The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has said it is creating an enabling environment for the business of tourism to thrive in the State, just as the officials of the State Government and Sterling Bank embark on a tour of Tourism assets across Lagos.
The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, speaking during the tour, highlighted the need for Lagos to tell its own story and showcase its rich culture and heritage
According to her, the Lagos State Government has created an enabling environment for tourism businesses to thrive, but the Government cannot run the tourism business alone, which is why Sterling Bank is partnering with the Ministry to improve the tourism space. She informed all that the tour was to showcase what can be done on a normal day in Lagos, as the State is about life, work and play.
Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka posited that the government is committed to creating an environment that allows tourism businesses to flourish, and Sterling Bank is on board to support this initiative. “The handshake between the Federal and the State Government is very very vital and the Director General of the National Museums and the Managing Director of Sterling Bank is representing the Private Sector”, she said
On his part, the Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman emphasised the importance of investing in tourism to raise standards and attract visitors from around the world.
Suleiman said, “It’s when you have invested that you can raise a standard and encourage people from all over the world to come to see these beautiful iconic sites, culture and tradition of the people”.
The Managing Director also linked the Lagos tourism assets to a credible wealth of history hidden on the ground waiting to be optimised
while there are also a lot of opportunities for job creation in addition to projecting Lagos State and Nigeria in the right light.
He further disclosed that Sterling Bank is partnering with the Lagos State Government because the present administration has created the space for them to thrive. He pledged that the bank will continue to assist financially those trying to grow tourism in the State and Country, adding that there are plans to invest in the hospitality business and transportation that connects the growth of the tourism businesses.
He stated that the Lagos State Government and Sterling Bank are working together to preserve the state’s museums and monuments for future generations to enjoy.
He added that the collaboration between the public and private sectors is a vital step towards promoting Lagos as a tourist destination and showcasing its unique culture and heritage to the world. With the government’s support and Sterling Bank’s investment, the tourism sector in Lagos is set to thrive.
On his part, Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr. Olugbile Holloway called for greater collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments to develop the tourism potential of the State.
Holloway said, “The national museum itself is a national monument. We have artefacts as far back as the 15th century. These artefacts tell you not just the Lagos State story but the story about Nigeria”.
“By partnering with Lagos State, we can make the National Museum a tourist destination in a wider ecosystem for cultural tourism. Onikan itself is a cultural hub. Today, we went to the Onikan House, we went to the National Museum, to the Randle Centre here, this in itself can make a tourist hub and by working with the Lagos State government and incorporating the National Museum.
“Gone are the days when we say this is state, this is federal. As far as visitors are concerned, they don’t have any business with the state or federal government; they just want to come and immerse themselves with the people’s culture”, he added.
The tourism sites visited during the tour included Loving Lagos Museum at Onikan, The National Museums, J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History and Freedom Park, all located at the Onikan axis of Lagos – Island
