October 01, (THEWILL) – “Tourism serves as a powerful tool for promoting peace – not only through economic development, but by creating opportunities for cultural exchange and fostering mutual understanding.”
Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, disclosed this on Friday, while addressing the theme: ‘Tourism & Peace’ at this year’s World Tourism Day (WTD), in Victoria Island, Lagos.
“We are also concerned about collaboration with governments, organisations, and individuals in promoting tourism initiative that support peace-building efforts.”
Also, she emphasised educating and informing people about the integral role tourism plays in fostering peace, understanding and global cooperation.
The event, which was organised by Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and Sterling Bank PLC, attracted monarchs, captains of industries, top government executives, tourists, arts vendors and the public.
“Our partnership with Sterling Bank emanates given the long-term commitment of the bank to sustainable development, and its support for initiatives that leverage tourism’s potential to create peaceful and prosperous communities”, she added.
Executive Director, Sterling Bank PLC, Mr Tunde Adeola, appreciated the Lagos State Government and stakeholders for providing enabling environment to boost peace and tourism through some policies and programmes.
“As frontliner Tourism Bank, we have amazing and flexible products for clients to meet their designs taste for tourism destinations.”
Adeola added that some of the objectives include the launch upgraded website and highlighting other Sterling financial and sustainability products within the group and Bank at large, positioning Sterling Bank as a champion of tourism and peace.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Abisogun II Oniru of lru), in his lead experts presentation, took the audience through the history of lru kingdom, different private beaches project, Lekki and revenues generated from tourism attractions, employment generation for youth, indigenes and citizens.
He also emphasised that both local and foreign tourism destinations make fortune and huge finances from these beautiful tourists attractions yearly.
Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal appealed to the government and Nigerians, to ensure that adequate security and peace should be in their spaces, environment and communities, especially where they have favourite tourist’s sites for adequate safety.
Another Speaker, His Royal Majesty, Aro of lkate Elegushi, Chief Ganiyu Olalekan Bakare, spoke on Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 14- Life below water, how his organisation protects animals in the sea and coastal environment.
In line with SDGs 16 partnership for the Goals, we shall partner with Century at Elegushi Beach, where marine animals would be seen, cared for and preserved for education and research.
According to him, Lekan Bakare Foundation also educates students on protection of sea animals and creatures and gives scholarships to students in higher institutions.
Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, CEO Adire Hub, urged audience to promote Adire, other African fashion and fabrics.
Chief Nike Okundaye, owner and curator, Nike Art Gallery, pointed out Africans should wear and showcase the rich and prestigious fashion designs and accessories like South Koreans do. She added that organisations and banks should support the arts industry more.
Moreover, the panel session titled Tourism and Peace: its Relevance to Nation building. They discussed on all areas of music local fashion, food, culture, nightclub and security and safety, employment generation, tourism income generation.
The interactive panel discussion on the theme, “Tourism and Peace,” where industry leaders delve into the connections between tourism, peace-building, and economic growth.
Among the panellists were Ms Abiola Adeola, Head. Tourism and Creative Arts Business, Sterling Bank; Mr Chike Ogeah, MD Mac folly, Lagos Marriot Hotel, Ms Damilola Ayinde Marshal, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos on Tourism, Arts and Culture. Mr Nkechi Uko, Chief Executive Officer, Akwaaba Africa Travel market, Ms Biola Sokenu, Group Executive Director, Nile media entertainment, Ms Banke Kuku, Creative & Entrepreneur and Moderator-Mr Oluwaseyi Adegoke.
The World Tourism Day is an annual global event established to cultivate and create global awareness on the significance of Tourism, its social, political, financial and also cultural worth and value.
The annual event plays vital role of tourism in fostering peace, unity, and cultural understanding across the globe.
The activities, vendor exhibitions, and a vibrant showcase of traditional music and cultural displays that will highlight the rich heritage of Lagos and Nigerian culture.
Attendees had the chance to explore local vendor stalls offering arts products and cuisine, alongside live performances of traditional music and Lagos Cultural Dance troupe, Tayo Konga were ice breakers, reflecting the cultural diversity of Lagos. Life music performance by ace musician, 9ice and Artiste Gberiola.
Other goodwill messages from Hon Minister Lola Ade-John, Joke Silva, veteran Nigerian actress, director and business woman, among others, Mojibade Shosanya and Ali Baba were masters of ceremony of event.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
