Lagos moves to reactivate tourism industry post COVID-19
The Lagos State government has set up a post COVID- 19 review committee, aimed at reactivating entertainment, tourism, arts and culture sector.
Inaugurating the committee, Uzamat AkinbileYusuf, the commissioner for tourism, arts and culture lamented that the creative industry had remained dormant, following the Coronavirus pandemic.
Akinbile- Yusuf said that the six-member committee, chaired by Joke Silva, was expected to draw out suggestions and recommendations on ways to re-activate the industry. She added that members were expected to make recommendations to the state government on ways to rejuvenate its economy, particularly the tourism and entertainment industry.
“The situation in the world today was not pre- determined. This is where we are and this is what we have seen happening to us. The tourism sector is one of the worst-hit sectors by this pandemic because, on a daily basis, Lagos records new cases and we must not shy away from the fact that COVID- 19 is still with us.
She said the government was keen in finding a way to sustain the economy and the industry amid the pandemic and how best to improve the creative sector.
She said that some of the terms of reference for the committee include conducting a holistic assessment of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the industry and would be expected to submit its reports in two weeks.
According to her, the committee is to come up with recommendations on the short and long term palliatives with respect to soft loans and grants to assuage the negative impact of the scourge on the industry.
She said that the committee was also expected to refocus attention toward the development of domestic tourism as an immediate measure to revitalise the industry.
Akinbile-yusuf said that the expectations of government include advice on strategic measures that would ensure POST-COVID-19 sustainability of the industry.
She assured that the state government would not abandon the industry in such a precarious situation, but provide support and encouragement to sustain tourism and ensure it thrived beyond COVID-19.
The special adviser to the state governor on arts and culture, Solomon Bonu, said that those in the committee were knowledgeable about the industry.
Bonu said that the state was looking at revitalising the tourism business, hence, the need for the committee.
He, therefore, implored the committee members to bring their professionalism and expertise to bear on boosting the state’s tourism sector beyond the COVID-19 era.
Chairman of the committee, Silva, thanked the state government for the opportunity given to come up with recommendations to reposition the creative and tourism industry in the state.