Lagos Tourism Ministry in new partnership with association of Tourism writers

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has declared its readiness to unlock its huge tourism potential as it renews its partnership with the travel and tourism media.

The newly-appointed commissioner of the sector, Mrs. Shuli Adebolu, made the pledge while receiving members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), who had paid a courtesy call to her office in Lagos. She also said that it is now ‘a new dawn for tourism and people of the state,’ as she reached an agreement with the travel writers, urging them ‘to work with her ministry in achieving the new mandate.’

Also on hand to receive the ANJET members at the Alausa Secretariat office, was the Special Adviser to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Arts and Culture, Bonu Solomon Saanu.

“My mandate from Governor Sanwo – Olu, is very clear and it is to ensure that we achieve success in making Lagos the number one tourism and entertainment centre of the world. Therefore, it is now a new dawn for tourism in Lagos in terms of driving development and we are prepared to turn things inside and outside,’’ the commissioner said.

While disclosing that tourism is the next revenue base of the state, the vision, according to her, remains making Lagos to be the top tourists’ destination in the world.

The commissioner, therefore, called on members of ANJET to partner with her in achieving this goal, as ‘the role of the media is very crucial, especially that of the travel and tourism writers’ She said.

“ANJET is essential in putting the state on the global tourism map and earning her visibility, hence the need to collaborate with the body in the discharge of her mandate. My office is open to them. We are also set to unveil the agenda of the tourism and culture ministry in the coming days,” .

As part of this partnership, the commissioner pledged the support of the ministry towards the successful hosting of the tourism seminar, which is scheduled to hold on October 8 at Eko Hotel and Suites, while accepting to grace the event as special guest of honour.

Achieving the state’s mandate on tourism

Earlier, leader of the ANJET delegation and president, Mr Andrew Okungbowa, congratulated the commissioner on her appointment and pledged the commitment of the association in working with her office towards achieving the state government’s mandate and vision on tourism.

This is also as the delegation expressed gratitude to the commissioner for hosting them, even as they promised to play their role in ensuring the success of the newly-forged partnership, which, according to Okungbowa, will be ‘taken with all seriousness.’

The group, therefore, tasked the commissioner to live up to her promises and move with a high sense of urgency and responsibility as the ‘job ahead is challenging but not insurmountable.’

Emmanuel Ukoh