The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), Hon. Ladi Balogun, has said ‘Fuji Fusion L’ori Omi’ initiative is a strategic tool for the development of water tourism in the State.

Balogun made this declaration during the 2024 ‘Fuji Fusion L’ori Omi’ boat cruise held at the Five Cowries Terminal in Ikoyi, Lagos.

At the event attended by popular fuji artistes in Nigeria, the Managing Director stated that the initiative is to market Lagos water tourism to the world, stating that water tourism is key to the economic development of the State.

Balogun said governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is keenly interested in the development of water tourism, adding that LAGFERRY not only make use of water ways for human transportation but also for tourism business.

” We are looking for all ways to boost the blue economy. What we are doing today is part of blue economy. We have a-list fuji artistes here and we are starting with them for people to know we are in Lagos. This is Lagos, Our Lagos and Your Lagos. We start with Fuji genre because it starts from Lagos and that is why we are not involving other genres like Afrobeats.

” For now, we are starting with our traditional genre which is Fuji music. What we are having today is the combination of entertainment, tourism and transportation,” said Balogun.

He said that the initiative would expose Lagos waterways to hospitality, leisure and blue economy.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Tourism, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said since the one-third of Lagos is water, the best way to market tourism is to build safety confidence in the people.

Benson-Awoyinka stated that the initiative is to enlighten people that many meaningful activities could be carried out on the waterways, adding that it would also boost local economy.

” It is to let people know that many meaningful activities can be done on our waterways. You can have your AGM meeting on our waterways. This will also encourage private sector to participate and partner with LAGFERRY and the Ministry of Tourism,” said the Commissioner.

Some of the popular fuji musicians who entertained the guests during the boat cruise were; Pasuma Wonder, Sulaimon Adio Atawewe, Alhaji Toyin Ololade (Mr Performer) and Biyi Omo Mummy.

Nollywood celebrities in attendance include; Saheed Balogun, Foluke Daramola and many more.