FUNKE OSAE-BROWN
Lagos through its Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is working towards putting itself among the top destinations in Africa.
Adebimpe Akinsola, Special Adviser and acting Commissioner For Tourism, Arts And Culture said on Monday at the second year anniversary in office of Akinwunmi Ambode, Lagos State governor that the ministry is using entertainment, refurbishing of its existing destination to place Lagos on the continent’s tourism map.
“Monuments have been created for thousands of years and they are often the most durable and famous symbols of ancient civilization. Monuments are also structures that are explicitly created to commemorate a person or event or which has become important to a social group as a part of their remembrance of historic times or cultural heritage. A good monument must be visible and appreciated not only by the indigenous people but also by tourist and visitors,” she said.
According to her, the ministry has continued to install new and maintain all existing heritage and historical monuments in the state as importance is placed on the sustenance of the cultural and historical heritage of the people of Lagos State and to attract tourists.
“Some of the monuments that depict these and received attention include the renovation of Tinubu Square Fountain which was renovated and opened for public use on the 27th of January 2017. The reopening of the fountain located on Broad Street in the heart of Lagos Central Business District in honour of Madam Tinubu has provided a world class recreation facility befitting the foremost business precinct in Nigeria.”
In addition, she said the annual Lagos Street Party is one of the ways, Lagos is using to attract visitors to the state annually.
“In line with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and culture’s vision of making Lagos State one of the preferred Tourist Destination in Africa, the Lagos State Government in conjunction with WhiteStar held the maiden edition of The Lagos Street Party on the 3rd and 4th of December 2016 at Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. The two-day street Party featured live musical performances, comedy, dance sessions and diverse cuisine and creative indigenous games were showcased for the audience.
“The event also focused on fostering commerce by providing young entrepreneurs the opportunity to sell their goods at the event. A major component of the event was the exhibition of various artworks and artefacts produced by young talented artists drawn from various secondary schools and tertiary institutions in Lagos State.”
Also, she recalled that the celebration of the last 50 days countdown to 27th May 2017 commenced on the 8thof April 2017 with the Musical Stage Play WAKAA. The celebration emphasizes the need to showcase and harness the creative talents in arts, craft, culture and entertainment industry to promote economic growth and development.
Akinsola also added that six new theaters will be constructed across the State in the next few months to provide a platform for the teeming young artistes to develop and showcase their talents, noting that a new Museum will also be built on the present site of the Council for Arts and Culture to increase tourism attraction to Lagos State.
Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde reiterated the importance of the ministeries of Information and Tourism, Arts and Culture to the realisation of Ambode’s vision in developing the state’s tourism potentials.
“Every other ministry is important in realising T.H.E.S.E. which is the vision of the state government to use Tourism, Hospitality Entertainment and Sport to achieve excellence and also generate economic returns to the State. But the key ministry to the project is Tourism, Arts and Culture.”