ensure growth and dynamism in the tourism and entertainment sector through various channels.”
“You can be sure that STAR will always be a major partner to platforms that are also positively in the pursuit of efforts like this,” he assured.
Overwhelmed by the occasion, prolific producer Don Jazzy who was one of the special guests exclaimed, “I’ve never seen Eko Atlantic looking this beautiful.”
An almost one hour first-of-its-kind massive firework display took over the skyline immediately after the clock struck midnight. The brightly lit arena with varying hues thrilled the audience and was captured extensively by both local and foreign media.
Over 50 of Nigeria’s biggest music stars 2face, D’banj, Davido, Wizkid, Naeto C, and many more kept guests dancing till 6AM on New Years Day as each drew one thrilling performance after the other.
The leading beer, as part of its contribution to enhancing tourism potential and reputation building in Lagos state and in extension the country, has also been in the forefront of activities building up to the Grand Finale of the Lagos Countdown, with the flag off of the popular STAR Beer Village on December 8th 2013 at the same venue.
In less than five days of its opening, the STAR Beer Village became a hotspot with over fifty thousand guests converging at the popular sea front to partake in the exciting line up of activities during that period; music performances from major stars, prizes and gifts, karaoke nights, dance competitions and many more.
The Lagos Countdown is the brainchild of the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola and organized by Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency, LASAA.
About STAR
For over a decade, STAR has been in the forefront of innovative offerings targeted at its teeming fans. It will be recalled that this year, STAR also launched a first of its kind multi dimensional music/lifestyle app, which aimed to revolutionize the entertainment industry to massive appeal.
The brand also launched the first limited edition beer bottle aptly titled The Rockstar this year.