LAGOS GOVT ENHANCES INTERNATIONAL TIES TO TRANSFORM TOURISM SECTOR – COMMISSIONER
Read Time:2 Minute, 13 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
More than ever before, Lagos State, in recent times, is emerging as a powerful voice and destination of choice through various international partnerships, cultural diplomacy, and presence on world tourism platforms.
This was revealed by the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka while addressing members of the Press at the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing commemorating the sixth year in office of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Alausa, Ikeja on Wednesday.
She said with strategic collaborations and groundbreaking engagements, the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is working relentlessly to ensure that the city not only attracts global visitors but also offers a world-class experience that is seamless, enriching, and memorable.
She recalled that earlier this year, the Ministry took a pivotal step in improving international tourism experiences by engaging directly with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) towards easing entry procedures for tourists arriving through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
This move, she said, is expected to significantly enhance the ease of travel for tourists and business travellers, ensuring a more welcoming and efficient experience upon arrival in Lagos.
Benson-Awoyinka added that Lagos continues to gain recognition on the international stage, referencing a recent visit to San Francisco, California, where she was honoured with a Special Recognition Award for leadership in promoting cultural exchange and tourism development.
The Commissioner also added that Lagos’s role as a key player in global cultural events was further cemented by its hosting of the Global Citizen Festival in late 2024, featuring a historic live performance by Grammy award-winning artist John Legend.
She also noted that the Ministry initiated a strategic partnership with BBC Studios to empower local storytellers with global exposure and co-production opportunities, ultimately ensuring that the world sees Lagos through the lens of its own people.
“Our participation at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London in November 2024 was another significant milestone.
Further evidence of Lagos’s cultural diplomacy was the official visit of Crowned Princess Victoria of Sweden to the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. Similarly, a high-level American delegation visited the Centre, sparking conversations on cultural preservation and investment in creative infrastructure.”
These strategic moves, according to the Commissioner, underscore the government’s unwavering mission to make Lagos not just a tourist destination but a global experience, rich in culture, powered by innovation, and driven by the warmth and creativity of its people.
She promised to ensure that Lagos continues to shine on the world stage, welcoming visitors from across the globe with open arms and sharing the powerful story of who we are.
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