… As Commissioner Highlights Vision for All-Season Destination at National Tourism Summit

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to building a sustainable, all-year-round tourism ecosystem that transcends the popular “Detty December” festivities.

She made this known on Thursday at the First National Tourism Summit, convened by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, in partnership with Koko Beach Hotels and Resorts and supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Speaking at the summit held at Koko Beach Hotels and Resorts in the Ibeshe/Ikaare Beach Area of Lagos, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka stated that the Ministry is actively raising awareness of Lagos’ vast tourism potential both locally and internationally.

She commended attendees for overcoming their initial fears of water travel to explore the Lagos coastline, adding that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has deliberately positioned tourism as a key pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus development agenda.

“Tourism is no longer a seasonal affair in Lagos. We are building a city-state that welcomes visitors all year round. From the Fanti Carnival to the Boat Regatta, The Headies, AMVCA, and our December entertainment season capped by the Greater Lagos Countdown, Lagos is fast becoming a global destination,” she remarked.

Benson-Awoyinka assured stakeholders of the government’s continued support through improved security, infrastructure, and traffic management, particularly during peak tourism periods. “We want tourism to become what oil is to Nigeria – a major source of revenue and job creation,” she emphasised.

She also pledged the State Government’s full support for ongoing collaborations with beach investors and tourism enterprises aimed at driving innovation, investment, and employment within the sector.