Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday said the state would take the driving seat in the development of tourism, arts and entertainment in Africa.
The governor spoke on a Ben TV programme in the United Kingdom (UK) ahead of the Notting Hill Carnival.
He said his administration, in the last 27 months, made efforts to fulfil one of his campaign promises to ensure Lagos becomes the tourism and entertainment hub of Africa.
Ambode, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, said his administration was implementing project T.H.E.S.E. an acronym for Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment and Sporting Excellence to boost tourism, employment and relaxation, especially for youths.
He said: “Under project T.H.E.S.E, we are resolved to grow the Lagos economy and empower youths through several alternative means, which include the tactical promotion of tourism, entertainment and sports.
“Our intention is to put Lagos on the world map as one of the top 10 tourist destinations because we know that the hospitality and entertainment business is thriving. That is the reason we are investing heavily in this sector.
“The truth is that the era of white-collar jobs is over. The ultimate now is to encourage youth entrepreneurship and create a platform for our youths below 35, who are the future of tomorrow. This is because when they are engaged meaningfully, they would contribute towards increasing the IGR of the state.”
The governor restated his administration’s commitment to build five new art theatres to engage youths and promote tourism through arts and entertainment.
He said the decision to participate in the Notting Hill Carnival – holding from August 26 to 28 – was to keep with the tradition of showcasing the state’s entertainment and tourism potential to the world.
Ambode said this year’s edition coincided with Lagos 50th anniversary celebration, saying it would also offer opportunity to woo Nigerians in the Diaspora and tourists to visit Lagos.
He said: “We are here again this year, the second year running in a global platform, which the Notting Hill Carnival represents, as it attracts people from all over the world. Our presence here is to attract not only Lagosians, but blacks that Lagos is now the destination that everyone must come to.
“Lagos is having its own corner. Nigeria does not have a corner; no African country has a corner here. We are using Lagos corner to tell the world that we are prepared to be home for entertainment and tourism because it would drive the economy of Lagos, the 24/7 economy in such a way that anytime you come to Lagos, there is something to celebrate. So, we invite our brothers in the Diaspora to come and exploit the beauty of Lagos.”
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