Re-firing Lagos tourism

An American travel journalist once told me that any state or country interested to package tourism for export, must prepare for war in all true sense of the word in content and context. For instance, to do a tourism documentary millions of naira would be needed to hire helicopters, boats, four wheels drives and engage a firm with catering and hospitality profile to run a mobile kitchen and rest camps.

So two Thursdays ago, 8th to 11th of June, top Lagos State tourism officials led by the Permanent Secretary Mr. Adewale Jamiu Ashimi, took time off paper work to prepare how to help Coker deliver the tourism expectations and promises of Ambode’s government.

WHEN THE “MAMI” OF TOURISM SHOWED UP

You can never beat Lagos State and its creative civil service for inventing and blending with all shades of political opinion and the top brass. At the appearance of Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola, governor Ambode’s special adviser on Art and Culture, the staff of the ministry simply came to life as the shout of “Mami, mami” (My mother, my mother) shook the hall and took some of us outside their camp by surprise. Indeed, Mrs. Akinsola, a delectable lady was at home with her “Children” as she went round hugging and shaking the hands of everyone. Though, I kept my distance but at least she gave her card instead of a hug!!

AND THE TOURISM COMMISSIONER IS MISSING?   

The opening was marred by rain which came violently as cat and dog. I was held up for over 3 hrs in Victoria Island on my way to the Ajah, Lekki Venue of the retreat. The opulence and appearance of Orchid hotel doused tension but when I could not sight the likable Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture, Mr. Folorunsho Folarin – Coker, I thought this maybe another Jamboree in the name of tourism. However, the PS, Mr. Adewale Jamiu Ashimi was handy and filled the missing gap effectively. I want to believe that Asihimi’s humility and stride to under study Lagos State as “the preferred destination for tourism, culture and entertainment in Africa” will be noticed by all soon. 

AMIABLE GANIYU LAWAL

I am usually not friends with most spokes persons of tourism agencies and organizations, particularly those who manage the media relations of their boss with some kind of sentimental gusto. Some few months, ago, Ganiyu Lawal, the amiable public relations officer of Coker’s Ministry of Tourism, had invited me through an SMS to an event in Apapa. Honestly, I had earlier given up on Lagos tourism, particularly when one Holloway held sway and swore to ignore Lagos tourism despite having friends within the ministry.

At the retreat, Ganiyu Lawal and my path crossed and he asked why I chose to persecute Lagos State tourism. We made up after I had explained my position and fear. The young man indeed is very humble, very engaging and disarming, and with his likes that I met at the event, Lagos tourism may truly re-bound in a big way if “fund” comes their way.

ASHIMI AND HIS TOURISM CONFESSION

Professionalizing tourism has always bone of key discussions over the years and it appears we are still long way to the dream land. True and true, one could count on his fingers key tourism professionals that have held sway in our tourism Ministry or Agencies at both Federal and State Levels in the past one decade. Again, apart from the fact that the professionals distance themselves from politics, the few within the government agencies only play advisory roles, maybe one or two of them such as Dr. Mubo Eniola, who retired as Ps, Ministry of Tourism in Kogi State and Mr. Ashamu Sewanu Fadipe who also retired as Ps Lagos State Ministry of Tourism.

So when Mr. Ashimi Introduced himself, he rightly and humbly admitted that his only tourism experience before he was posted to the Ministry is a “trip to Dubai” That Had fact drew laughter from all but Ashimi is so smart and willing to be converted as a tourism apostle and disciple. And who did Ashimi turn to for “Open and Closed door” tourism Lecture, his friend and former PS, Mr. Fdipe who is now a tourism consultant and President of Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Services, the retreat handlers.

DO LAGOS COMMUNITIES HOLD THE TOURISM ACE?

Dr. Orga Donald and Mr. Ashamu Fadipe submitted that development and promotion of domestic tourism without active and deliberate involvement of Lagos communities will never fly. It is interesting listening to these experts as they convincingly proved that tourism resources belong to the people at the grass roots. So government is advised to woo them not only to ensure benefits of development tickles down but also to protect such resource(s) for generations yet unborn. 

DR ORGA’S NEW HILARIOUS DEFINITION OF TOURISM

Dr. Donald Orga, chief lecturer, Leisure and Tourism Management at the Federal Polytechnic Idah, has an engaging way to get to his listeners. Apart from the fact that his voice booms with hilarious expressions, Dr. Orga defined tourism as a “Marriage” and “Dance”. Guess who taught him at “home”, his father and mother.

MARY DINAH, THE FACE OF LAGOS HOSPITALITY?

Mr. Ashimi disclosed in course of a rather lengthy presentation on hospitality by Ms Mary Dinah, a rather beautiful and young practitioner that Dinah represents the new face of hospitality in Lagos as “its ambassador”. Honestly, I can’t place Ms. Dinah in the entire Lagos tourism and hospitality architecture but again Ashimi did not tell how and when the “star” shall rise. Maybe, it is question that I need ask the amiable PS or Folarin Coker when next on our paths cross.

WHAT TO DO WITH EYO MASQUERADE?

Just like the three white Cap Chiefs that once welcomed visitors to Lagos, the famous Adamu Orisa, the Eyo Masquerade became the subject heated tourism discuss at the retreat. How can this visible tourism product help give Lagos State an edge in the competitive global tourism market?. Well, the retreat submitted that the “traditional and spiritual” content be relaxed to allow this beautiful and iconic cultural product drive the major cultural tourism content for Lagos State.

A TOURISM DREAM WITHOUT MASTER PLAN?

The need for Lagos tourism master plan cannot be over emphasized and the retreat noted its relevance but my fear is about those who would now bid for the project. What I saw and witnessed with the Federal government Tourism Master Plan has put the fear of God in my heart as Lagos State government may take steps to consider this all important tourism road map. Maybe I need to advise that the governor and his Commissioner of tourism, Mr. Coker should “shine their eyes” well before contracting out the project. As always, I will keep my ears and eyes open.