EKO NEWS

Epe Celebrates World Heritage Day: Princess Animashaun, Minister Ade-John, And Mr. Balogun Lead Efforts To Empower Tour Operators, Promote Cultural Heritage

Published

8 months ago

Apr 16, 2024.

Day Training Program for Tour Operators and Tour Guides by NIHOTOUR
Ministerial Visit by the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John
Practical Field Visits to Iconic Heritage Sites in Epe

Eko Hot Blog reports that in celebration of World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, the Epe Local Government, led by the Executive Chairman, Princess Surah Olayemi Animashun, has outlined an impressive lineup of events to commemorate the occasion.

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The key activities include a 3-day training program for tour operators and tour guides, organized by the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), led by the Director-General and CEO, Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa.

The training covers a wide range of topics, including NIHOTOUR’s perspectives, tourism business management, destination marketing, technology trends, quality service delivery, and safety and security measures in the tour business.

Participants also had the opportunity to engage in practical field work, visiting heritage sites such as the Oju Alaro Shrine, Oluwo Fish Market, Obaluwaye Shrine, and Ojubo Aleke, to apply the skills acquired during the training.

Complementing the training program, the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, paid a working visit to Epe, further promoting the partnership for tourism development and the preservation of the area’s monumental and cultural heritage.

During her visit, Mrs. Ade-John expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am delighted to be here today to celebrate the World Heritage Day with the people of Epe. This is an important occasion to highlight the rich cultural and historical heritage of this community. I commend the efforts of the Epe Local Government and its leadership in organizing these impactful events to empower tour operators and promote sustainable tourism development.”

The events were further enriched by the presence of esteemed guests, including the representatives of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), led by Anago Osho, the member representing Epe 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Tobun Abiodun, and the High Chief Yesiru Dada (the Agbon of Epe), as well as the Executives, Legislative, Management, and entire staff of the Epe Local Government.

As the Head of Unit, Tourism and Local Government Heritage Maintenance, Mr. Abdulkareem Oladapo Balogun, expressed:

“I want to seize this opportunity to appreciate the Executive Chairman, Princess Surah Animashaun who is the Brain behind and Achitect of the planning of this year’s Heritage Day. Also, I want to sincerely appreciate the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Mrs Lola Ade-John who deem it fit not to only celebrate with us alone but also took ime to inspect our monumental and cultural Heritage and also participate in some other activities during her visit.”