Lagos Boat Regatta 2024: Celebrating Aquatic Heritage, Tourism and Blue Economy Potential
Lagos–
Destination Lagos recently played host to the annual Lagos Boat Regatta, a vibrant celebration of the state’s rich aquatic heritage and tourism, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture under the theme “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” the event highlighted the state’s unique connection to its waterways while promoting Lagos as a premier destination for aquatic tourism and blue Economy potential.
The regatta, held along the scenic Lagos waterfront, was graced by the presence of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, His Deputy, Dr Quadri Hamzat alongside the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson Awoyinka, and a host of other dignitaries and stakeholders in the tourism and maritime sectors.
Reviving Culture Through Tourism
Governor Sanwo-Olu, speaking at the event, emphasized the significance of the boat regatta as a cultural renaissance and a pivotal step in Lagos’ tourism development strategy.
“The boat regatta embodies our essence and signifies a transformation and revival of our culture,” he remarked. “It showcases our unwavering commitment to developing tourism in Lagos through our waterways. With one-third of Lagos surrounded by water, it is essential to utilize our waterways not only as a mode of transportation but also as a vital ecosystem for tourism.”
Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State and his deputy, Dr. Quadri Hamzat waving the flag of Lagos aboard a ship during the boat regatta
A Celebration of Waterways
The regatta featured captivating displays of water infrastructure and colorful boats from the five divisions of Lagos: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe. Traditional boat parades, cultural performances, and water sports enthralled attendees, underscoring the recreational and economic potential of Lagos’ aquatic resources.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu said, “Today, we witnessed displays of various sizes of water infrastructure and boat regattas from the five divisions of Lagos. We had a great time, lots of fun, and gained a greater appreciation for the beauty our waterways offer.”
Positioning Lagos as a Water Tourism Hub
The 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta reinforces Lagos State’s vision of becoming a global tourism hub. By leveraging its extensive waterways, the state aims to attract local and international visitors while fostering environmental sustainability and cultural pride.
This year’s edition of the regatta not only celebrated Lagos’ aquatic splendor but also served as a call to action for preserving and maximizing the potential of the state’s waterways for the benefit of future generations.
