The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture in Lagos State, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has stressed the need to preserve cultural heritage and indigenous traditions as essential pillars for sustainable tourism development and the global identity of Lagos.
Speaking at the Eko Africa Legacy Summit, the commissioner said culture remains one of the strongest assets for positioning the state as a leading tourism and creative destination in Africa.
The Commissioner made this known while speaking at a panel session titled “Culture as Foundation for Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism”, during the Eko Africa Legacy Summit held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, on Friday, 15th May, 2026.
The summit, themed: “Let’s Reimagine the Future of Culture in African Hospitality, Tourism and Travel”, organised to commemorate five decades of Eko Hotels and Suites’ contributions to the hospitality and tourism industry, brought together stakeholders across the tourism, hospitality, cultural, and creative sectors to discuss the future of tourism development in Africa.
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Speaking during the session, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka stressed that preserving Lagos State’s heritage and cultural identity remains essential to sustaining its tourism appeal and historical relevance.
“It is important to maintain the heritage and culture of Lagos State. Without the protection of our cultural heritage, we are lost,” she stated.
The Commissioner noted that Lagos possesses enormous cultural and tourism assets, ranging from the historic slave trade heritage sites in Badagry to the state’s thriving contemporary arts, entertainment, music, fashion, and creative industries, all of which continue to position Lagos as a leading tourism destination in Africa.
She further disclosed that the Lagos State Government is intensifying efforts to boost tourism development in Badagry through strategic infrastructure and hospitality investments, including plans to encourage the development of hotels along the coastline of the historic town.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka referenced the recent working tour undertaken by Lagos State Government officials to Cotonou and Ouidah in the Republic of Benin, where the delegation understudied heritage tourism models, cultural preservation strategies, and global best practices in tourism experiences.
According to her, the State Government has continued to make significant investments in tourism, entertainment, arts, and culture, while also exploring opportunities to strengthen the hospitality sector as part of broader efforts to expand the tourism value chain.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to policies, collaborations, and strategic partnerships aimed at preserving cultural assets, promoting heritage tourism, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
The Commissioner added that the State Government would continue to work closely with private sector partners and development stakeholders to elevate cultural experiences to global standards and further strengthen Lagos’ position as Africa’s leading tourism, entertainment, and creative hub.
She appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the support given to the sector.
The panel session featured tourism and hospitality experts, cultural practitioners, investors, and private sector stakeholders who examined strategies for positioning culture as a key driver of sustainable tourism growth in Lagos State and across the African continent.
Some of the panellists include Managing Director, Voo Folly Hospitality, Mr Chike Ogeah; Travel Business Consultant, Mr. Ikechi Uko; General Manager, Eko Hotels and Suites, Mr Danny Kioupourogiou; Regional Integration Coordinator, Nigeria Country Department, African Development Bank, Ms. Omotere Omoluabi-Davies, and Moderator, Mr. Ayodele Adio.
