*Tourism has the potential to create jobs,stimulate local economies, and promote cultural exchange* (Prof.Funsho Afolabi)
*The Destination Lagos Awards Demonstrate our commitment to excellence and passion for showcasing unique cultural heritage and attractions reaffirming its potential as a world class destination* ( Apata Samson Nunayon).
Published, on Friday January 3rd 2025.
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The prestigious John Randle Cultural Centre,Onikan,Lagos,Nigeria, played host to the inaugural Destination Lagos Awards ceremony,recognizing outstanding contributions to Lagos tourism development and reinforcing the city’s position as a premier destination.
The much talked about tourism event of the year 2024, brought together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and government officials to promote excellence,innovation and sustainability in the tourism industry.
The ceremony showcased Lagos unique cultural heritage and attractions highlighting its potential as a world-class destination.
According to the National Vice President, ATPN, South Western Region, And Chairman/CEO, Eko Destination Ltd, Hon Apata Samson Nunayon ‘ The Destination Lagos Awards demonstrates our commitment to excellence and passion for showcasing the best of Lagos’.
The event also featured keynote address by Prof Funsho Afolani, Chairman, Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology, who emphasized the significance of tourism in driving economic growth and development in Lagos and Nigeria at large. The Erudite Professor revealed that tourism has the magnitude to create jobs,stimulate local economies and promote cultural exchange. He Highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism practices, emphasizing the need to balance economic development with environmental and social responsibility.
Moving on, Prof .Afolabi commended the Lagos State Government on its efforts towards the promotion of tourism development citing initiatives such as the Lagos Tourism Master Plan. He encouraged stakeholder’s to continue working together to develop the tourism industry in Lagos,stressing the need for collaboration and commitment to excellence.
Special Recognition Awards Were Given to 9 Big Wigs of the industry which includes the likes of Chief Alabi S.O ( Eko Hotel), Hon.(Mrs). Tone Benson Awoyinka,Honourable Commissioner for Tourism,Arts And Culture, Chief Onung Nkereuewem, National President of FTAN, Hon Bonu Saanu Solomon, Chairman,House Committee on Tourism,Arts and Culture, Lagos State House of Assembly, Ambassador Gbenga Adeyinka The 1st, Mr Jermaine Sanwoolu,Head Diaspora, Lagos, Hon Idris Aregbe,SA Tourism Arts And Culture, Ambassador Qudus Onikeku, Director ,John Randke Cultural Centre/CEO, Q-Dance.Alhajib(Dr) Musuliu Ayinde Akinsanya.
A list of the Award Categories And Winners As Declared during the grand finale are as follows:
1.The Destination Catalyst: His Excellency,Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu
2.Best Destination Environmental Sustainability Initiative: Hon.(Engr.) Abdullahi Sedan Olowa(Ibeju Lekki LG)
3.Destination Enhancement: Mayor Oshinowo Dele (Chairman Agboyi Ketu LCDA)
4. Tourism Product initiatives (LG Category) Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada (Chairman Ikosi Isheri LCDA)
5.Tourism Product Initiative(Financial Institution) Sterling Bank PLC (Torrista)
6.Tourism Friendly Chairman of the Year: Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun (Chairman Epe LG)
7.Best Entertainment Hub: Freedom Park
8.Tourism Product Initiative (Individual): Madam Yeni Kuti- Felabration
9.Best Tertiary Tourism Institution of the year: Yaba College of Technology
10.Best Religious Tourism Enabler: Cardinal James Odunmbaku (Soul Winners Ministries International)
11. Tourism Media Personality: Frank Meke-Rafio Category (Mainland FM), Nneka and Issac Moses -TV Category (Goge Africa),Apata Oyeniran- Prints Media (Daily Independent News)
12.Best Destination Shutter of the Year: Mr Dayo Adedayo
13. Most Prominent Museum of the Year:King Kosoko Memorial Museum.
14.Lagos Tourism Music Icon of the Year: Olori Omo Oba Wasiu Ayinde Marshal
15.Best Tourist Club Experience in Lagos: Cubana Hut & Grill
The highpoint of the event was the Oju Ibile Eko Beauty Pageant, where the contestant representing Ikosi Isheri LCDA, after a rigorous contest,won the maiden crown. While the contestants from Epe LG And Ajeromi Ifelofun LG Went Home The First and Second runners up positions,respectively
Dignitaries who graced the event in attendance were as follow Mr Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Honorable Commissioner For Tourism,Arts And Culture Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka Which were both represented by the Permanent Secretary,Ministry of Touris, Mrs Oluwatoyin Atekoja,Professor Funsho Alabi, Chairman, Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology, Dr,.Engr,Ibrahim Adedotun Abdul, Rector Yaba College of Technology, His Majesty,Akran of Badagry Kingdom,represented by Chief Hunkanlin Ijinla, His Royal Majesty,Oba Suleiman Owolabi Ogun Oloko,Oniwaya of Iwaya Kingdom.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Olamide Akinsunkanmi Apena Williams,Odi Olowo Kingdom, HRH ,Oba Kosoko (The Oloja-Elect),Chief Folorunsho Coker,DG NTDA represented by Mrs.Akinsola,Coordinator,NTDA South West Medical Director of National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Cardinal James Omolaja Odumbaku,JP,MFR,ATPN Board of Trustees Representations, Mr Frank Meke,NihotourDelegates Led by the Coordinator South West Centre, Mrs Chinyere, Indian Community in Lagos led by Mr Diwesh,MD Donias Global, ATPN Lagos state Chapter exco members and the Ekiti Counterpart,The President of Bartenders Guild of Nigeria, Big Wigs in the Tourism industry, Media Personnel From AIT,NTA,ATTWON and Motherland Reality TV wiry Constant Photos.
The event also featured electrifying cultural performance’s by the Lagos state Council For Arts And Culture,as well as a captivating performance by Bukola Akewi. The Audience were treated to various music performance’s including 2 Algeria -born Artistes, A fashion show and exhibition by House of Mayrie added to the excitement of the evening.
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