WTD 2024: LAGOS STATE GOVT STRENGTHENS TOURISM'S PART IN PROMOTING GLOBAL HARMONY

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The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has highlighted the critical role that tourism plays in fostering international harmony and understanding. She has also drawn attention to the industry’s special capacity to act as a catalyst for peace, bridging divides by bringing people from different backgrounds together.

At the World Tourism Day (WTD) celebration in Lagos, which was organized in collaboration with Sterling Bank at Muri Okunola Park on Victoria Island, Lagos, the Commissioner made this statement.

According to Benson-Awoyinka, the tourist industry’s cooperation with Sterling Bank is evidence of the importance of partnerships in fostering the expansion of this important industry.

She stated that the state wants to demonstrate how tourism can foster sustainable development while fostering human connection in order to reinforce the narrative that tourism is a means of achieving peace and reconciliation.

Speaking about the topic of the annual event this year, “Tourism and Peace,” the Commissioner pointed out that travelers from all over the world engage in an interchange that fosters friendship, tolerance, and respect for one another as they go to new places, meet new people, and experience a variety of cultures.

She clarified that this kind of cross-cultural exchange breaks down barriers and highlights humanity’s universal themes, promoting an idea of unanimity that knows no boundaries.

She claims that Lagos, a city that is a mingling pot of cultures and customs, is dedicated to using tourism as a tool for both economic growth and peacebuilding.

Accordingly, the Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to developing the tourism industry and highlighting the city’s rich cultural legacy, historical background, and active arts community.

She revealed that tourism in Lagos fosters mutual respect and understanding between tourists and residents, going beyond simple sightseeing.

In keeping with international efforts to create a more tolerant and peaceful world, Benson-Awoyinka consequently advised all stakeholders to seize the opportunity that tourism offers for promoting peace, mutual respect, and understanding across boundaries.

In a same spirit, Mr. Idris Aregbe, Special Advisor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, asserted that the theme of this year’s WTD coincides with Lagos’s significant infrastructural investments aimed at bolstering the city’s tourism sector.

He claimed that Lagos is establishing itself as a hub for both recreational and cultural tourism, with an added emphasis on peacebuilding, through the continuous repair of heritage sites, the development of cultural festivals, and eco-tourism.

The royal father, HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, CON, the Oniru of Iru-land, examined the significant connection between tourism and peace, particularly in the context of Lagos State, using examples from throughout the world.

According to Oba Lawal, tourism promotes cultural understanding, lowers conflict levels, and opens up economic prospects. Cultural events like the Ejiwa Elegba festival, which bring people from all over the world and bring communities together, serve as examples of this in the Iru Kingdom and help to promote peace.

With its rich cultural legacy and potential as a beachside city, he insisted Lagos has a lot of potential to use tourism to drive economic growth. He also added that in order to change the industry and foster long-lasting peace, thoughtful infrastructure investments and the encouragement of responsible tourism are crucial.

The Lagos State Government and Sterling Bank were complimented by the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, who was represented by Mrs. Jibike Teniola, Special Adviser on Policy, for their partnership in promoting tourism as an instrument for peace.

“Tourism is a bridge between people and culture. Nigeria, with over 250 ethnic groups, can use tourism to bring unity in diversity. The world, through tourism, fosters dialogue and collaboration. Tourism breaks down barriers”, the Minister said.

As a result, Ade-John urged the Ministry of Education to incorporate tourism and history into the curriculum.