The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu, has revealed plans to establish tourism clubs and train 500 youths as tour guides from the five IBILE Divisions of the State.
Bonu said that having these tour guides in place would complement the efforts of the Ministry at domesticating tourism activities in all Local Government Areas.
His words: “With this idea, tourists that visit our State would now have a better experience as they would be professionally guided and accompanied to all the tourism sites by local people with local knowledge of their respective communities”.
The Special Adviser added that the establishment of Tourism Clubs, which is also being considered by the Ministry, across the IBILE zones would aid the advancement of tourism.
“Some of our stakeholders are already partnering with the Ministry in this area with a view to enhancing the capacity development of our youths as it relates to the promotion of community-based tourism”, he said.
Bonu noted that upon completion of their training as tour guides, the youths would have access to loan facilities under the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).
“The loan will make it possible for them to venture into the production of different tourism artworks that can be used as souvenirs for tourists who visit sites in the State”, the Special Adviser stated.
Bonu affirmed that the present administration is touching every segment of tourism from arts to culture and entertainment.
He said, “For us at the Ministry, we will continue to align all our programmes and activities with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of Mr. Governor, particularly, the entertainment and tourism pillar”
