The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka has emphasised the pivotal role that tourism plays in promoting global harmony and understanding, highlighting the unique ability of the tourism sector to act as a catalyst for peace, bridging divides by bringing people from diverse backgrounds together.
The Commissioner stated this during the celebration of the World Tourism Day (WTD) in Lagos jointly held in partnership with Sterling Bank at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Benson-Awoyinka said that the tourism sector’s collaboration with Sterling Bank is a testament to the power of partnerships in driving the growth of this vital sector.
Through this joint effort, she said that the state hopes to strengthen the narrative of tourism as a path to peace and reconciliation, demonstrating how tourism can create opportunities for sustainable development while bringing people closer together.
Speaking on this year’s theme for the annual event: “Tourism and Peace”, the Commissioner noted that visitors from around the world explore different lands, meet new people, and experience diverse cultures, they engage in an exchange that promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and friendship.
She explained that through this cross-cultural interaction, barriers are broken and the common threads of humanity are revealed, fostering a sense of unity that transcends borders.
According to her, Lagos, a melting pot of cultures and traditions, is not only committed to leveraging tourism as an economic driver but also as a vehicle for peacebuilding.
In line with this, the Commissioner reiterated the Lagos State Government’s dedication to expanding its tourism sector, promoting the city’s rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene.
She disclosed that tourism in Lagos goes beyond sightseeing, as it serves as a means of creating mutual understanding and respect among visitors and locals alike.
Benson-Awoyinka, therefore, urged all stakeholders to embrace the opportunities tourism presents for fostering peace, mutual respect, and understanding across borders, in line with global efforts to build a more peaceful and tolerant world.
Speaking in the same vein, the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe maintained that the chosen topic for this year’s WTD comes at a time when Lagos is investing heavily in infrastructure to boost its tourism industry.
He said that from the ongoing restoration of heritage sites to the promotion of cultural festivals and eco-tourism, Lagos is positioning itself as a hub for both leisure and cultural tourism, with an added emphasis on peacebuilding.
During a presentation made by HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, CON, the Oniru of Iru-land, the royal father explored the profound link between tourism and peace, especially in the context of Lagos State, while drawing from global examples.
He emphasised that tourism, when strategically developed, can serve as a key driver for economic development and peace, using Paul Collier’s theory on conflict and peace as a foundational framework.
Oba Lawal informed that tourism creates economic opportunities, fosters cultural understanding, and reduces conflicts. This has been demonstrated in the Iru Kingdom through cultural festivals like the Ejiwa Elegba festival, which unite communities and attract global visitors, thus promoting peace.
He maintained that Lagos, with its rich cultural heritage and beachfront potential, has immense opportunities to boost tourism for economic growth, adding that strategic investments in infrastructure and the promotion of responsible tourism practices are essential for transforming the sector and promoting lasting peace.
The Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Policy, Mrs. Jibike Teniola, commended the Lagos State Government and Sterling Bank for partnering to promote tourism as a tool for peace.
“Tourism is a bridge between people and culture. Nigeria, with over 250 ethnic groups, can use tourism to bring unity in diversity. The world, through tourism, fosters dialogue and collaboration. Tourism breaks down barriers”, the Minister said.
Ade-John, therefore, called on the Ministry of Education to include tourism and history in the school curriculum.