Reported by: Ijeoma .G | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Lagos State Government over the weekend joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 World Tourism Day (WTD) with a colorful celebration at Tarkwa Bay Island, emphasizing the importance of Nigerians exploring local tourism before seeking international destinations. The event, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP, South West Zone) and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN, South West Zone), attracted stakeholders, cultural enthusiasts, and international visitors eager to experience the island’s vibrant cultural and natural offerings.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Miss Damilola Ayinde-Marshall, noted that Tarkwa Bay was deliberately chosen to highlight Lagos’ coastal and aquatic assets while drawing attention to investment opportunities in water-based tourism. She stressed that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” underscores the State Government’s commitment to leveraging tourism for sustainable development, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
In her goodwill message, NATOP President, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, highlighted Nigeria’s vast but underexplored tourism potential, emphasizing that prioritizing domestic tourism would not only deepen cultural appreciation but also stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and enhance Nigeria’s global visibility. She stressed that empowering host communities is central to positioning tourism as a driver of economic diversification, urging Nigerians to discover hidden gems within the country before seeking international destinations.
Vice President (South West) of FTAN, Mr. Gbenga Sumonu, representing the National President, praised Lagos State and NATOP for their joint training programs targeting Tarkwa Bay residents. He explained that skill acquisition in fish grilling, seafood preservation, and heritage promotion would directly improve livelihoods while strengthening the broader tourism ecosystem. Ambassador Ikechi Uko, a NATOP Board of Trustees member, described the event as historic, applauding Lagos for taking tourism beyond offices and conferences into real communities. He highlighted that the city’s waterways and beaches remain key assets, calling for continued investment in coastal areas to maximize economic and social benefits.
The celebration featured vibrant cultural dances by the Tarkwa Bay Cultural Troupe, live music, exhibitions, and networking sessions that showcased the creativity and resilience of the island community. Stakeholders engaged in discussions on sustainable tourism practices, community participation, and strategies to attract domestic and international visitors while empowering local populations.
World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27, raises awareness of tourism’s role in cultural exchange, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. The 2025 Lagos edition underscored the State Government’s vision of making tourism a catalyst for community empowerment, economic growth, and long-term transformation, ensuring that local talent and resources are recognized, developed, and celebrated.
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