…Officials seek to showcase State’s rich cultural heritage, unlock tourism potential
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has joined forces with the Federal Government and Sterling Bank to develop a comprehensive plan to leverage the state’s vast tourism opportunities.
This collaboration was unveiled during a recent tour of key cultural sites on Lagos Island.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka alongside Abubakar Sulaiman, Managing Director of Sterling Bank, and Olugbile Hollowey, Director-General of the National Museum, visited several significant locations, including Onikan House, the National Museum, the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, and Freedom Park.
Addressing the media after the tour on Wednesday, Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka emphasised the rich history and heritage of Lagos, stating, “Lagos is a huge city filled with so much history and so much heritage, the untold story of Lagos.”
She expressed the need to promote the state’s tourism potential and engage Lagosians in appreciating their culture.
She further noted, “This tour showcases what you can do in Lagos on a normal day. Lagos is about life, work, and play, and that’s what we are here to demonstrate.”
The commissioner highlighted the critical role of government in creating an enabling environment for businesses to foster tourism, acknowledging Sterling Bank’s involvement in enhancing these sites.
Abubakar Sulaiman of Sterling Bank echoed her sentiments, stating, “We must remind ourselves that tourism is also a business. The way you grow tourism, arts, and culture is by ensuring there are enough resources to invest.”
He emphasised the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to raise standards and attract international interest in Lagos’ tourism sector.
Olugbile Hollowey, the MD of the National Museum, pointed out the need to retell Nigeria’s stories through a cultural lens, adding that the national museum houses artifacts dating back to the 15th century.
“This partnership with Lagos State can transform the national museum into a premier tourist destination,” he said, indicating a future where cultural tourism is integral to the state’s strategy.