By: Manoah Kikekon
Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) South West Region expands Lagos chapter, targets grassroots tourism development for IGR boost.
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| Hon. Samson Nunayon Apata and Hon. Rauf Ibrahim |
BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) South West Region has inducted Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren (RIKAY), the Executive Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), as an Honorary Fellow.
The event was held at the Chairman’s office in Kankon on December 24, 2025. was also saw the induction of four key council executives as members, underscores a concerted push to leverage local government assets for tourism-driven revenue.
The award, initially slated for presentation at the South West International Tourism Expo (SWITEX 2025), was formally conferred by Hon. Samson Nunayon Apata, the National Vice President of ATPN South West Region. Apata emphasized the association’s renewed focus on local governments as the bedrock of sustainable tourism.
"We have realized that real tourism starts from the local government," Apata stated. "We have identified major local governments in Lagos State, and our association is keen on developing tourism in Lagos in a way that boosts Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)." He urged the council to explore monetizing its rich tourism potentials.
In his acceptance remarks, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim (RIKAY) hailed the recognition as a motivation for greater strides. He pledged his administration's unwavering commitment to transforming the council's tourism landscape. "I assure ATPN that Badagry West tourism will wear a new look under my administration," he declared.
The chairman reaffirmed that tourism is a vital tool for economic growth, youth engagement, and cultural preservation, promising intensified collaboration with stakeholders to position Badagry West as a premier destination within Lagos State and Nigeria.
The induction ceremony significantly bolstered the ATPN Lagos State chapter. Alongside Chairman RIKAY, the newly inducted members include Hon. Sesi Ogungbe (Vice Chairman), Solomon Zosu (Chief Press Secretary), Mrs. Omolaja Osumare (Head of Tourism Unit), and Engr. Akande Lawrence (Council Manager).
This collective integration of the council’s leadership into the professional tourism body signals a structured, partnership-based approach to unlocking the historic and cultural treasures of Badagry West for sustainable economic gain.