Lagos Tourism Boost: Major partnership announced ahead World Tourism Day
Benson-Awoyinka and others
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday announced a strategic collaboration with the Federal Government and the private sector to enhance tourism in the region.
The initiative was revealed by Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, during an inspection tour of prominent tourist sites across Lagos.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka visited several key attractions, including the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Loving Lagos Onikan, the National Museum, and Freedom Park.
During her address, she highlighted Lagos’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
“Lagos is a vibrant city brimming with history and heritage,” said Benson-Awoyinka.
“Our aim today is to showcase Lagos’ tourism potential, highlight our cultural heritage, and ensure that our history is represented accurately. We want to demonstrate to our children and to the world that Lagos has a wealth of cultural and historical treasures that we don’t need to seek elsewhere.”
Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director of Sterling Bank, announced that his bank would provide funding to support investments in Lagos’s tourism sector.
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Suleiman emphasized that tourism should be seen as a business opportunity that requires significant investment to meet international standards and attract global tourists.
“Tourism is a business that needs substantial investment to grow and thrive,” said Suleiman.
“By investing in our tourism and cultural industries, we can enhance our global appeal and create job opportunities. The wealth of history and potential for business and cultural promotion is immense, and we aim to leverage this for Lagos and Nigeria.”
Mr. Olugbile Holloway, Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments Nigeria, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to elevate Lagos and Nigeria’s global standing.
He noted the importance of retelling Nigeria’s historical narratives, especially to younger generations who may be unfamiliar with the country’s tourism heritage.
“The National Museum holds artefacts dating back to the 15th century, which tell the story of Lagos and Nigeria,” Holloway remarked.
“Our partnership with Lagos State aims to make the National Museum a prominent tourist destination and integrate it into a broader cultural tourism ecosystem. By working together, we can create a unified tourist experience that transcends state and federal boundaries.”
This collaborative effort is timed with World Tourism Day, which will be celebrated on Friday, September 27, with the theme “Tourism and Green Investment.”
