• La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, others to offer unique experience
By Okorie Uguru
All over the world, February 14 is regarded as Lovers’ Day, also called St. Valentine’s Day. The day is named after St. Valentine, a 3rd century AD Roman Catholic priest, regarded as patron saint for young lovers.
Many couples take time out to mark the special day. Nigerians, over the years, go the extra mile to celebrate the day with their loved ones. So to prepare for couples and lovers on this day, top hospitality outfits, resorts and tourism sites in Lagos are putting together wonderful packages to give lovers memorable celebrations this year.
Among those with special programmes for St. Valentine’s Day are the following.
Feel of nature at La Campagne Tropicana Resort
La Campagne Resort, located at the beachfront of Ikegun, Lagos has also primed itself as one of Nigeria’s top leisure and beach resorts. The resort has put together top notch activities for couples and lovers to celebrate the day. This includes a romantic getaway at the African theme ocean front accommodation ‘Ilerigi’. The resort also planned a barbecue and romantic dinner by the ocean front. For lovers interested in outdoor activities, there are the floating beds on the lagoon, and water sports like kayaking and water-biking and many more.
Loverganza at Eko Hotel and Suites
Eko Hotel and Suites, one of West Africa’s leading hotels, is offering different packages for lovers for February 14 and the weekend after. These include what it calls ‘From Love to Luxury’ for couples to mark February 14. It also has romantic dinner and live music. Other exclusive packages from the hotel include Love Boat, Weekend Loverganza, and other activities like romantic candlelit dinner for town.
Escape to Lagos’ remote islands and beaches
While the beaches on the Lekki-Ajah oceanfront offer thrill and frills to a large number of revellers, the Valentine’s Day celebration gives couples an opportunity to also visit some of the more picturesque, less rowdy, and absolutely alluring beaches at some of the remote islands of Lagos.
Among these beaches are Tarkwa Bay, Ikare and Ishayi beaches. Tarkwa Bay beach, among these four, offers the easiest access as there are tens of small boats that ply the island from CMS Marina.
The water at Tarkwa Bay is calm and shallow, allowing lovers to enjoy swimming at the beachfront. There are also low budget accommodation facilities for guests. It is a good hideaway for February 14, and couples can easily dash back to mainland Lagos with little stress.
Ibeshe Island, probably one of the most popular remote islands of Lagos, has a good number of private beach houses for rent.
Lovers have the luxury of relaxing at the creek end of the beach facing the water or the beach front. Ibese offers a lot of privacy and calm.
Other options like Ikare and Ishayi beaches are more off the beaten path but they offer adventure, fun and romance for St. Valentine’s Day.
National Park Service Takes Over Kampe Games Reserve
The National Park Service has taken over Kampe Games Reserve and changed it to a national park. The event took place in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on February 4, 2025.
The handing-over ceremony was conducted by the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, with all key stakeholders in attendance.
Inaugurating the Steering Committee, Governor Abdulrahaman, represented by the Deputy Governor, Elder Kayode Alabi, said it was a significant step taken to improve the environment and advance the sustainability of natural resources.
He added that the event marked “a crucial moment in our collective efforts, and the inauguration of the Steering Committee is a fulfilment of the Federal Government’s roadmap for transforming the Kampe Games Reserve into a National Park.” He tasked the Steering Committee to guide the process and bring their invaluable experience to ensure a successful transition.
The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, in his speech, said the former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, had approved the upgrade of 10 Forest and Game Reserves to National Parks, increasing the total number of National Parks in Nigeria to 17.
The minister, represented by the Conservator General, National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, stated that the establishment of additional National Parks aligns with the country’s efforts to meet global biodiversity conservation targets, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), and to enhance internal security.
He commended the Kwara State Governor’s swift response to the call by the Federal Government, saying his commitment to protecting the planet is truly commendable, adding that this role in the sustainable development of the nation is invaluable.
The Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, thanked the governor for taking the bold step to hand over Kampe Game Reserve to the National Park Service. He promised total cooperation of the host communities towards a seamless transition process.
ATPN president calls for bold steps to revive tourism
The National President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Prince Femi Fadina has called for a bold and strategic revival of tourism in Southwest Nigeria. Fadina made this call in Ibadan during his two-day tour of Ibadan, Oyo State where he engaged key stakeholders in discussions aimed at transforming the region’s tourism landscape.
Hosted by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Wasiu Adewale Olatubosun, the ATPN President, accompanied by the South West Vice President, Mr. Nunayon Apata and the newly inaugurated Oyo State Chapter Chairman, Kolade Lawal, emphasized the need for a deliberate, action-driven approach to harnessing the economic potential of tourism.
The highlight of the visit was the induction of the tourism commissioner and ex-rector of Ibadan, Professor Kassim Adebiyi, as Honorary Fellow of ATPN, a gesture recognizing their invaluable contributions to tourism advocacy and cultural preservation.
Speaking passionately about the need for a paradigm shift in tourism development, the ATPN President urged stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive steps in building a thriving tourism economy. “Southwest Nigeria stands on a goldmine of cultural and historical assets, yet we have not fully optimized them for economic transformation.
The time for passive discussions is over—we must act boldly, forge new partnerships, and create sustainable structures that will make tourism a formidable driver of growth.”
This visit marks a significant step toward forging stronger collaborations between tourism practitioners, government agencies, and academic institutions.
As ATPN continues to push for a resilient and globally competitive tourism industry, the message is clear: the future of Southwest Nigeria’s tourism is in our hands, and the time to act is now.