The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), South West Zone, under the leadership of Amb. Anago-Osho J.A., Vice President, NATOP South West Zone, recently conducted a familiarization (FAM) tour to Ijede historic and Egbin communities within the Ikorodu Division of Lagos State. Precisely on the 12th of February 2026.
The tour was carried out in the company of the National President of NATOP, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, alongside executives and members of the association. The delegation was warmly received by officials of Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), including the Tourism Officer, Mr. Ajiboye Oridami, and Hon. Nurudeen Saka, who represented the Executive Chairman of Ijede LCDA, Mrs. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba.
During the visit, the new Alajede of Ijede Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adefarasin Saheed Hassan (Ajanaku II), hosted the tour operators and expressed his readiness to collaborate with NATOP in developing and promoting tourist sites within the kingdom. Similarly, the chiefs of Egbin Kingdom received the delegation at the Obateru Palace, while the Obateru of Egbin, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adeoriyomi Oluwasesan Abdul-Akeem Oyebo (Ademoyebo III), joined the engagement virtually from overseas.
In collaboration with local stakeholders, participants visited key heritage locations such as historic Palace of Obateru of Egbin kingdom and the numerous heritage. Odoro river, with 7 outlets. Boat cruise to Calverton and Aiyetoro community. Visit the ruins of the Over 100 years, Old Alajede Palace and identified unique cultural, historical, and environmental attractions with strong potential for tourism development. The exercise focused on discovering, assessing, and documenting untapped tourism assets for inclusion in professional tour packages and itineraries.
Speaking during the tour, Amb. Anago-Osho J.A. noted that the initiative aligns with NATOP’s mandate to promote emerging destinations, support community-based tourism, and contribute to the growth of Lagos State and Nigeria’s tourism economy.
“This familiarization tour reflects our commitment to discovering new destinations, developing marketable tourism products, expanding business opportunities for tour operators, and promoting host communities,” he said.
The visit also strengthened collaboration between tourism professionals and host communities, while encouraging the preservation of cultural heritage and local traditions. NATOP South West Zone reaffirmed its commitment to promoting domestic tourism, creating new tourism experiences, and supporting government efforts to diversify the economy through sustainable tourism development.