The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharm Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf has urged youths and stakeholders in the sector to take advantage of the various tourism programmes put in place by the government to promote and market the Lagos as a tourism destination.
The commissioner said the government has in the last few years engaged in massive infrastructural drive to make the state endearing to the indigenes and tourists who want to explore Lagos.
Akinbile-Yusuf who led members of the state’s House of Assembly and key tourism Stakeholders on a tour of some iconic sites in Lagos, while speaking at the famous Nike Art Gallery shortly after arriving from Badagry said the decision to embarked on the tour with tour operators and other stakeholders was for them to be able to market Lagos as a destination for tourism both locally and internationally.
She stated that a lot of opportunities abound in the tourism sector which can be explored by youths to generate income.
She said: “We been to Ikeja division, we have been to Badagry, yesterday we took part of the Lagos Island division and now we are at Nike Art Gallery before going to Epe division and terminate at Ikorodu division. I want to appreciate everybody that has been on this journey and we know the reason why we embarked on this journey. The main reason we embarked on this journey is for us to be able to market Lagos as a destination for tourism both locally and internationally. So for the youth out there, there are a lot of opportunities and potentials that abound in the tourism sector.
“So, I want you to come on board and join this beautiful dream that is coming to reality. The Masterplan has been presented, the Community Based Tourism (CBT), is ongoing and now we are getting a lot of products that we are going to be marketing. So we have seen all the assets that the government has provided for us to market. When you have your tourists, you know the nice lovely places you can take them to across the city. In the past you might not know but with this tour you are now aware of a lot of activities that the Lagos State government has put in place for you to tap into.
“So with all that the government has put in place and all that you have seen during this tour, we believe you can better promote and market Lagos as a destination for tourism. I believe in another few years we should have more people taking tourism as a means of livelihood. Presently we are at Nike Art Gallery which is one of the most valuable assets we have in tourism in Lagos.”
Also, speaking managing Director, Nike Art Gallery, Nike Okundaye noted that the gallery has over 35,000 art piece that tourists serve as an attraction tourists adding that the art house one of the major attraction in the state.
She urged tour operators to be hospitable to tourists and ensure that they are treated with Nigerian delicacies and locally made drinks to promote Nigerian culture.
