WTD 2022: Epe LG Holds Stakeholders Meeting, Prepares for “Rural and Community-Centric Tourism” Themed Celebration

By Babatunde Kaka.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Epe Local Government has concluded plans to commemorate the year 2022 World Tourism Day (WTD) tagged “Rural and Community-Centric Tourism” on Wednesday 28th September 2022 at Jubilee Chalets, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Oke-Oyinbo, Epe.

This is the second of its kind across Lagos State under the noble administration of Princess Surah Animashaun, a hospitality, culture and tourism enthusiast who successfully organised the first edition after assuming office in 2021.

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The 2022 edition of the celebration which seeks to advance and rethink the tourism potentials of the local government would be hosted by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu while the Chief Host is Alhaji Nura Sanni, DG National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Chairman earlier in the week held a stakeholder meeting with big players in the tourism industry where discussions centred on the theme of the celebration, “Rural and Community-Centric Tourism.”

To achieve the goal of successfully hosting the United Nations recognised event, the Chairman collaborated with a notable tourism organisation, Nilmage Two4Seven.

For the immense benefits of the good people of Epe, the significance of harnessing the core tourism potential in addition to the rich touristic attractions within the Division was laid bare.

It was unanimously agreed by the generality of stakeholders that Epe, with its vast landmass, natural resources and serenity is the best bet for viable investment opportunities. This was corroborated by the Honorable Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture, Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile Yussuf, when she averred that “the best place to invest right now is Epe,” adding that the perimeter fencing of the Lagos Film City situated within the Epe Division had taken off.

On his part, Hon. Mustain Abiodun Tobun, Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Epe Constituency 1 who also doubles as Chairman, House Committee on Works and Infrastructure, disclosed that significant road infrastructures that would open up the town massive investment opportunities from prospective investors such as the nearly 18km concrete road network from Eleko to Epe are part of the strategic projects embarked upon by the Lagos State Government to boost tourism in Epe.

“They are being facilitated to encourage the ease of access and doing business for potential investors including the completion of the 18km concrete road from Eleko to Epe. We have the go-ahead to commence the second phase of the road construction from Eleko to Abraham Adesanya,” he said.

Earlier in her remarks at the event which was held at Radisson Blu, Princess Surah Animashaun disclosed that there are plans in place to organize Epe Festival Weekend. This, she said would be communicated in due course, adding that investors at the gathering pledged to support the project.

“We also unveiled plans for the Epe Festival Weekend come 2023. This was well received with pledges from private corporations in a show of support and their willingness to contribute to the successful execution of the project. These plans will be communicated to the general public in the coming weeks. Epe seeks to build an inclusive tourism ecosystem that promotes and enhances the community and the livelihood of its people,” she said.

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