By Janefrances Chibuzor
There were no drums or festivals to announce it, yet February 12, 2026 may prove significant for two historic riverine communities in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State.
On that day, the South West Zone of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), led by its Vice President, Amb. Anago-Osho., undertook a strategic familiarisation (FAM) tour to Ijede and Egbin — communities long rich in culture and history but largely outside Lagos’ structured tourism circuit.
Accompanied by the National President of NATOP, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, the NATOP Oyo State Chapter was specifically in attendance in support of the initiative. Also present were Otunba Michael Balogun, National Secretary of NATOP, and Mrs. Doris Godson, Lagos Coordinator, alongside other executives and members of the association..
Moreso, the delegation was received by officials of Ijede Local Council Development Area, signalling early collaboration between the tourism private sector and grassroots government authorities.
Beyond the courtesies, however, the visit carried deeper economic undertones. It reflected a growing recognition that many of Lagos’ most authentic tourism assets remain outside its established leisure corridors and require deliberate mapping, documentation and professional packaging.
At the palace of the Alajede of Ijede Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adefarasin Saheed Hassan (Ajanaku II), welcomed the delegation and expressed readiness to collaborate with professional tour operators in developing and promoting tourism assets within the kingdom.
His endorsement underscored the importance of aligning traditional institutions with private sector initiatives.In neighbouring Egbin Kingdom, chiefs received the team at the historic Obateru Palace, while the Obateru of Egbin, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adeoriyomi Oluwasesan Abdul-Akeem Oyebo (Ademoyebo III), joined virtually from overseas, reinforcing royal backing for tourism-driven partnerships and structured engagement.
The exploration moved beyond palace courtyards into heritage corridors and waterways. Participants visited the historic Obateru Palace and examined the ruins of the over 100-year-old Alajede Palace — architectural relics reflecting generational leadership and cultural continuity.
These structures, though understated, represent tangible links to the past and potential anchors for heritage tourism narratives.At Odoro River, known for its seven outlets, discussions turned to eco-tourism prospects and the viability of regulated boat cruises.
A cruise to Calverton and Aiyetoro communities offered delegates a firsthand experience of the serene lagoon environment — calm waters, rustic settlements and unfiltered cultural authenticity increasingly valued in experiential travel markets.
The focus of the FAM tour was clear: discover, assess and document tourism assets that can be professionally packaged into structured itineraries capable of attracting domestic and international visitors alike.
Speaking during the engagement, Amb. Anago-Osho noted that the initiative aligns with NATOP’s mandate to promote emerging destinations, expand business opportunities for tour operators and support host communities through sustainable tourism models.
“This familiarisation tour reflects our commitment to identifying new destinations, developing marketable tourism products and promoting domestic tourism in a sustainable manner,” he said.
The Ijede–Egbin visit is not occurring in isolation. Under Amb. Anago-Osho’s leadership in the South West Zone, particularly within Lagos, NATOP has intensified field-based engagement.
Over the past year, the South West Zone has organised heritage discovery tours to Badagry’s historic corridor, undertaken exploratory visits along the Lekki–Epe coastal axis, and facilitated cultural immersion outings aimed at strengthening domestic tourism circuits. These engagements have consistently emphasiseroduct development, community collaboration and professional documentation rather than ceremonial visits.
The current tour extends that trajectory, pushing tourism mapping further into Ikorodu Division — an area historically significant yet often overshadowed by more commercialised destinations.Ijede and Egbin represent a different Lagos story: one of indigenous monarchy, lagoon commerce, ancestral architecture and environmental assets.
Their rivers connect communities; their palaces preserve identity; their ruins hold memory. By spotlighting these communities, NATOP signals a deliberate decentralisation of tourism attention — broadening Lagos’ destination portfolio beyond established hubs and encouraging visitor flow into underexplored areas.
The move also aligns with ongoing economic diversification efforts that position tourism as a viable non-oil revenue stream capable of supporting small businesses, generating employment and preserving cultural heritage.
Beyond inspection, the tour strengthened ties between tourism professionals and host communities. Conversations extended to preservation, structured visitor management and long-term sustainability — ensuring that exposure enhances rather than erodes cultural identity.
As the delegation departed the lagoon communities, there were no immediate announcements of large-scale infrastructure projects. Instead, there was documentation, dialogue and renewed visibility.In tourism development, such groundwork often precedes growth. And for Ijede and Egbin, February 12 may well mark the beginning of a quiet but deliberate entry into Lagos’ expanding tourism landscape.
