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By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Destination Lagos Awards |
Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, Chairman/CEO, Eko Destination Ltd and the National Vice President, ATPN, South West Region, has said The Destination Lagos Awards demonstrates our commitment to excellence and passion for showcasing the best of Lagos.
He disclosed this on Thursday to journalists after the Destination Lagos Awards held on December 27th at JK Randle Cultural Centre, Lagos, Nigeria.
The event 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 and highly rated 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.
The event featured 15 categories, honoring individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the growth and development of Lagos' tourism industry.
Award Categories and the 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 Sesan Olowa (Chairman Ibeju Lekki LG)
3. Destination Enhancement:
Mayor Oshinowo Dele (Chairman Agboyi Ketu LCDA)
4. Tourism Product Initiative (Financial Institution):
Sterling Bank PLC (Torrista)
5. Tourism Product Initiatives
(LG Category):
Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada (Chairman Ikosi Isheri LCDA)
6. Tourism Friendly Chairman of the Year:
Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun (Chairman Epe LG)
7. Best Entertainment Hub:
Freedom Park
8. Tourism Product Initiative (Individuals):
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 - Radio Category (Mainland FM),
Nneka and Isaac 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 event was attended by several dignitaries, including Mr. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu and the Honorable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who were both represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Atekoja, Professor Funsho Afolabi, 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 Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi,
Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku, JP. MFR, ATPN Board of Trustees representative,
Mr. Frank Meke, Nihotour delegates 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, and Constant Photos.
The event also featured keynote address by Prof. Funsho Afolabi, 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.
Prof. Afolabi noted that tourism has the potential to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and promote cultural exchange.
He also highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism practices, emphasizing the need to balance economic development with environmental and social responsibility.
Furthermore, Prof. Afolabi commended the Lagos State Government for its efforts in promoting tourism development, citing initiatives such as the Lagos Tourism Master Plan.
He encouraged stakeholders to continue working together to develop the tourism industry in Lagos, emphasizing the need for collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
The organizers also awarded 9 Big wigs in the industry and related industries with special recognition awards, including:
- Chief Alabi S.O (Eko Hotel)
- Hon. (Mrs). Toke Benson Awoyinka, Honorable 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 Randle Cultural Centre/CEO, Q-Dance.
- Alhaji (Dr). Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya.
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 Ifelodun LG went home with the first and second runners-up positions, respectively.
The event also featured electrifying cultural performances 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 performances, including 2 Algeria-born Lagos-based artistes.
A fashion show and exhibition by House of Mayrie added to the excitement of the evening.