General News
LASG LAUNCHES 20-YEAR TOURISM MASTER PLAN, POLICY
A Tourism Master Plan and Policy which seeks to make Lagos State one of the top-five tourism hubs in Africa has been presented to the public at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking at the presentation, the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the event as a critical step to further unlock aspects of Lagos towards becoming Africa’s tourism giant.
He said: “Since our assumption of office, over two years ago, we have taken decisive steps to explore the abundant possibilities in this very critical sector by giving the practitioners and key stakeholders an opportunity to be directly involved in each of our policies”.
Sanwo-Olu, represented at the event by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated that the tourism potentials of the State are yet to be fully harnessed, as such the policy is an attempt to unlock these potentials.
Speaking further, the Governor disclosed that the event is evidence of his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness and stakeholder partnership since the tourism sector thrives on Public-Private Partnership and collaboration.
He disclosed that the policy was developed with the consent of relevant stakeholders in the tourism industry, noting that it was reviewed to reflect the policy thrust and plans for Entertainment and Tourism pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda.
“The Launch speaks of our sincere intention to better the lot of Lagosians, promote ease of doing business, attract more tourists to our State and domestic tourism activities in the Centre of Excellence”, he said.
According to him, the policy document will direct efforts in the tourism sector in strategic areas, namely: Culture and Heritage; Film, Art and Entertainment; Business and Meetings, Incentives; Conferences and Entertainment; Beach and Leisure; Nature and Adventure, and Medical and Wellness.
Sanwo-Olu averred that the document will help in the attainment of a robust execution and implementation of short, medium and long-term plans in different areas and aspects of Tourism activities in alignment with the vision to revamp the tourism sector holistically, adding that the waterways and beaches as well as restaurants, recreational parks and relaxation centres will be exposed at home and abroad for tourism purposes.
While stating that the event signals a new narrative in the sector, the Governor expressed confidence that the public presentation of the Lagos Tourism Master Plan and Policy is one that all stakeholders in the sector have been yearning for and hoping to have for implementation.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was represented at the event by the Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr. Folorunsho Coker said it is time for all tiers of government in the country to partner on issues relating to tourism.
He said, “This is the time for collaboration and not a competition between all tiers of government, if there is competition between members of the State and Federal Government on issues relating to tourism the progress will be distorted”.
While noting the need for alignment of policies in the area of taxation and legislation, the Minister stated that the Lagos economy can sustain local tourism, tasking journalists on responsible reportage so as not to devalue the State’s claims to a position of value.
He, however, urged the government to harness the tourism potentials of Lagos, being the heartbeat of Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.
In her address, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, stated that the Master Plan will further transform Lagos into a major African tourism and entertainment hub by exploring and promoting the potentials that abound in the State, as well as integrating the thriving Entertainment and Arts industry as a viable platform to attract visitors and create jobs in Lagos State.
She added that the goal is to generate tourism revenue for business and government, which will lead to job creation, enhance the quality of life for Lagosians, align with the State’s development plans and domesticate tourism in Lagos.
The Special Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Solomon Bonu, remarked that the Master Plan and Policy are being conceived to provide a more holistic approach to the implementation of tourism activities across the State, such that there will be uniformity and orderliness in the sector.
He stated that in the course of the compilation, the Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture had ensured that relevant stakeholders were involved from the inception of compilation and review of the documents up till the final stage.
Bonu further disclosed that there is a plan in place by the Ministry to train 500 youths from the five IBILE Divisions of the State as Tour Guides, adding that the Ministry is also training creative practitioners under its Lagos State Creative Industry Initiative (LACI) and members of Tourism Clubs to meet the needs of tourists in the sector.
At a solemn ordination service in Abuja, senior church leaders have called on pastors to make the well-being of their congregations a top priority, following the example of Jesus Christ.
Speaking during the priesthood ordination and installation of a Sub Dean at the Cathedral Church of Advent, Life Camp, Abuja, the retired Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Okene, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Ajulo, described pastors as shepherds charged with the care of their flock. He urged them to shun worldly distractions and focus on meeting the spiritual and material needs of their members.
Bishop Ajulo also encouraged the newly ordained priests to remain faithful to their calling by teaching God’s word without compromise.
In his charge, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, urged the new clergy to preach the undiluted gospel and foster religious harmony wherever they serve. He expressed confidence that their new roles would help promote peace and unity in society.
The service also featured prayers for national leaders and divine intervention in addressing the current global economic challenges.
In a dramatic show of faith and patriotism, over 1,000 fiery prayer warriors from across Nigeria will descend on Ilorin, Kwara State, this Saturday, lifting their voices in intense intercession for President Bola Tinubu’s success and Nigeria’s survival in the face of biting economic woes and mounting insecurity.
The spiritual siege, themed “Walking in Domini”, is the maiden convention of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), with its Kwara State Chairman, Evangelist Thomas Adeboye, vowing that “heaven will hear and respond to Nigeria’s cry.”
Aside from marathon prayers, the gathering will roll out free medical outreach to locals across Kwara’s LGAs, a gesture aimed at touching both body and soul.
Adeboye, lamenting Nigeria’s “troubling economic and security realities”, called for a nationwide prayer uprising, insisting that Tinubu has shown the will to revive the nation but needs massive divine backing to succeed.
“Banditry, a collapsing economy, and political tension demand we seek God’s face like never before,” he declared. “We will storm heaven for wisdom for the President and governors to steer Nigeria to safety.”
The convention will also feature awards to distinguished personalities, soul-lifting worship, fiery sermons, and unity-driven lectures—all capped with thunderous prayers for Nigeria’s redemption.
Adeboye urged the President to ensure every policy has “a human face,” stressing that Nigerians must not only endure but also enjoy the fruits of governance.
With the OAIC promising to reaffirm believers’ authority in Christ and rally spiritual boldness in the face of national challenges, Ilorin is set to become the epicentre of a powerful spiritual warfare for Nigeria’s destiny.
…Church leaders accuse Welsh counterparts of “spiritual decadence” and “abandonment of faith”
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a forceful condemnation of the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. The move is the latest in a series of developments that have deepened divisions within the global Anglican Communion over sexuality and doctrine.
In a statement from Primate The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the church denounced the election as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a sign of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation compromises the Anglican Church’s global mission and could obstruct evangelism. He compared the situation to the controversial tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, who also faced intense criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.
The Primate accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” around same-sex issues, stating that the election is a “clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
The Church of Nigeria called on Anglicans worldwide to reject “rebels” and “apostates” and to instead support conservative bodies like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared. He concluded with a solemn warning that without repentance, the Church in Wales risks losing “complete relevance” and its leaders will face judgment.
68 Nations Gather at Dunamis Glory Dome for 2025 Flaming Fire Conference
The 2025 International Ministers Flaming Fire Conference has drawn thousands of worshippers, church leaders, and delegates from more than 68...
“I Am Living Proof That God Still Saves – Faith Oyedepo Shares Testimony”
Faith Oyedepo, wife of the Founder and General Overseer of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has shared...
Olukoya Ordains 5,000 Pastors at MFM Global Ministers Conference
The General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Worldwide, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, has ordained 5,000 men and...
From Barefoot Village Boy to Global Spiritual Leader: Adeboye Inspires at Church’s 50th Anniversary
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has shared a moving account of his...
Clergy Urged To Put Members’ Welfare Above All Else
At a solemn ordination service in Abuja, senior church leaders have called on pastors to make the well-being of their...