The Lagos State Government has reiterated it’s support for the forthcoming IPADA CARNIVAL celebration which will take place between November 29th and December 8th, 2024 at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, at Ibeju-lekki, Lagos.
This was made known yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe,
at the ongoing 2 Day Stakeholders meeting for Tour Operators and others, at the 65 acres beach resort conference centre popularly called ‘pabirikoto ‘.
While speaking to news men at the event which also had in attendance Mr Nkereuwem Onung, the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Idris Aregbe said that, IPADA Initiative and IPADA Carnival is a fantastic idea whose time is now. And that the Lagos State Government is fully ready to throw it’s weight of support, funding and whatever, into it.
“This has been a fantastic stakeholders meeting today, I give my kudos to the organisers, the Founder of the initiative, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye. It is a brilliant concept and a brilliant way of promoting tourism. The Lagos State Government is fully ready to give every support necessary to this initiative and ensure the success of the IPADA Carnival coming up next month.
“This event is going to be a great one because it is going to define our image as a people. It is a fantastic one because IPADA Carnival is going to be an experience, which will give the outside world an opportunity to come and see Africa. And the best way to see Africa is through the eyes and view of Lagos.
“And ofcourse, that is why Lagos State will continue to identify with major tourism promotional issues like this. We are fully ready for IPADA Carnival with our funding support. Our Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is fully ready for this. And I am also very happy that the President, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu has fully endorsed the IPADA Initiative and IPADA Carnival.
“With this situation, Lagos will continue to win, Nigeria will continue to win, Africa will continue to win. It is a beautiful one.”
Idris Aregbe also spoke on the involvement of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) in the hosting of IPADA Carnival.
“Ofcourse, NATOP is a relevant stakeholder at this point. And any reliable association will definitely jump on an opportunity like this. I am happy that they are on board. I am also seizing this opportunity to call on more relevant associations to come and be part of this. That’s because this is a good opportunity to showcase our hospitality and tourism to the world. This is about showcasing the Nigerian content to the world.”
About the venue of IPADA Carnival which will be taking place next month, the SSA, Tourism, Arts and Culture to the Governor Mr. Idris Aregbe said that:
“We all know what La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort has stood for over the years. It is a place where one connects with dreams and initiatives. This place has lots of good stories to share. I usually like coming here because it inspires me a lot and good for relaxation and rejuvenating the body. So we have to do more and win more with a place like this.”
● Paul Ukpabio is Nigeria’s Tourism Writer Of The Year Award Winner 2023
