By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Mr. Omosun Aminu, DIRECTOR, Tourism Promotion and Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon |
LAGOS, Nigeria – Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, National Vice President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), has officially detailed the ambitious targets for the inaugural Southwest International Tourism Expo 2025. The landmark event is scheduled for the 5th and 6th of December 2025 at the Airport Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos State.
The revelations came during a crucial meeting held today, Tuesday, between Hon. Apata and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
The engagement served as a formal presentation of the expo’s framework, aimed at fostering unprecedented collaboration among the six southwestern states of Nigeria. Hon. Apata emphasized that the expo is designed to be a unifying platform, allowing states including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti to collectively showcase their rich and diverse tourism potentials to a global audience.
Delving into the core objectives, Hon. Apata pinpointed Community-Based Tourism (CBT) as the central pillar of the expo’s strategy. The theme, “Exploring the Power of CBT in Driving Grassroots Development Through Strategic Collaboration,” underscores a deliberate shift towards empowering local communities.
“Firstly, we want to discuss and chart a new course using Community Based Tourism (CBT) as a tool to change the lives of our people at the grassroots level,” he stated. The initiative also aims to directly engage Local Government Chairmen across Lagos, educating them on the economic imperative of investing in tourism assets within their jurisdictions.
The expo will also serve as a stage to honour key figures who have driven the tourism agenda forward in the region. Hon. Apata announced that all Commissioners of Tourism from the six southwestern states will be recognised and decorated as Fellows of the ATPN in acknowledgement of their work. Furthermore, the governors of each state will be appreciated through a public voting system.
“By the end of this month, we shall roll out the categories of awards then voting will take place and people will vote for their preferred governors,” Apata revealed.
The event promises an immersive two-day agenda packed with unique experiences and critical discourse. Day One, October 5th, will see participants arrive in Lagos and embark on a symbolic train ride on the iconic Blue Line rail with the Governor, a tour designed to highlight Lagos State’s infrastructural advancements.
The journey will continue to the JK Randle Cultural Centre for a cultural tour, offering a deep dive into the state’s heritage.
Day Two will feature a dual-track programme with one hall dedicated to exhibitions from various states and stakeholders, and another for keynote speakers, panel discussions, and strategic engagements.
The initiative received a significant endorsement from the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Honorable Commissioner, who was represented by Mr. Omosun Aminu, the Director of Tourism Promotion, commended the vision behind the expo. He assured Hon. Apata of the ministry’s full support, describing the programme as a “laudable innovative program” and confirming that the ministry is open to collaborating on such projects that promise to elevate the tourism sector in Southwest Nigeria