By Gloria Goodluck
The Nigerian Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other notable personalities across the continent have been recognized with prestigious African Youth Tourism Awards for their exceptional leadership in promoting sustainable tourism in Nigeria.
The 2024 African Youth Tourism Festival, held at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos Island recently, a momentous and tantalizing occasion which celebrates vibrant Africa’s cultural diversity, natural wonders, served as the perfect backdrop for this significant recognition.
The Nigerian Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John whose unwavering commitment to advancing the tourism agenda in Nigeria and across the African continent has been instrumental in driving socio-economic development and fostering unity among nations.
In his recognition, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has placed a strong emphasis on leveraging the state’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources to drive sustainable tourism development.
Under his leadership, Lagos has witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure, security, and promotion of cultural events and festivals, all aimed at enhancing the tourism experience while preserving the environment and local communities.
Among those recognized were Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka for the Ministry’s cultural achievements, Adebukola Adekoya for promoting Okosi Makun Omi in Nigeria, OneofAfrica for his active role in entertainment tourism in Africa.
Also, Stephen Odobai for his groundbreaking efforts of advancing educational tourism across Africa, Tunde Oloyede for promoting African tourism in diaspora, Ms. Sharon Ringo for using tourism to create awareness about Climate change in Tanzania and Ms Sarjo Baldeh for sports tourism through photography in Gambia.
The Minister in her acceptance speech expressed her gratitude for the esteemed recognition and reaffirmed her dedication to leveraging tourism as a transformative tool for inclusive development while highlighted importance of sustainable tourism practices in preserving cultural and ecological heritage, creating opportunities for local communities.
The African Youth Tourism Award acknowledged Minister Ade-John’s exemplary efforts in championing sustainable tourism initiatives, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting the preservation of natural environments.
Her vision for a more inclusive and prosperous continent through the power of tourism serves as a guiding light for stakeholders across the region.
The African Youth Tourism Festival 2024, graced by the esteemed presence of Minister Lola Ade-John, and where she was honored with the African Youth Tourism Award, signifies a pivotal moment in the advancement of the tourism sector.
Minister Ade-John’s recognition underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating and promoting sustainable tourism initiatives across the African continent.
Her leadership, alongside Amb. Ayo Omotoso, Founder and the convener of the African Youth Tourism Festival, continues to inspire new generation of leaders dedicated to fostering unity, preserving cultural heritage, and driving socio-economic development through tourism.
The festival which was held for 5-day, hosted multifaceted array of activities, including invigorating speeches, insightful panel sessions, captivating cultural displays, mesmerizing musical performances, art and fashion exhibitions, and spirited traditional games, all interwoven with opportunities for networking and collaboration
Among standout moments were the enchanting NIHOTOUR NAIJA FOOD carnival, which adorned the festival with the vibrant tapestry of African cuisine, complemented by the enchanting rhythms of Ara and her ensemble of talented drummers.
Also, the unveiling of the Campus Tourism Show elicited rousing applause from the audience and symbolizing a promising initiative for future of tourism with convener Amb. Ayo Omotoso conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to participants, acknowledged their invaluable contributions to the success of the festival.
The grand finale was the Lagos Aquatic Day, commenced with a lively Zumba Dance session at Tafawa Balewa Square, followed by an enchanting yacht cruise along Lagos Lagoon through the Black Diamond Hotel, culminating in a jubilant beach party at Waves Beach in Lekki.
African Youth Tourism Festival aims at empowering young people to become active participants in shaping the future of African tourism, by harnessing the creativity and energy of the youth demographic, the festival injected fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into the tourism industry, driving forward its evolution and adaptation to changing global trends.
