The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has engaged major players in the tourism and hospitality industry to ensure a safe, seamless, and enjoyable festive season for residents and visitors.
Eko Hot News reports that the engagement session, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, brought together hoteliers, event planners, entertainment operators, and security agencies. Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to strong collaboration as Lagos prepares for heightened activities in December.
She noted that Lagos, widely regarded as Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment capital, continues to expand its tourism infrastructure. According to her, these opportunities can only be maximised through sustained partnerships and a collective drive toward excellence.
Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Unlocking the Potentials and Opportunities of Lagos Tourism: Collaboration and Partnership for a Greater Lagos,” Benson-Awoyinka said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is working to build a resilient and innovative tourism ecosystem capable of delivering long-term economic value.
Permanent Secretary, Mrs. ’Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, delivered the vote of thanks, commending stakeholders for their contributions. She noted that the engagement produced actionable recommendations to enhance collaboration, boost service delivery, and accelerate growth in Lagos’ tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and creative sectors. She also praised Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat for their continued support.
On safety preparations for the festive season, Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, represented by Mrs Olubunmi Jegede, reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors. He outlined mandatory safety requirements for event organisers, including trained safety marshals, functional ambulances, fire-fighting equipment, and clearly marked emergency exits. He added that safety audits, tourism safety marshals, and intensified public awareness campaigns will be rolled out statewide.
A major highlight of the session was a panel discussion titled “December in Lagos and Beyond: Expanding Seasonal Tourism into Year-Round Impact.” Moderated by Toyosi Etim-Effiong, the panel featured industry leaders including Keke Hammond, Dare Art Alade, Bizzle Osikoya, and Adebayo Ayoade. The session examined strategies for converting Lagos’ vibrant December tourism boom into sustained year-round economic growth for the creative and hospitality sectors.
