WTD: Lagos, NATOP, FTAN empower Tarkwa Bay beachfront operators

Lagos State Government, the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), South West Zone,  have trained and donated modern grilling and barbecue equipment to beachfront tourism operators in Tarkwa Bay Island, Lagos.

This was part of the activities to mark the 2025 World Tourism Day (WTD) with the theme ‘Tourism and sustainable transformation in the state at the beachfront of Tarkwa Bay Island.

Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the donation of the these items was in line with the theme for this year’s celebration ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’.

President of NATOP Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, who delivered the speech of the commissioner, said “Tourism is not just about leisure, it is about transforming lives. Tourism will help diversify our economy beyond oil. You can see how countries like Kenya, Morocco, South Africa and others have harnessed tourism to change their stories. Nigeria has even greater potentials with our culture, landscape, and warm people.

“To achieve success, we must work together both the government and the private sector to make the industry thrive. That is why I urge all to visit and explore different tourist sites in Nigeria before we start thinking of touring outside Nigeria. As Nigerians, we need to also know Nigeria.

“Tourism is also about people, telling our stories and building opportunities for the next generation. Together, we can make Nigeria a nation that tourists will not just want to visit, but return to again and again.”

On the donations to grill operators, the NATOP President said “Thanks to the FTAN Vice President for joining us in this initiative and actually bringing in chefs to help accomplish the initiative by training people on ground here. When visitors come to this community and the sellers want to serve, the presentation really matter. From what the chefs have taught them.”

Mr, Gbenga Sunmonu, the FTAN Vice President of South West Zone, said tourism is used to foster cultural exchange, economic growth and sustainable development.  He thanked both the Lagos State government and NATOP for the collaboration.

“One of the things we have come here to do today is to look at our cuisines and see how we can support the community here, and see how they can incorporated some new techniques and innovations in preparation of grilled fish,” Sunmonu said.

Responding on behalf of the recipients, the island youth leader, Mr.  Agabi Godwin, said “I am speechless, but accept us the way we are.  What you have done today is beyond our expectations, but believe me, we are so happy. We are blessed and God will bless you all for remembering this island. We have gone through a lots after demolition; we were pushed here and there. In short, God brought you and we say God will bless you for remembering us. Of course you can see with the charcoal, that is a how we manage. Thank you in advance for so many other things you promised to do for us.”