Sanwo-Olu's Tourism Adviser: IShowSpeed's Visit Was Not Communicated to Us

Damilola Ayinde Marshall, who serves as the Senior Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, has stated that the state was not officially informed, nor involved, in IShowSpeed's visit to Lagos.

This statement comes in light of IShowSpeed, a popular YouTuber, known globally as a leading streamer, making a visit to Nigeria during his tour across Africa.

In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Saturday, Marshall revealed that the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture had not received any official communication regarding IShowSpeed’s trip. As a result, the Ministry was unable to effectively highlight the rich culture, heritage, and history of Nigeria to him.

“Intentionality is the word that comes to mind when considering how things could have been managed better and differently. If only IShowSpeed's team had engaged with the government to facilitate a much more engaging visit. Simply put, we were left uninformed. There exists a number of tourism organizations, cultural institutions, and security agencies that, if involved, could have enhanced the portrayal of Africa positively. Unfortunately, we were not informed, and there was no collaboration with the government. Our efforts to reach out were futile. In my role, I made attempts to connect. The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson, also sought to initiate contact, but all our efforts ended in failure,” Marshall stated.

He emphasized that the absence of a liaison from IShowSpeed’s team with the government resulted in a missed opportunity to display Nigeria's vibrant cultural heritage effectively.

“They failed to coordinate with anyone in government. I attempted to reach out to their Public Relations team, but they indicated that IShowSpeed’s entourage is young and often lacks organization. That was the response,” he continued.

Digital Media Strategist, Bodex Hungbo, also articulated that, for Nigeria to adequately showcase its rich cultural identity to an international audience, collaboration between pivotal stakeholders and international artists is essential.

Hungbo advocated for a structured partnership scheme involving promoters, PR firms, and visiting international acts, deeming it crucial for them to own the narrative surrounding their engagement in Nigeria. Such a package should be mandated, ensuring that guests do not simply arrive without a cohesive representation of the narrative we wish to convey.

Moreover, she suggested that international celebrities should receive a warm welcome at the airport to symbolize Nigeria’s hospitality, ideally documented through live streaming.

“This could demonstrate how we truly express our hospitality upon the arrival of new guests. We should also involve the Love Streaming Industry in the reception activities, allowing personalities like Purple Speedy and Peller to participate. Platforms such as YouTube and Facebook should also be present since it pertains to their users,” she advised.

Brand Strategist Tomiwa Talabi mentioned that while timing is vital, proper organization and planning could have transformed IShowSpeed's visit into an effective storytelling platform for Nigeria’s culture.

“Honestly, even a multi-day visit would not be impactful without adequate planning. For instance, during his 24-hour visit to the Benin Republic, there was clear direction throughout the stream,” Talabi pointed out.

Marshall reiterated the open-door policy of the Lagos State Government, expressing a readiness to collaborate with creatives to facilitate better preparation for future engagements.

“We hold regular stakeholder meetings where we engage with the private sector to ascertain their needs from the government. If opportunities like these arise, it’s essential for interested parties to attend such meetings to express their views. We are here to listen and respond to their needs,” he elaborated.

He also affirmed that the Lagos State Ministry welcomes sponsorship requests, fostering a conducive atmosphere for various events. However, he reminded stakeholders about certain regulations that need to be followed.

Reinforcing the importance of joining forces with governmental bodies, Marshall asserted that collaborating with the government is advantageous, as it has established tourism strategies.

“It’s far more beneficial to partner with the government given our tourism initiatives, which encompass various institutions including security services. This collaboration can lead to meaningful and engaging visits for our guests, with a broader outreach,” he concluded.