Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka
Lagos committed to using tourism to drive economy, foster peace, says Commissioner
[By VICTOR NZE]
Lagos Government has restarted its commitment towards using tourism as a tool to forster peace and drive its economy.
Making the disclosure, Friday, during this year’s World Tourism Day (WTD) celebration in Lagos, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, further urged the private sector to leverage on the industry in order to promote peace and unity in the country.
The WTD, as recognised by the United Nations (UN), is commemorated annually on September 27 across the world by countries, with the theme for this year’s edition being; ‘Tourism and Peace.’.
The event in Lagos which held at the Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, featured interactive panel discussions on the theme ‘Tourism and Peace,’ as selected industry stakeholders discussed connections between tourism, peace-building, and economic growth.
Exhibition stands also displayed artisanal products and cuisine, alongside live performances of traditional music, reflecting the cultural diversity of Lagos, and Nigeria.
This year, Lagos Government organised the event in collaboration with the Sterling Bank Plc, which was made free for attendees at the park venue.
Speaking in her welcome address, the commissioner Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka underscored the powerful role tourism portends as a catalyst for fostering peace, adding that the Lagos Government has also recognised this and is committed to using the sector as a tool to achieving target goals in the state.
“The tourism sector serves as a powerful catalyst for fostering peace. As visitors from around the world explore different lands, meet new people, and experience diverse cultures, they engage in an exchange that promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and friendship. It is this spirit of shared humanity that can turn tourism into an engine for peace and reconciliation, as it opens hearts and minds to new ways of thinking, living, and coexisting.
“In Lagos, we are not only committed to promoting tourism as an economic driver, but also as a tool for fostering peace.”
Describing the theme for this year’s celebration as ‘timely and significant,’ the commissioner enjoined private sector operators to reflect on how tourism, beyond being a tool for economic development, serves as a bridge for peace, understanding, and unity among people and nations.
According to Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos as a dynamic hub of culture and commerce, understands the power of tourism in building not only an inclusive society but a peaceful one.
“Today, as we mark this global event, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that tourism remains a force for good in our society.
“Looking ahead, we are excited about the future of tourism in Lagos. We are constantly exploring innovative ways to make tourism more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful. Through our continued efforts, Lagos will not only remain a key player in the global tourism landscape but will also stand as a city that exemplifies how tourism can promote peace.
“As we engage in today’s discussions, exhibitions, and cultural displays, let us remind ourselves of the vital role we all play in using tourism as a means to bring peace to our communities and our world,” the commissioner stated.
On the tourism ministry’s decision to partner with Sterling Bank for the WTD celebrations, the commissioner explained that it was informed by the latter’s ‘long term commitment to sustainable development.’
She, however, praised the collaboration with Sterling Bank as a testament to the power of partnerships in driving the growth of the tourism sector.
The commissioner explained that with the joint effort, the state hopes to strengthen the narrative of tourism as a path to peace and reconciliation, demonstrating how tourism can create opportunities for sustainable development while bringing people closer together.
“I would like to once again thank Sterling Bank for their unwavering support and commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. I would also like to thank everyone here today for your contributions to the tourism sector in Lagos.
“Our partnership with Sterling Bank emanates given the long term commitment of the bank to sustainable development, and its support for initiatives that leverage tourism’s potential to create peaceful and prosperous communities”, she added.
