Lagos State’s Global Rise Through Strategic Partnerships and Cultural Diplomacy

 


Lagos State is increasingly cementing its status as a vibrant voice on the international stage, positioning itself as a premier destination of choice through strategic partnerships, cultural diplomacy, and a growing presence on global tourism platforms.

This was highlighted by the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing marking the sixth anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday.

She emphasised that through innovative collaborations and strategic engagements, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture is working tirelessly to ensure Lagos not only attracts global visitors but also delivers a world-class experience that is seamless, enriching, and unforgettable.

Earlier this year, she noted, the Ministry took a major step to enhance international tourism experiences by engaging directly with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to streamline entry procedures for visitors arriving through Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

“This move is expected to significantly improve the ease of travel for tourists and business travellers, ensuring a more welcoming and efficient experience upon arrival in Lagos,” she said.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka also reflected on Lagos’s rising global profile, citing her recent visit to San Francisco, California, where she received a Special Recognition Award for her leadership in promoting cultural exchange and tourism development.

She further underscored Lagos’s growing prominence in the global cultural scene, referencing the Global Citizen Festival hosted in Lagos in late 2024, featuring a historic performance by Grammy Award-winning artist John Legend.

Additionally, she announced a strategic partnership with BBC Studios to empower local storytellers, offering them global exposure and co-production opportunities.

“This collaboration ensures that the world experiences Lagos through the eyes of its own people,” she added.

Other recent milestones include Lagos’s participation at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London in November 2024, a significant platform showcasing Lagos’s tourism and cultural potential to a global audience.

The Commissioner also highlighted the official visit of Crowned Princess Victoria of Sweden to the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, and a high-level American delegation that toured the centre, sparking vital conversations on cultural preservation and creative infrastructure investment.

“These strategic initiatives reinforce the government’s unwavering mission to make Lagos not just a tourist destination, but a global cultural experience—rich in heritage, driven by innovation, and powered by the warmth and creativity of our people,” she concluded.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka assured that Lagos will continue to shine on the world stage, welcoming visitors with open arms and sharing the powerful, authentic story of Lagos with the world.

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