By Olamilekan Okeowo
The Minister of Tourism, Ms. Lola Ade-John, has described La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Ikegun Village, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos as “a beacon of creativity and ingenuity, a testament to Nigeria’s richness and diversity.’’
This is as she pledged her commitment to the preservation and promotion of Nigerian cultural heritage.
The Minister made the comment during a visit to the resort last week. She was accompanied by a retinue of aides, including the Director of Domestic Tourism, Mr Sunday Bisong, and was received by the Founder and President of La Campagne, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, who took her and team on tour of the vast expanse of resort.
She was treated to the unique tradition of the multiple-awards winning African themed resort, which is noted for its promotion of Nigerian and African heritage blended with suffusing and effervescent dosages of cosmopolitan and luxuriating appeal.
Ade-John had an immersive experience of the rich resort, climaxing with a musical performance by Atunda Entertainment, a musical group founded by Akinboboye. The star artiste of the group, Ara Thunder, a naturally gifted female talking drummer, put up a well-choreographed performance to the delight of the Minister.
Enamoured by the beauty, resourcefulness, creativity and rare offerings of the resort, the Minister commended Akinboboye for the treat, noting, ‘‘for allowing us to immerse ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of the Nigerian culture and heritage visible everywhere at the resort.’’
Not done with her eulogies yet, she said, “La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort is a beacon of creativity and ingenuity, a testament to Nigeria’s richness and diversity. Through its intricate presentation of architecture, cultural practices, cuisine, and entertainment, the resort encapsulates the essence of our unique identity, inviting visitors to discover and appreciate our heritage.
“As we gather amidst the breathtaking beauty of this resort, let’s reflect on the significance of our shared cultural heritage. Nigeria, with its myriad traditions, languages, and customs, is a treasure trove of diversity, a mosaic of experiences waiting to be explored and celebrated.
‘‘This resort serves as more than a destination for leisure; it’s a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue, a space where people from all walks of life can come together to learn, share, and celebrate what makes us uniquely Nigerian.”
She disclosed that as part of her agenda of putting Nigerian tourism on the global map that she would pursue with vigour the preservation and promotion of Nigerian cultural heritage as signposted by the resort, which she said fully embodied what Nigeria stands for as a bastion of unique cultural tapestry.
According to her, “Through initiatives like La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, we harness tourism’s power to showcase Nigeria’s beauty and diversity while fostering economic growth and sustainable development.
‘‘I urge all stakeholders present to continue supporting endeavours that celebrate our Nigerian identity and promote cultural tourism, ensuring places like La Campagne Tropicana serve as beacons of pride and inspiration.’’
The Minister then expressed her deep appreciation to the management and staff of resort for their unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to showcasing the best of Nigeria.
Adding that, it is her hope that her visit, ‘‘would mark the beginning of a new era, a renaissance of Nigerian culture and heritage shining brightly for generations to come.’’
Akinboboye gladdened by the Minister’s visit, expressed his appreciation to her for the visit, stressing that tourism is not just about sites, and destinations but also about the culture and traditions of the people.
With the visit to the resort in less than two months of her fully resuming back on her desk, the Minister has shown the imperative of engaging actively with the various stakeholders and investors in the sector in order for her to have a better appreciation of the sector.
In this wise, the visit to La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort is commendable when viewed against the background of what the resort represents and the efforts put in over the years by Akinboboye to showcase the resort as a mega enclave for practical tourism and promotion of Nigerian cultural heritage in all its ramification.
This is obvious from the immersive cultural experience that any visitor to the resort is treated to given the deliberate effort by Akinboboye in creatively curating a blend of Nigerian cultural elements in a very colourful and appealing manner for the delight of visitors who always crave for more treats.
