The Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to make the State a 21st Century economy that is livable, peaceful, business-friendly, secured and attractive to tourists.
This disclosure was made by His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu while delivering the keynote address on the theme ‘Driving Sustainable Tourism Through Governance, Policy and Infrastructure’ at the 2019 Tourism and Hospitality Forum organized by the Institute of Directors held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island.
According to the Governor who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Shuli Adebolu, his administration is fully committed to showing Lagos to the world while also creating the right environment through infrastructure and policymaking and by incentivizing investments aimed at fully exploiting the tourism potentials of the State.
The Governor said his administration is determined to expand the State’s tourism agenda to attract tourists from all over the world “…every year, Paris and other cities see inflows of billions of dollars in tourism revenues spent on hotels, food, transportation, events and so on”
He said through tourism, a lot of jobs would be created, new businesses will spring up to cater for visitors, existing businesses will find opportunities for growth, and substantial economic value would be created.
Sanwo – Olu said, for the State to assert her place and influence in the 21st-century world, the security of lives and properties must be guaranteed, as tourists must be able to feel safe enough to visit and spend time. That is why his administration is investing massively on security and counting on the support of the private sector through their contributions to the Lagos State Trust Fund [LSSTF].
Other administration’s key focus area to include the provision of infrastructural development and efficient and functional transportation system via the waterways and rails.
The Governor applauded the Federal Government on-going rail project connecting Apapa to Lagos Mainland and link to Ogun and Oyo States. He said this will further complement the efforts of the State in providing the infrastructural needs that would promote the tourism sector. He also welcomes the private sector collaboration in this regard.
The Governor appealed to the residents to cooperate with the Government by obeying law and order, ensuring proper waste disposal of our refusal to comply with traffic rules. This would enable the dream of making Lagos a tourism hotspot.
His Excellency harped on the power of narratives, he averred that all of us must elevate the positive stories about the state, her people, the energy and hustle, food, unique fashion styles, music, films, festivals, the lagoon and beaches and the incredible history built up over the centuries.