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The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that tourism and cultural policies deliver tangible socio-economic benefits to grassroots communities while positioning Lagos as Africa’s premier tourism and creative economy destination.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, made this known at the International Women’s Society (IWS) Forum themed “Service Beyond Self: From Grassroots to the Global Stage,” held at Alliance Française, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, 21st July 2026.
The Commissioner was represented at the event by the Deputy Director, Creative Arts Department of the Ministry, Mrs. Olubisi Omojare.
Speaking on the theme, the Commissioner described service beyond self as putting people and purpose above position, stressing that the true essence of public service lies in improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
According to her, the greatest impact of governance is achieved when policies create opportunities that generate employment, build skills, preserve cultural heritage and improve the quality of life of people at the grassroots.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka explained that the Ministry adopts a bottom-up and top-down approach to tourism development by engaging community leaders, artisans, cultural custodians and other stakeholders in policy formulation while aligning programmes with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda.
She noted that the objective is to ensure that the benefits of a thriving tourism sector are felt across the State, from local communities to major commercial centres, creating opportunities for cultural practitioners, hospitality businesses, artisans and entrepreneurs.
The Commissioner encouraged women at the grassroots to transform their cultural assets into marketable products by packaging indigenous food, crafts, cultural performances and tourism experiences to meet global standards.
She also urged them to leverage digital platforms and build partnerships with hotels, tour operators and other stakeholders to expand their market reach.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka further called on organisations such as the International Women’s Society to strengthen collaboration with the Lagos State Government through cultural exchange programmes, mentorship for women in creative enterprises, sponsorship of cultural tours and the promotion of Lagos’ tourism offerings through their global networks.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, talent discovery, skills acquisition, youth empowerment and sustainable development, noting that the Ministry continues to support programmes that create meaningful opportunities for women and young people across Lagos State.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry receives over 50 requests weekly for sponsorships, endorsements, partnerships and institutional support for various initiatives, particularly those targeted at women and youth.
According to her, this reflects the confidence stakeholders have in the Ministry as a dependable partner in promoting inclusive growth through tourism and the creative economy.
In her remarks, the President of the International Women’s Society (IWS), Nigeria, Ms. Ifemena Oji, appreciated the Commissioner for honouring the Society’s invitation through her representative and commended the Lagos State Government for its sustained commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive development.
She reaffirmed the Society’s readiness to partner with the Ministry on initiatives that promote leadership, entrepreneurship, talent development and sustainable community growth.
