September 21, (THEWILL) – The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank Plc, Abubakar Suleiman, has urged the Lagos State Government to adopt the business angle of tourism investment, saying such development would foster growth within the related arts and culture sectors.
Suleiman spoke on Wednesday while expressing satisfaction over the tour of culture and tourism sites in the Onikan area of Lagos, organised by the State Government.
The Sterling Bank CEO said the business angle is crucial considering the numerous wealthy attractions embedded in the state.
This, he said, requires sufficient resources to invest in the creative industry, noting that investing in tourism destinations will attract visitors from around the world, thus increasing the state’s revenue.
Suleiman, who said the tour showcased hidden wealth and history, said such can address the issues of unemployment and promote the state and the country in general, adding that the bank is “actively seeking investment opportunities in the tourism sector”.
While encouraging government officials to strategise and build more healthy partnerships and collaboration across sectors, he stressed that arts and culture spaces are interconnected with shared objectives and history.
“The objective is for everyone to be in the room. It is a story. The story must have a beginning, middle and end,” he noted.
He emphasised the need for the State Government to build more collaboration with stakeholders on a proper and organised approach, saying it would maximise the state’s tourism potential and grow the economy.
“We support tourism growth, hospitality, hotels, transport, museums, and monuments, ensuring preservation for future generations and enjoyment, while also collaborating with museums and monuments,” Suleiman added.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
