Lagos: UN Tourism, the global apex body for tourism, and Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) are set to establish a tourism academy in Lagos. The initiative aims to jointly promote Lagos as Africa’s premier tourism hub.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the decision was reached during a roundtable in Lagos involving both organizations. This initiative aligns with ETF’s objectives, which include showcasing the tourism opportunities available in Lagos State. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture and Chairman of ETF’s Board of Trustees and Governing Council, led the foundation’s delegation to the meeting.
Mr Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, emphasized that Lagos possesses all the necessary elements to become Africa’s tourism hub, including its vibrant fashion, music, festivals, gastronomy, and nightlife. He pledged collaboration with ETF to develop MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure in Lagos and accepted an invitation to serve as the Patron and honorary member of the foundation in recognition of his contributions to sustainable tourism development.
Earlier, Mohammed addressed the visiting UN delegation, asserting that Nigeria’s insecurity issues were overstated. He highlighted tourists’ regrets over believing negative narratives about Nigeria and cited ‘Detty December’, a cultural phenomenon, as evidence of Lagos’s vibrancy and appeal as a preferred destination. He stressed the need for purpose-built event centers and related facilities to support Lagos’s dynamic entertainment and creative industries, noting that more than 20,000 events are held in the city monthly.
Mohammed further explained that the Eko Tourism Foundation was established to foster collaboration between government and private sectors in Nigeria’s tourism industry. It aims to be a partner of choice for both local and international stakeholders in marketing Destination Lagos and, by extension, Destination Nigeria as drivers of sustainable socio-economic development.
Other members of the ETF delegation included Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Dr Tunde Lawrenson, Mr Karl Hala, Ms. Abiola Adelana, and Ms. Sharon Ashinze. The UN Tourism Secretary-General was accompanied by Elcia Grandcourt, Shirin El Tayan, and Kojo Bentum-Williams.
