The Lagos State IBILE Youth Ambassadors have paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as part of efforts to strengthen youth participation in cultural and tourism development across the state.
Epe Insights reports that the delegation was led by Mr. Adetomiwa Banuso from Epe Division, who represented the youth ambassadors during the engagement held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja.
The delegation was received by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, alongside members of the ministry’s management team.
During the engagement, the Permanent Secretary commended the IBILE Youth Ambassadors for their dedication to leadership, youth development, and community engagement across the five divisions of Lagos State.
She particularly encouraged the ambassadors to remain good representatives of their respective divisions by promoting peace, cultural values, and tourism opportunities within their communities.
Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila emphasized the importance of youth inclusion in governance and societal development, noting that young people remain critical to the future growth of Lagos State.
She explained that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture continues to play an important role in preserving cultural heritage, promoting tourism destinations, and supporting the creative industry across the state.
The Permanent Secretary further urged the ambassadors to continuously equip themselves with leadership skills and knowledge capable of positively influencing their communities.
“As ambassadors of the IBILE Youth Academy, you are expected to promote the rich cultural heritage and tourism potential of Lagos State,” she stated during the meeting.
Special attention was also drawn to the role of Epe Division in Lagos tourism and cultural heritage, with stakeholders highlighting the division’s growing recognition as one of the state’s key cultural and tourism destinations.
Observers noted that Epe continues to attract attention for its rich history, waterfront attractions, festivals, and expanding tourism opportunities within Lagos State.
Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila also highlighted major tourism and heritage centres in Lagos, including the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History and the Badagry Heritage Museum.
She encouraged the ambassadors to promote unity, peaceful coexistence, and positive social values within their communities while discouraging violence and social unrest.
The Permanent Secretary further disclosed plans for future competitions and tourism-related programmes involving youth ambassadors from the five divisions of Lagos State.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Banuso from Epe Division expressed appreciation to the ministry for the warm reception and insightful interaction with the youth ambassadors.
He noted that the visit provided an opportunity for participants to better understand the ministry’s role in tourism development, cultural preservation, and youth engagement.
The delegation was accompanied by Miss Okeke Patient and Miss Odofin Bukola, both Chief Youth Development Officers from the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
Stakeholders described the visit as a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between youth groups and government institutions in promoting cultural awareness and tourism development across Lagos State.
