Recession offers opportunity to develop tourism, other sectors —Ambode

Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday, said the stark realities of the current economic recession could be a blessing if concerted efforts are geared toward harnessing other critical sectors such as tourism, apart from the major focus on oil.

Governor Ambode said this at the National Tourism Conference held at Eko Atlantic City (EAC) in commemoration of the World Tourism Day.

According to Governor Ambode, the current economic situation offers an opportunity for the country to re-order economic priorities and develop other revenue generating channels.

He said the conference, which was organised by the Federal Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, was a necessary and strategic decision that would enhance the prospects of diversifying the revenue generation channels of the country for the development and growth of national economy.

Governor Ambode, who was represented by  his deputy,  Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, said there were components states blessed with natural tourism sites ,which could be developed to harness opportunities that would generate wealth and create jobs for the people.

The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on the occasion, commended former governors of Lagos State, including Senator Bola Tinubu, Mr Babatunde Fashola, and the incumbent, Governor Ambode, for the vision to commence and continue the EAC project, which had the capacity to accommodate 450,000 residents and 300,000 commuters upon completion.

He said the project had all it took to drive tourism in Nigeria, adding that the city was not just the future of Africa but the world.