Tourism expert advises governor on presidential lodge

Runsewe advised Governor Ambode to transform the lodge into a megacity-worthy tourist hub.

While speaking on Monday, November 7, 2016, he commended the handover of the property to the Lagos state government by the federal government. He also said that the lodge may also be used as a heritage and visitors' tower.

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Runsewe said: "The handover of the lodge by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Lagos State Government is good news in the history of tourism development in Nigeria. This initiative shows that the Federal Government means well for the development of the component units of the country."

"I advise the governor to transform the lodge into a global iconic tourism feature. The governor should get the best hands and reputable companies to construct a signature world heritage and visitors' tower in the vicinity. A special light rail must connect the signature heritage and visitors' tower to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, which in turn could create about 160,00 tourism jobs and turn the Marina and Onikan areas into exclusive tourism destinations like Dubai, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago and Singapore."

"This is a culture heritage in the making and all the facilities such as cable car, car park, shopping mall, children playground, and food courts must be added to it."

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had earlier announced plans to transform the presidential lodge into a tourist centre.