By Jimmy Fatunbi

The Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA, Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo unveiled Onigbongbo Spark Fest during the World Tourism Day 2025 Symposium in Lagos. He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to positioning itself as the gateway of tourism and hospitality in Lagos.

Highlighting Onigbongbo’s thriving hospitality corridors like Toyin Street, Opebi, Allen, Kudirat Abiola Way and Ikeja GRA, he noted that tourism is more than leisure but a catalyst for jobs, commerce and pride.

Citing “Detty December” numbers, Hon. Moyosore revealed that Lagos generated $71m last year with projections to double to $143.2m this year. This is not unconnected to the government’s favorable policies and growth in nightlife, restaurants and retail under the Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

He unveiled the Onigbongbo Spark Fest 2025 as a landmark yuletide festival that will light up the cityscape, attract visitors, and transform the Opebi/Allen corridor into an Ajose Adeogun–style festive replica.

Hon. Adebanjo reaffirmed his commitment to the F.I.N.E Agenda and called on government, private sector, and community stakeholders to partner in making tourism the heartbeat of Onigbongbo’s development.

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By Jimmy Fatunbi

Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to unlocking the tourism and creative potential of the community through strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.

In line with the 2025 World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” and the FINE Agenda of the Council Chairman, Onigbongbo LCDA recently engaged in high-level discussions with Ms. Abiola Adelana, Head of Tourism Business and Creative Arts at Sterling Bank. The discussions focused on collaborative initiatives to transform Onigbongbo into a hub for tourism, culture, and the creative economy.

Speaking on the initiative, the Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA emphasized that tourism and the creative industries represent untapped opportunities for job creation, youth empowerment, and community development. He noted that this partnership with Sterling Bank is a bold step towards positioning Onigbongbo as a destination of choice in Lagos State.

Ms. Abiola Adelana expressed Sterling Bank’s commitment to supporting innovative projects that bridge tourism and creative arts, stressing that the future of tourism is local, sustainable, and people-driven. She reiterated Sterling Bank’s readiness to collaborate with Onigbongbo LCDA in designing programs that will spotlight the community’s rich cultural assets while fostering economic growth.

The partnership discussions highlighted several proposed initiatives, including the promotion of hospitality businesses within Onigbongbo, tourism-focused capacity-building for young people, and the development of cultural events that showcase the area’s unique identity.

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Ibadan | July 25, 2025 — The International Tourism Investment Summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, from July 22 to 24, 2025, brought together industry leaders, government officials, investors, and creatives to spotlight the immense potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector. Among the standout participants was the KAP Film Village & Resort, which emerged as a beacon of innovation and cultural tourism.

The summit, themed around destination development, eco-tourism, and heritage preservation, served as a strategic platform to connect government-backed tourism projects with credible investors and partners. Attendees explored Oyo State’s natural and cultural assets, and discussed ways to harness them for sustainable growth.

Kunle Afolayan Named Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year

At the Governor’s Dinner and Tourism Awards Night which capped the summit, renowned filmmaker and entrepreneur Kunle Afolayan, founder and CEO of KAP Film Village & Resort, was honoured with the Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

The award celebrates Afolayan’s transformative work in turning the KAP Film Village in Igbojaye, Oyo State, into one of Nigeria’s most exciting creative and tourism destinations. What began as a bold idea has now evolved into a cultural landmark, drawing both local and international attention.

KAP Film Village: A Cultural Powerhouse

More than a retreat, the KAP Film Village & Resort stands as a symbol of cultural pride, job creation, and authentic African storytelling. The recognition underscores the facility’s impact on local tourism, heritage conservation, and the creative economy.

In a statement following the award, the KAP team expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Government, the Deputy Governor, and the Ministry of Tourism for their continued support of tourism development in the state.

A Vision for Homegrown Tourism

Afolayan emphasized that this honour is a reminder that Nigerian tourism doesn’t have to look outward. “You don’t have to travel abroad to experience peace, beauty, or culture,” he said. “We are building something rooted in creativity, culture, and care.”

Plan Your Visit

Visitors are encouraged to explore the unique offerings of KAP Film Village & Resort — a space where nature meets art, rest meets adventure, and Nigeria’s rich culture comes to life.

For bookings and more information, visit www.kapfilmvillageandresort.com.

#KAPFilmVillage #ITSOyoState2025 #KunleAfolayan #TourismEntrepreneurOfTheYear #ExploreNigeria #VisitOyo #SupportLocal

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…As govt launches Osun tourism master plan

The Governor of the State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday reiterated the administration’s determination to transform the economy of the State through huge investment in culture and tourism, saying Osun would soon become the United Arab Emirate of Nigeria.

He said the administration was determined to provide leadership in domestic and international tourism in the country, adding that workable culture and tourism policies had been incorporated as part of Culture and Tourism for Sustainable Economy agenda.

Governor Oyetola made the pledge at the official launch of Osun Tourism Master Plan: Culture and Tourism for Sustainable Economy (CUTOSEC).

He said the Master Plan was aimed at improving the potential in the culture and tourism sector for the development of the State, adding that the initiative involved a comprehensive template to expand the State’s economic diversification programme and improve its Internally Generated Revenue.

“It is our resolve as a government to deploy these potential into maximum use and turn our dear State into the United Arab Emirate of Nigeria.

“As tourism progressively raises its profile in national economic planning, there is a clear need to ensure that attention is paid to its long-term development potential.

“Such an approach demands comprehensive strategic planning for the industryâ€s future. As a government, we are keying into that by laying a solid foundation for better Nigerian Tourism.

“Our development plan for tourism involves two time horizons – the short and long terms. While Osun Sterling Tourism Vision (OSTOV) 30-30 is our short term agenda that we wish to achieve to lay a solid foundation for the perfect growth of tourism in the State, the Culture and Tourism for Sustainable Economy (CUTOSEC) is the long-term plan that will build on the achievements of Osun Sterling Tourism Vision 30-30 for permanent development of tourism.

“All our efforts today are to bring investors to this State for a mutually-beneficial engagement. Given its importance, the State has produced investment manual, developed a unique tourism investment model and published available investment opportunities in our sites like Olumirin Waterfall, Ayikunnugba Waterfall, Owala rivers, Kiriji war sites and other viable opportunities as part of the Culture and Tourism for Sustainable Economy documents.

“It is our resolve to develop a home-grown Public Private Partnerships Investment Model that will take care of the immediate needs of the stakeholders and pledge a promising future for the participants.

“Our model addresses the key issues of land, reward system, tax matters, etc., and provides the basis of relationship with communities, employment and social responsibility to the community. We are open for negotiations on our offer,” he added.

Governor Oyetola also disclosed the governnement’s plan to develop agri-tourism as part of efforts to strengthen local economy, create job opportunities and new businesses.

According to him, the development of agri-tourism would assist the government in its resolve to support the citizens, particularly the youth through promotion of training and certification programmes and introduction of young people to agriculture and environment.

While noting that the administration places high premium on youth, Governor Oyetola said, “We shall create wealth for them, rehabilitate those that deserve it, and use them not only as agents of resuscitation of our culture going into extinction, but as a tool to perpetuate our cultural heritage.

“We shall consciously encourage them to see tourism as a bailout of unemployment tangle.”

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed commended the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for developing the Master Plan, describing the initiative as a right step in the right direction.

Lai Muhammed who was represented by DG/CEO Centre for Blacks and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Hon. Oluwabunmi Ayobami Amao, said the initiative would go a long way to give a realistic direction in the development of tourist centres and make Osun the best destination.

According to him, the initiative would also help to unlock the numerous potential of the State for socio-economic development and by extension generate employment for the citizens.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Adebisi Obawale, said the huge economic gains awaiting investment in Culture and Tourism had compelled the immediate need for the master plan which would be funded through Public Private Partnership (PPP)

He said, “The abundant opportunities of our heritage and tourism potential and the inherent benefits, such as creating mass employment especially for our teeming youths, revenue generations, and socio-economic development of the arrays of sites locations and the State in general, have made this Government prioritise the sector as one of the economic pillars to drive the State economy.

“A few months ago, a team of investors and financial Institutions visited the State and having gone round some tourist attractions, were impressed by the enormous human, cultural and natural resources the State is bestowed with; and realising this, the team had since expressed her willingness and strong commitment to develop our tourism attractions to World-Class Destinations.”

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In continuation of series of engagements with different stakeholders in the Tourism and Entertainment sector in the State, the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf on Thursday, met some top musicians and Disc Jockeys on post-COVID-19 rejuvenation for the industry.

Addressing the artistes, Akinbile-Yusuf emphasised the need for the performers to join hands with the government to educate their fans and well wishers on the importance of adhering to the COVID-19 protocols.

She expressed the belief that no efforts should be spared in following all guidelines that can help halt this pandemic, saying “It is my desire that we should all go back to our normal life very soon and this can only be possible if we’re resolute in the fight against this pandemic”.

AkinbiIe-Yusuf assured that the Ministry, being the regulator of the activities of the entertainers, will continue to work closely with the artistes to promote entertainment and make Lagos State the hub of entertainment in Africa.

In her words, “I have met with government agencies that are of high importance in the promotion of Tourism and Entertainment, and they have assured the Ministry of their unflinching support. I want to implore you to share your calendar of events with us so that we can continue to promote you”.

The musicians, comprising of hip-hop singers such as popular Nigerian Rapper, M. I. Abaga; Singer and Song-Writer, Dr. SID; Rapper and Singer, Falz; Singer/Songwriter, Teniola Apata; Fuji musicians and Disc Jockeys, pleaded with the State government to assist the practitioners in the area of payment of royalties for all their creative content.

In his contribution, Abaga lamented the bureaucratic bottlenecks often faced in accessing government services and approvals, adding that the synergy being reached with the Ministry now will help address those institutional limitations.

He also called on the government to help enforce the existing law on licensing and payment of royalties, especially by media organisations, in order to encourage those in the creative sector.

Falz disclosed that over 97 percent of practitioners in the entertainment industry have not earned a dime for the past six months being a sector that thrives on live shows and performances.

According to him, the option being explored now in the entertainment sector is virtual entertainment and digital concert, which is yet to be fully embraced by Nigerians because of some challenges like data subscription and the nature of our digital technology in the country.

Additional Reports courtesy of LASG

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The Lagos State Government said that it has identified Badagry and Epe as the proposed locations for the establishment of craft villages designed to provide stakeholders within the creative sector an avenue for ease of doing business and the opportunity to train new talents.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Nike Art Gallery in Lagos recently, the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Art and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu said that Governor Sanwo-Olu has mandated the Ministry to create craft villages in both Badagry and Epe in order to boost tourism in the State.

He explained that due to the contributions of both Badagry and Epe to the historical growth of Lagos, the State Government has already commenced consultations and discussions on how to create jobs, showcase talents and train aspiring students in both communities.

While noting that Badagry would serve as the pilot phase for the project, the Special Adviser disclosed that the State government’s aim was to create a platform that would help attract foreign investors, promote its creative market and give operators in the industry opportunities to showcase their works.

He said that the plan of the State government was not just to create craft communities, but build a market where creativity would be valued.

“The creation of craft villages is long overdue for the protection of people in the sector, this informed the approval by Governor Sanwo-Olu for the establishment of a unifying market for the sector in these two strategic locations”, Bonu reiterated.

The Special Adviser expressed the readiness of the State government to put into consideration the interest of all relevant stakeholders in the creative arts business with a promise to seek their buy-in from the inception of the project.

Bonu equally appealed to the Federal Government to pay attention to the dilapidated state of the Okoko-Badagry Expressway as a way of boosting tourism businesses along that corridor.

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THE BOARD, MANAGEMENT AND THE EDITORIAL TEAM OF THE LAGOSIAN MAGAZINE CONGRATULATES AMBASSADOR WALE OJO-LANRE ESQ ON HIS APPOINTMENT BY GOVERNOR KAYODE FAYEMI AS HIS SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT ON TOURISM MATTERS. THE LAGOSIAN BELIEVES THAT THIS APPOINTMENT IMMEDIATELY AFTER HIS TOUR OF DUTY AS DIRECTOR GENERAL OF EKITI STATE COUNCIL OF ARTS AND CULTURE IS A GREATLY BEFITTING ONE, PUTTING A SQUARE PEG IN A SQUARE HOLE. AMBASSADOR OJO-LANRE’S YEARS OF STERLING CONTRIBUTIONS TO TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA CANNOT BE QUANTIFIED. WE COMMEND THE GOVERNOR FOR THIS VISIONARY APPOINTMENT AND WE BELIEVE, KNOWING OJO LANRE, THAT EKITI WILL BE BETTER FOR IT.

SIGNED:
MANAGEMENT.

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In the light of recent unfounded and discredited allegations against Prophet TB Joshua, The Lagosian Online invites you to share our recent experience behind the scenes at The Synagogue Church of All Nations, The SCOAN.

Having had the opportunity of meeting one on one with workers at the church, there is indeed an interesting insight into how TB Joshua works and relates with the workers.
One thing is clear: all the workers in their hundreds greatly revere the Man of God. They consider him a father figure. The Lagosian discovered that the SCOAN working environment is like working inside the United Nations. Virtually every continent of the Globe is represented among SCOAN workers. There are North and South Americans, Asians, Australians, Latin Americans, workers from the British Isles, disciples from African countries such as Senegal, Nigeria and South Africa among other nations. There are workers from as far as China, Philippines and Indonesia.

With such amazing diversity, visitors are in for a wonderful experience touring the church premises. And with such conglomeration of many races cultures and work views, one would then wonder how Joshua manages to keep that place working so smoothly. This is a tribute to the man’s leadership skills and charismatic disposition, and surprise surprise, a very soft spot for his workers not easily seen by non attentive observers.

One can safely tell you that TB Joshua is a great manager of men and women. He does it with a fatherly disposition and he has over the years earned the love of most of his workers! Imagine a worker and later henchman from Britain who has been with Joshua for almost two decades! This is a full blood British citizen! All workers call him Daddy and when The Lagosian asked why, the response is always, he treats us like his beloved children.

Such is the strength of the bond between the Prophet and his workers that when our correspondent once asked some of the expatriate workers where they came from, they unblinkingly answered: “We are Nigerians!” Wow! They all see one another as Nigerians. That is another positive side to the TB Joshua phenomenon. Such is the love and respect that they are always ready to identify with the Prophet’s home country. Indeed it is an interesting experience closely observing the behind the scenes at The SCOAN.

The Lagosian also noticed that the staff of SCOAN are always prim and proper. They are always on their toes, moving swiftly to discharge their assigned duties.

During a recent meeting with TB Joshua, The Lagosian noticed the democratic nature with which TB Joshua manages SCOAN. The Reporters of the Lagosian were pleasantly surprised when he called on the workers to stop all activities and give their opinion on a printing project he was about to approve. As the workers spoke, he listened with keen interest and he took each opinion into consideration as he took his final decision. Far from the picture his detractors are trying to paint, TB Joshua, even though always led by the spirit, allows his workers to give their personal input and, often professional experiences. Although vastly experienced, TB Joshua allows his workers to thrive and exercise their talents to the core under a clearly convivial and conducive environment.

When the Lagosian discussed with some of the staff after the meeting, we were informed that the behavior is typical of the man. They spoke about how kind and fatherly he is to them, irrespective of where they are from and what duties they are charged with in the church.

Despite cultural differences and the different personalities, he takes interest in developing a relationship with each worker and he makes sure they feel at home. The workers spoke about how he treats everyone with equity and kindness, and they told the Lagosian his behavior makes them proud to call Nigeria and the SCOAN home.

We observed that his fatherly behavior goes beyond the altar and TV screen. TB Joshua’s behavior has touched the hearts of those working with him and has caused them to emulate his behavior. This eagerness to model the man was evident in the way the Reporters of the Lagosian and other visitors were treated. It is obvious that his leadership style works, because the workers of SCOAN work with passion and love for the job.

A tour of the SCOAN premises and further observation of workers across departments showed that TB Joshua is very interested in the development of his staff. We discovered that staff undergo extensive training both within and outside Nigeria to improve their skills in order to ensure they are at par with their peers across the world. One example is the Emmanuel TV studios. Our reporter was amazed at the skill of many of the workers, especially the indigenous ones who obviously are allowed to understudy the foreign experts in all areas of TV broadcasting. The Lagosian also found out that TB Joshua does not discriminate on the basis of sex, nation or race. Go there and see young women handling highly technical jobs with ease. With one of the world’s most sophisticated equipments place, it must have taken a great mind to inspire these youngsters to doing such wonders, especially expensive and tricky television broadcast equipment.

TB Joshua is truly an inspiring Man of God. Working there, you simply must live and respect this man.

Another example was the wonderful way the recent revival in Sheffield UK was masterfully planned and executed as directed by TB Joshua such that even though the Man of God himself was not at the event, the programme still produced amazing works of miracle under his inspiration.

One cannot but be convinced that the recent dog in the manger disposition of one Bisola Johnson must have come from a truly disturbed and unstable mind indeed. Anyone not able to succeed in this kind of environment really needs to get examined properly.

The post EXCLUSIVE!!! THE AMAZING, INSPIRING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TB JOSHUA AND HIS SCOAN WORKERS!!! appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

As the President visits Lagos today to commission sundry projects of the Akinwunmi AMBODE administration, The Lagosian hereby gives you a sneak preview in living colors. Enjoy.

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The centre was established in 1990 to serve as biodiversity conservation icon and environment education centre. The facility was built by the Chevron Corporation for the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), as a reserved sanctuary for the rich flora and fauna of the Lekki Peninsula. The company has since provided annual funding for the management of the centre.

In order to start the conservation project, three potential areas were surveyed in 1987 by NCF technical team in partnership with the defunct Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative. Thereafter, Lekki area was chosen to establish the demonstration site for the conservation project. Locating the conservation project on Lekki Peninsula informed the name of the project – Lekki Conservation Centre. The Centre was established by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation to protect the wildlife and mangrove forests of Nigeria’s South-West coastline from the threat of urban development

It is located in the coastal environs covering an approximate land area of 78 hectares, extending from kilometer 19 along the Lagos-Epe Expressway and ends up a very close distance to the Atlantic Ocean near Okun Ibeju Village, Eti-Osa Local Government Area in the Eastern district of Lagos State. LCC can be accessed through the Lagos-Epe Expressway.

Widely acclaimed as an icon of nature conservation and pearl of ecotourism, Lekki Conservation Centre represents the flagship project of NCF for the preservation of the unique biodiversity, scenic, natural, scientific and recreational values of the coastal environs of the south-western Nigeria. It is therefore one of the best urban parks to satiate visitors†curiosity of nature.

It is the only vibrant protected area in Lagos State and one of the very few vibrant tourist destinations of repute in Lagos and has thus been recognized as one of the notable Sites/Monuments of special interest and exceptional relevance by the Lagos State Government under the LISTED SITES for the preservation, protection and restoration of historical properties and cultural heritage in Lagos State and for connected purposes.

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