September 29, (THEWILL) – The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Honourable Idris Aregbe, has reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to making the state one of the top 10 tourism hubs globally, noting the importance of love, cooperation, and understanding among African people.
Speaking at an event organised by the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), South West Zone, and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in commemoration of the 2024 World Tourism Day (WTD) at the National Theatre on Saturday, Aregbe stressed the role of tourism in sustaining the economy and the administration’s readiness to grow Lagos State tourism to compete with its counterparts across the globe.
Aregbe, who underscored the importance of the 2024 WTD celebration in Nigeria under the theme “Tourism and Peace”, also highlighted the growth of the creative industry and plans to engage more people in the sector.
The Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Omolola Essien, advised residents of Lagos and Nigerians in general to maximise opportunities provided by the country’s rich and diverse cultural content for revenue generation.
Speaking, the President of NATOP, Bolaji Mustapha, appreciated the Chairman for promoting tourism. Mustapha, who is also the founder of Grand Express Tour Centre (GET), equally appreciated tour operators and executive members for their support in promoting Nigeria to Nigerians.
She gave credence to Legacy 1995 for their support in growing tourism, adding that it is a privilege and “we appreciate the acceptance”. She also applauded the tour operators, particularly the executive members, for being supportive.
Anago Osho, the Vice President of NATOP, South-West Zone, also expressed appreciation for the Chairperson’s efforts in promoting the growth of tourism in Lagos.
The former Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, Honourable Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, said she was delighted to be part of NATOP which is actively promoting tourism and enhancing hidden gems to boost the state’s GDP. “I am so happy to be among my people. These are the people that have been pushing tourism forward,” she said.
Amb. Nneka Moses, Co-Founder of Goge Africa, emphasised the rich cultural diversity in Lagos and the potential for tourism growth. She appreciated the Chairman’s support and Legacy 1995 for growing tourism as well as tour operators for their support. Goge also invited participants to the 25th anniversary of Goge Africa and encouraged travel consultants to project Nigeria to the world.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Creative Naija, Frank Meke, also applauded the local government’s support in tourism growth.
Partners and sponsors, including Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Legacy 1995, Mainland Local Government, Fly Zone, GETCentre, POP Central TV, Goge Africa, and Living Lagos, among others, were at the event.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
