The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has partnered with Sterling Bank to celebrate the 2023 World Tourism Day with a series of events and activities to mark the Day since the 27th September, 2023.
Speaking at a recent event held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka said the time has come to place value on what we have in Lagos because it is the only way Tourism can achieve its true potential in the State, noting that the country also needs tourism as an alternative source of revenue from oil.
Praising Sterling Bank for collaborating with the Lagos State Government in organising the events, the Commissioner averred that it is the responsibility of the Government to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and Lagos has been doing the needful and will continue to collaborate with the private sector for a Greater Lagos.
Speaking also at the event, the Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Sulaiman posited that we need to encourage ourselves and reawaken our curiosity, maintaining that it is time Nigerians change the narratives about Nigeria by promoting local culture, arts and tourism. In his words:
“The problem is our advocacy, we tell the world everything that is wrong with Nigeria but never tell them about the good things. There is only one way to make Lagos or Nigeria a top tourism destination and that is to come together to curate and say positive things about the country, talk about the culture, language, fashion and food among others”.
Also speaking at the event the Chairman of GAC Motors, Diane Jones commended the Lagos State Government for giving good brand promotion, noting that GAC Motors also supports zero carbon emissions like Lagos State and that its electric cars are on their way into the country. World Tourism Day is an annual global event established to cultivate and create global awareness of the significance of tourism.
Top Government officials and dignitaries present at the event include the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe; Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun and Veteran Actress Joke Silva amongst others.
