By Yomi Durojaye
...As Minister of Tourism, Wife of OONI, Oniru, Elegusi, Top key players graced Occasion
As Lagos joined other Internationals to celebrate World Tourism Day 2024, the Hon. Commissar for Tourism, Art & Culture, Hon. Toke-Benson Awoyinka has highlighted the vital role of this sector in fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures in supporting reconciliation processes in Nation Building.
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| (3rd R: Hon. Com. Toke-Benson Awoyinka, 4th Oniru of Irulans, HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan, 3rd left: wife of OONI, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, 1st R: LSHA, Hon. Olushola Desmond Elliot and other guests) |
The event was held at Muri Okunola Parks, Victoria Island, Lagos, tagged: Tourism and Peace : Its relevance to Nation Building"
The Lead discussants, Oniru of Irulans, HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal in his presentation highlighted the important role tourism had played in Nation Building.
Oba Oniruland said, "Indeed, it is my pleasure to speak on the theme of the World Tourism Day – 2024, i.e. "Tourism and Peace". Global peace and harmonious co-existence of the peoples of this world are profoundly pivotal as we strive for a more prosperous world.
"Today, I will explore the intricate relationship between tourism and peace through the lens of Paul Collier’s theory on conflict and peace. Tourism, when harnessed responsibly, can be a powerful catalyst for peace, bridging divides and promoting harmonious coexistence. Additionally, I will share personal experiences from the Iru Kingdom; discuss how tourism can be a tool for conflict resolution and cultural understanding; present successful tourism initiatives from the Iru Kingdom, and conduct a comparative analysis of the cities of Lagos and Istanbul.
Sighting the Paul Collier’s Theory on Conflict & Peace, Oba Oniru, said, Paul Collier - a renowned development economist - has extensively studied the dynamics of conflict and peace. His theory posits that economic opportunities and development are fundamental to preventing conflicts. Collier emphasizes that poverty and lack of economic opportunities create fertile ground for conflict. Conversely, economic growth, fueled by sectors such as tourism, can promote peace by providing jobs and improving living standards.
"Collier’s theory also highlights the importance of inclusive economic development. When economic benefits are equitably distributed, it reduces grievances that can lead to conflict. Tourism, with its potential to create jobs and spur local economies, plays a crucial role in this inclusive development.
"The major Importance of Peace in Tourism is fostering the economic growth is well-documented and cannot be overstated. Globally, it contributes 9.8% of GDP and 7% of total exports (World Tourism Organization). I believe that strategic investments in the tourism sector can help mitigate risks of poverty and unemployment; by creating jobs, stimulating infrastructure development, and promoting cross-cultural understanding, tourism can address the root causes of conflict and chart a path towards lasting peace and inclusive economic development.
Relating the Relationship between Tourism and Peace, Tourism can foster peace by promoting cross-cultural understanding and people-to-people diplomacy. Travelers learn about local customs, traditions, and ways of life, breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions, Tourism can contribute to peace by generating economic benefits, creating jobs, and reducing poverty. This can help alleviate tensions and conflicts driven by economic instability. Tourism can support peace processes by promoting dialogue and cooperation among conflicting parties.
"Promoting Peace through Cultural Heritage & Tourism in Iru Kingdom, Iru-land, which encompasses the entire Victoria Island, the Lagos Marina lands abutting the Five Cowries Creek and the several indigenous villages and ancestral communities of (such as Igbosere, Falomo, Itirin, Mosafejo, Apapa-Eleko, Ipehun, etc) of Lagos State, boasts a rich cultural heritage that has been instrumental in fostering peace and unity. We have leveraged our rich cultural heritage to promote peace and foster tourism.
Earlier, at the opening Remarks, the State Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture said, "This year’s theme is timely and significant, as it invites us to reflect on how tourism, beyond being a tool for economic development, serves as a bridge for peace, understanding, and unity among people and nations.
Lagos, as adynamic hub of culture and commerce, understands the power of tourism in building not only an inclusive soci ety but a peaceful one. Through tourism, we are able to connect with the world, break down cultural barriers, and offer a platform where differences are not just acknowledged but celebrated.
The tourism sector serves as a powerful catalyst for fostering peace. As visitors from around the world explore different lands, meet new people, and experience diverse cultures, they engage in an exchange that promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and friendship. It is this spirit of shared humanity that can turn tourism into an engine for peace and reconciliation, as it opens hearts and minds to new ways of thinking, living, and coexisting".
Commissioner said, Lagos is not only committed to promoting tourism as an economic driver but also as a tool for fostering peace. Our initiatives continue to elevate Lagos as a global tourism destination, where cultural diversity is showcased, and our rich heritage is shared with the world. Today, as we gather here at Muri Okunola Park, I am proud to say that Lagos remains a beacon of cultural and tourism excellence.
"Our collaboration with Sterling Bank is a testament to the power of partnerships in driving the growth of this vital sector. Through this joint effort, we hope to strengthen the narrative of tourism as a path to peace and reconciliation, demonstrating how tourism can create opportunities for sustainable development while bringing people closer together.We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that tourism remains a force for good in our society.
In a separate goodwill messages, Minister for Tourism ably represented by her Special Adviser on Tourism, Wife OONI, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, Joke Silver, other Panelists emphasized the relevance importance of tourism sector as an instrument of Nation Building if maximumly harnessed.
MD, Sterling Bank, Mr. Tunde Adeola, SA to the Governor on Tourism, Hon. Idris Aregbe, Ajibike Teniola, HC Agric, Hon Ruth Abisola Olusanya, Dr Reuben Abati, Hon Desmond Elliot, HRM representative of Oba Elegushi of Ikate Land, Ademola Saheed, represented by Aro of Ikate land, Key players and Stakeholders in Tourism sector graced the epoch event in Lagos.
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