Northern Women Forum (NWF) has commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for creating the enabling environment for the state to generate over $71.6 million in revenue from tourism, hospitality, and entertainment during the 2024 ‘Detty December’ celebrations.
In a statement in Lagos on Sunday, NWF President Awakulu Mafaji applauded the Lagos governor for his tireless efforts in making Lagos a top destination for tourism in the world by providing every needed infrastructure, security, and social atmosphere that attracts tourists.
Mafaji said the giant strides of Sanwo-Olu are paying off and making Nigeria’s commercial capital a prime investment destination to the world.
The group recalls Sanwo-Olu’s had pledged to unlock the state’s tourism potential to boost its economic prosperity, adding that the revenue generated from ‘Detty December’ was a testament of the governor’s dedication and hard-work.
“What Governor Sanwo-Olu has achieved is very commendable because tourism has been one of the fastest-growing sectors in Nigeria and beyond and remains a leading earner of foreign exchange for the state.
“We commend the governor for providing infrastructure and the enabling environment for tourism to thrive in the state. The variety of events that tourism attracted showcased Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and that we all must be proud of as Nigerians.
“We urge Lagosians to throw their weight behind the governor and support his administration’s programme and policies for a better Lagos, “ Mafaji pleaded.
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, hotels contributed over $44 million, while short-let apartments added $13 million to the total revenue.
Aregbe said, “Tourism remains a vital driver of economic growth and cultural preservation for Lagos State, with the ‘Ember’ season playing a key role,”
During ‘Detty December,’ Lagos hosted a variety of events that attracted massive crowds and showcased Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. Key events included the Mrs Universe Africa event, Greater Lagos Fiesta, music concerts, fashion shows, cultural exhibitions, culinary events, Spotify Wrapped Concert, Lungu Boy Block Party, Rhythm Unplugged, Entertainment Week Lagos, Joeboy, The La Vida Experience, African Fashion Week, and Fashion Souk.