By: Manoah Kikekon
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Tourism Vanguard for Tinubu 2027 (TVT) has announced plans to host a national tourism stakeholders' programme in Lagos State. Designed to commemorate World Tourism Day 2026, the event aims to assemble practitioners, hospitality leaders, and enthusiasts from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The initiative was made public by the National Coordinator of TVT, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, on behalf of the National Central Working Council (NCWC). According to organizers, the choice of Lagos Nigeria's economic and entertainment capital serves as a strategic backdrop to demonstrate how domestic tourism, transport connectivity, and the creative economy can drive broad-based national development.
The forthcoming celebration is structured around four distinct pillars intended to combine recreation, media unveiling, and civic participation:
1. Tourism Train Ride for PBAT & KOH 2027: A special excursion designed to showcase the immense potential of rail transportation as a catalyst for domestic tourism, seamless regional connectivity, and heritage exploration.
2. Novelty Match for PBAT & KOH 2027: A friendly sports fixture bringing together tourism operators, hospitality stakeholders, and special guests to foster networking, friendship, and national unity.
3. Unveiling of Explore Nigeria Magazine: The official launch of a dedicated publication created to spotlight Nigeria’s hidden tourist destinations, cultural festivals, hospitality offerings, and lucrative investment opportunities.
4. Public Endorsement Programme: The grand finale where participating tourism players will formally articulate their political support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) for a second term, alongside endorsing Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat (KOH) as the preferred candidate for the next Governor of Lagos State.
Explaining the rationale behind choosing Lagos, the NCWC noted that the state remains a unique convergence point for diverse cultures, business networks, and entertainment hubs.
Expounding on the vision, Hon. Apata stated that “Lagos is not just our host state; Lagos is a reflection of Nigeria’s diversity, enterprise and tourism potential. Bringing stakeholders from across the country to Lagos for World Tourism Day is a statement of our belief that tourism can unite Nigeria while contributing significantly to economic growth and national development.”
Emphasizing the political and developmental objectives of the coalition, Apata further added “As Tourism Vanguard for Tinubu 2027, our national support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is being extended to Lagos through our support for Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat. We believe that continuity, experience and progressive leadership are important to sustaining the gains and opportunities emerging across tourism, infrastructure, transportation, culture and the creative economy.”
The programme is projected to draw participants from key sectors, including hotel associations, travel agencies, tour operators, destination management companies, transport unions, and creative industry groups. Operating under the banner of "36 States One Vision Endless Possibilities," the council invites all sector players to join the historic convergence.