The Lagos State Government has called for increased participation of business-minded individuals and organisations in the water tourism sector of the State.
The Managing Director, Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), Mr. Ladi Balogun made the call while delivering a paper titled: “LAGFERRY: An Enabler of Tourism”, at the E-tourism Business Conference and Award event held recently in Victoria Island.
He stated that LAGFERRY has been partnering with private individuals and organisations to increase and promote tourism as well as improve the Lagos ecosystem by ensuring unhindered and safe mobility through the Lagos waterways.
While informing that the Agency is partnering with a reputable tourism company, Goge Africa, to explore historical sites and monuments through the waterways within Nigeria and the West Africa Coast of Benin Republic, Cameroun and Sierra Leone, Balogun informed that LAGFERRY also hosts regular events like the Valentine boat cruise, independence boat cruise, weddings and parties etc. on its 180-tonne barge.
The Managing Director averred that the Agency is also regularly promoting tourism through its Charter Services by ferrying revellers and tourists to resorts, historical sites and beaches of Ilashe and Tarkwa Bay among others.
His words: “Through the dedication and unwavering support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, LAGFERRY can boast of having 20 world-standard boats in its fleet, using it to set the standard of the kind of boats befitting a smart Lagos.
“Most of these boats were manufactured by local boat builders in Nigeria and are ideal for commercial and charter services”.
He applauded the organisers of the conference and described it as timely, noting, however, that the Conferences, Seminars or Workshops can also be held on the waterways.
“I call on the organisers to consider holding their next conference on the water by making use of our 180-tonne barge that can be decorated to taste. It will continue to sail while the event is going on and guests savouring the ambience of the Lagos waterways”, Balogun enthused.
