Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s dedication to enhancing water tourism and expanding the state’s transportation system.

Speaking at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, held at Victoria Island and across various locations in the five divisions of the state—Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe—the Governor emphasized the importance of exploring the waterways as part of a broader effort to develop a robust tourism ecosystem.

The event, themed “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” showcased the potential of Lagos’ water resources, with boat regattas and cultural displays taking place across the state’s waterfronts.

Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the significance of the event as both a celebration of Lagos’ rich cultural heritage and a vision for the future of the state’s tourism sector.

He encouraged residents to embrace the opportunity to relax and enjoy the festivities, as they explore the beauty of Lagos’ waterways.

“We are indeed excited that we can finally have a boat regatta, the beginning of what will be a lot of activities that are going to happen during this yuletide season.

It is a demonstration of our commitment to developing tourism potential in Lagos,” said Sanwo-Olu during the event. “You know one third of Lagos is surrounded by water.

So, we need to be able to use our waterways not only as a means of transportation but as a strong ecosystem for tourism, and today you will be seeing displays of various sizes of water infrastructure and displays of boat regattas from the five divisions of Lagos.”

The Governor, accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and several members of the State Executive Council, embarked on a boat ride to mark the occasion, further underscoring their commitment to Lagos’ tourism development.

He invited Lagosians to enjoy the sights and sounds of the event, celebrating the state’s vibrant waterway heritage.

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, also shared her thoughts on the event, emphasizing its role as a driver of economic growth and an avenue to create business opportunities.

She noted that the Lagos Boat Regatta is part of a larger strategy to cement the state’s status as a premier global tourism destination.

“The Lagos Boat Regatta 2024 was aimed to immerse participants in the rich culture of the state’s waterway,” said Benson-Awoyinka. “It serves as a driver of economic growth to boost tourism and create opportunities for local businesses, further cementing Lagos’ reputation as a premier global destination.”

The event featured a rich blend of parades, dance performances, and interactive exhibits, designed to highlight the sustainable practices and community heritage of Lagos’ waterfront regions.

The immersive experience provided a captivating look at the potential of water tourism, promising an exciting future for the state’s tourism sector.