The Lagos State IBILE Youth Ambassadors have paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as part of efforts to strengthen youth engagement and cultural awareness.
Eko Hot News reports that the delegation was received at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja, by the Permanent Secretary, Princess Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, alongside members of the management team.
The visit was aimed at helping the ambassadors gain deeper understanding of the Ministry’s activities, responsibilities and contributions to tourism and cultural development in Lagos State.
Speaking during the meeting, Princess Oyekan-Ismaila commended the ambassadors for their dedication to leadership, youth participation and community development across the five divisions of Lagos State.
She emphasized the importance of inclusiveness, equal representation and active youth involvement in governance and social development.
According to her, young people remain vital stakeholders in shaping the future growth and progress of Lagos State.
The Permanent Secretary explained that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture plays a major role in promoting tourism attractions, preserving cultural heritage and supporting the creative industry.
She encouraged the ambassadors to continually develop leadership skills and acquire relevant knowledge that would make them effective representatives of their communities.
Princess Oyekan-Ismaila urged the youth ambassadors to project the rich cultural heritage and tourism potential of Lagos State at all times.
She stressed that ambassadors of the IBILE Youth Academy must remain informed, disciplined and exemplary in leadership and public conduct.
The Permanent Secretary further noted that tourism can only thrive in an environment of peace, security and good governance.
She added that cultural festivals, entertainment and creative arts remain important drivers of tourism and economic development.
Princess Oyekan-Ismaila also highlighted some agencies supervised by the Ministry, including the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board.
According to her, both agencies continue to contribute significantly to the development of Lagos State’s creative ecosystem.
She also mentioned major tourism and heritage sites in the state, including the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History and the Badagry Heritage Museum.
The Permanent Secretary encouraged the ambassadors to promote peace, unity and positive values within their communities.
She advised young people to avoid hooliganism, violence and social unrest while supporting government programmes focused on empowerment and sustainable development.
Princess Oyekan-Ismaila further hinted at plans to organise competitions among the five divisions of Lagos State to encourage healthy engagement among youths.
She assured the ambassadors that they would be invited to future tourism and cultural activities organised by the Ministry.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Adetomiwa Banuso from Epe Division appreciated the Ministry for the warm reception and insightful discussion.
He commended the Permanent Secretary and members of staff for sharing valuable knowledge on tourism, culture and youth development.
The delegation was accompanied by Miss Okeke Patient and Miss Odofin Bukola from the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
Stakeholders at the meeting described the engagement as an important step toward strengthening youth participation in cultural and developmental activities across Lagos State.
The visit also reinforced the government’s commitment to youth inclusion, leadership development and cultural preservation.
