Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has assured residents of the state that his administration is putting in place strategies to develop the tourism and hospitality potentials available in the five administrative divisions of the State.
Ambode stated this recently at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, during the second festival colloquium organized by the Ikeja Division planning committee for the “Lagos @ 50” celebrations, canvassing for the development of the hidden culture and heritage of Lagos State.
The Governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Housing, Mrs Aramide Giwanson, said the forthcoming celebration is certainly not about glamour or razzmatazz, but to elevate and promote the rich potential of Lagos cultural heritage.
According to him, Lagos @ 50 is a veritable take-off point to achieve the goal of enhancing the investment and job creation opportunities available in the tourism and hospitality sector in Lagos State, adding that, “we have a very rich culture repertoire of traditional and cultural activities which will be in full display during the period. I am sure the youth, who are at the center of our development agenda, will be opportune to experience and key-in to the rich background of Lagos and the reason for the appellation of `Eko for show`.”
In her remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts and Culture, Adebimpe Akinsola, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, urged parents to communicate with their wards in their indigenous languages because culture cannot be separated from language and that any nation that loses her culture loses her identity.
Also speaking at the colloquium, themed “Hidden Cultures and Multiple Identities in Lagos”, Dr Wale Adeniran pointed out there are lots of hidden heritages and cultures across Lagos metropolis, especially in Badagry axis of the State, stressing the need for the State and Federal governments to develop a world class tourist attraction in Badagry and make Lagos a preferred tourist destination while further deepening the state internal revenue generation base.
The celebration of “Lagos @ 50” is to further showcase the progress and development of the State since its creation and project the potentials for its development. The colloquium was attended by dignitaries from all parts of the State, while various traditional and cultural activities were displayed to the admiration of the guests.
