Oniru Urges Hospitality Sector Collaboration To Promote Tourism, Empower Youths

The Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, has called for stronger collaboration between the palace and key players in the hospitality and tourism sectors as part of efforts to promote inclusive development, enhance cultural heritage, and empower local communities.

He made the appeal during a visit to Four Points by Sheraton Lagos on Victoria Island, one of several stops on his ongoing institutional tour to commemorate his fifth coronation anniversary. The visit was aimed at strengthening ties with stakeholders in Iru Land and encouraging public-private partnerships that align with the kingdom’s transformation agenda.

Oba Lawal commended the hotel’s contributions to the local economy, especially through employment generation, community engagement, and the promotion of indigenous culture.

He praised the hotel’s alignment with his administration’s #LeGIT Vision, which centres on Tourism and Culture, Infrastructure and Local Economy, and Stakeholder Engagement.

“Four Points by Sheraton stands as a beacon in the hospitality sector, and its efforts in supporting indigenous enterprise and promoting cultural identity are commendable,” he said.

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The monarch also urged the hotel to intensify its efforts in capacity building, especially by training young people in hospitality-related skills and maintaining a clean, sustainable ecosystem within the kingdom.

According to him, traditional institutions must serve as catalysts for economic and social development by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive while preserving the kingdom’s rich cultural values.

“This engagement is not just ceremonial; it is a call to action for meaningful collaboration that benefits both institutions and the people of Iru,” he said.

General Manager of Four Points, Mr. Bruce Walker, described the visit as a profound honour and reaffirmed the hotel’s commitment to working with the palace on shared goals. “Your Majesty, your presence here today reflects a shared commitment to unity, heritage, and progress,” Walker said.

He pledged to deepen partnerships on hospitality training and youth empowerment initiatives in the kingdom.