It’s three days to the year 2017 and everyone is excited for different reasons.

Some can’t wait to get on the “New Year, New Me” bandwagon; some have already (mentally) noted their resolutions and are indulging themselves as much as possible before 2016 expires; some are just simply having fun in the spirit of the season, wining and dining with family and friends because it’s the holidays.

Whatever the case may be, there are 5 things that every Lagosian must do before this year runs out.

1.         Learn from the past and stay out of trouble

There’s a proverb that says, “do not look where you fell, but look where you slipped”. In order to forge ahead and not repeat mistakes, it is necessary to review what caused you to make errors in past times, otherwise you may repeat the same blunder.

In a cosmopolitan city like Lagos where there’s little tolerance for offenders and troublemakers, it’s of great importance that you get familiar with all laws, rules and cultural norms to avoid getting into trouble in the future.

2.         Eat, drink and be merry

This isn’t the time to be reclusive and sit home watching TV all day. Hang out with friends, attend weddings, visit your family members and distant relatives. Ensure that you’re happy all through this season. If you’re a workaholic, this is the period to chill a little, celebrate and be thankful for life, love and people.

3.         Act like a tourist

Lagos harbours 60% of Nigeria’s total industrial investment and foreign trade while also attracting 65% of the country’s commercial activities. This is part of why Lagos is the focal point of tourism in Nigeria. If foreigners enjoy coming to Lagos, why shouldn’t its residents? This is the best time to relax and see the state from another point of view.

Take time out to visit tourist attractions such as Lekki Conservation Centre, Epe Recreational Centre, National Museum at Onikan, Muson Centre, Freedom Park, Tarkwa Bay, Afrika Shrine, Badagry, La Campaigne Tropicana, and many more, then you’ll see that Lagos is truly a beautiful place.

4.         Start making plans on how to make money for the year

What’s life in Lagos without money to spend? Of course you need money to get the best things out of life. Better to have business and investment plans and budgets mapped out before the new year. This is a strategic move to help you go through 2017 conscious of how much you’re spending and how much you’re investing. You can never go wrong preparing.

Be wary of the saying, “Money made in Lagos, must always finish in Lagos”, because smart Lagosians still manage to save well, invest well and double their money by doubling their hustles.

5.         CELEBRATE!

What better way is there to show gratitude for life than to celebrate and party with loved ones? Thankfully, the biggest crossover celebration in Nigeria, One Lagos Fiesta is currently holding in Lagos. The event is an eight-day long series of concerts and festivals featuring top Nigerian artistes and performers of all genres, as well as a platform for young up and coming talents. What makes this fiesta even better is that entry for everyone – adults and children – is free!

This 2016, One Lagos Fiesta began on Christmas Eve and ends on New Year’s Day. So far, the event has featured music veterans such as Salawa Abeni, Sir Shina Peters, Adewale Ayuba, and top new-school Nigerian artistes M.I, Phyno, Reminisce, Aramide, Humblesmith, Jaywon, Niniola, Kolasoul, DJ Spinall, DJ Lambo and more.

For residents and visitors to Lagos, one of Africa’s mega cities, there seems to be no need to travel far for fun or to have a good time. There’s no doubt that the city of aquatic splendour is the place to be this season!