The event also featured the inauguration of the Foundation’s new Chairman of the Governing Council and Board Members, who were formally sworn in to steer ETF’s strategic direction. The newly inaugurated members include Alhaji Lai Mohammed as Chairman, Governing Council; Dr. Tunde Lawrenson as Secretary; HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos; Chief Nike Okundaye, Owner and Curator of the Nike Art Galleries; Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Founder/CEO of the Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation; Mr. Karl Hala, Group General Manager for Continental Hotels; Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, DSM, Eko Hotel and Suites; and Abiola Adelana, Tourism and Creative Art Business Head at Sterling Bank, among others who will serve as board members of the Eko Tourism Foundation.
Their collective expertise, drawn from diverse sectors of tourism, culture, hospitality, and business, is expected to drive ETF’s mission of positioning Lagos as Africa’s tourism powerhouse.
At the official launch held in Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos on Thursday, the Chairman of the ETF Board of Trustees and Governing Board, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the initiative as “a bold, forward-thinking platform designed to harness the economic power of tourism.”
Mohammed, a former Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, said the Foundation would serve as the policy advocacy voice for the industry, create a collaborative platform for government and private stakeholders, and lead global marketing campaigns for Destination Lagos and, by extension, Destination Nigeria.
“Tourism is one of the most powerful engines of growth anywhere in the world. The Eko Tourism Foundation will harness that power to drive Nigeria’s economy and create millions of jobs,” he said.
Highlighting Lagos’ cultural and entertainment appeal, Mohammed added that the state had already captured global attention through “Detty December,” nightlife, Owambe parties, fashion, food and arts. “The Foundation will ensure this energy is sustained and scaled into a year-round global attraction,” he noted.
According to him, tourism currently contributes 3.6 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, representing over $17.3bn, and provides 10 to 15 million jobs nationwide. He added that Lagos boasts over 2,000 hotels with 70,000 rooms, some of the highest occupancy rates in Africa.
Citing World Travel & Tourism Council projections, he disclosed that the sector is expected to grow by 5.4 per cent annually between 2023 and 2030, creating 2.6 million new jobs and adding $5.58bn to revenues.
The ETF, he explained, would deliver on its mandate through strategic programmes such as the Eko Tourism Foundation Trust Fund to attract investments, the ETF Academy for human capital development, the ETF International Conference & Exhibition, the Experience Lagos Project with immersive and virtual tours, and an annual ETF Festival to promote youth participation.
The Foundation also introduced membership categories including Grand Patron, Chancellor, Champions, Ambassadors, Custodians, Pillars, Industry Heroes, and the Face of ETF.
Mohammed commended Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, President of LCCI, for the vision that birthed the initiative, while saluting the ETF Board of Trustees comprising HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Chief Nike Okundaye, Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Mr. Karl Hala, Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo and Dr. Tunde Lawrenson for their commitment.
“The tourism sector has suffered from incoherent voices and fragmented efforts for too long. The Eko Tourism Foundation is here to harmonise the industry, engage government productively, attract investments and create millions of jobs,” he said.