The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the retired Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku, for his book titled: “Developing Lagos Tourism: Guiding Practices”, saying that the publication would serve as a guide for tourism practitioners in the State.

The Governor, who disclosed this in his address to tourism stakeholders at the official launch of the Book at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, recommended the publication for students and practitioners, who are desirous of understanding Lagos tourism.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Education at the event, Ms. Adetola Salau, promised to support the circulation of the book to all relevant institutions across the State, assuring that the intellectual property of the author would be adequately protected.

He said: “Just as our administration is poised to elevate the place of Tourism and related activities in the State, this book will be a critical guide to our policy-making and implementation”.

In his goodwill message at the book launch, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola attested to the passion of Dr. Olaide-Mesewaku for the growth and development of tourism activities before his appointment as a Permanent Secretary in the State Public Service, saying that his decision to document his thoughts in a book form is a welcome development by the State Government.

Muri-Okunola recalled that the appointment of Dr. Olaide-Mesewaku as a Permanent Secretary by Governor Sanwo-Olu was not based on anyone’s recommendation but basically as a result of his work and the niche he already carved for himself in the tourism space.

The Head of Service affirmed that the book “Developing Lagos Tourism, Guiding Practice”, would be of immense benefit to the entire public service, especially in understanding the policy thrust of the present administration in the State under the Entertainment and Tourism pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda.

He said: “I have absolutely nothing but extreme pride and joy to be at this book launch and I am sure that this book will be of immense relevance to our curriculum at the PSSDC, in our education sector and as a government”.

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, described the author as a tourism asset to Lagos State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

“The author of this tourism book is always desirous of value addition and very passionate about tourism. Having worked with him during his tenure as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, I can affirm that his passion for tourism development prompted him to write this book, including the Tourism Policy, which he single-handedly wrote for the Ministry”, the Commissioner stated.

While noting that tourism has the potential of becoming another oil for the country in the next few decades, Akinbile-Yussuf maintained that all hands must be on deck to harness the potentials in the sector by positioning the nation’s tourism activities properly.

Responding, Dr. Olaide-Mesewaku, who co-authored ‘Vothuno’ (The Chief Priest of Badagry) – a book also launched at the event – with his son, said that the publication was all-encompassing for tourism lovers and those who are passionate about the business side of tourism.

While emphasising the importance of domestic tourism, Dr. Olaide-Mesewaku maintained that tourism can be used to reduce the poverty rate through a sustainable tourism practice with the establishment of community-based tourism in Lagos State.

The book launch was well attended by tourism enthusiasts and other guests including HRM Agano Toniyon 1, representing HRM Akran of Badagry; Rtd. Air. Marshal Amosu; Mr. Setonji David, LSHA Badagry Constituency II, representing the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Obasa; Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Pioneer RAK Development Foundation; Sir Arch. Miyise Fasinu, the Ajanu Holuvi of Badagry; Mr. Samson Apata and Dr. Senayon from the University of Ibadan, among others.