The Honorary Consul General for Antigua and Barbuda to Nigeria and Chairman of the African International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ambassador Wallace Williams, has described Eko Hotels & Suites as an “evolving livewire” driving tourism and hospitality growth in Nigeria, while calling on government ministries to collaborate with the hotel to strengthen the sector.
Williams spoke during a press briefing ahead of the Africa Legacy Summit scheduled to hold on May 15 and 16 in Lagos as part of activities marking Eko Hotels’ 50th anniversary.
Speaking on the significance of Eko Hotels to Lagos, Nigeria, and Africa, Williams described the facility as more than just a hotel, saying it has grown into a vibrant ecosystem and hub for tourism, entertainment, culture, and business activities.
According to him, the transformation of the Eko Hotels environment over the years reflects the rapid development taking place around Lagos and the growing influence of the hospitality brand.
“What I have seen here and experienced over the past few days is different from what it was 15 years ago. This was a sleepy town then, this Eko hotel environment. It was a sleepy town. You come, you go and that was it. There was nothing too memorable. But now, I have been here. I’m seeing memories are being made because you can see the vibrancy of the environment. You can see the surrounding ecosystem of Eko Hotels spread around a large acreage,” he said.
Williams noted that the hotel’s expansive presence and constant flow of events, visitors, and experiences have positioned it as a “city within a city” and a focal point for development and tourism activities in Lagos.
He said Eko Hotels has become “a livewire” spearheading tourism and hospitality in Nigeria through its strong belief in promoting itself as a globally competitive local brand.
According to him, the success and longevity of Eko Hotels should encourage collaboration with relevant government ministries, particularly those overseeing tourism, culture, trade, and investment.
“I think it is a message that should go out to the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Trade and Investment, and Commerce — come and partner with Eko Hotels,” he said.
Williams noted that government officials could build lasting legacies by aligning with institutions that have already established themselves as enduring national icons.
“Politicians come and go, but Eko Hotels has remained for 50 years. Ministries should collaborate with institutions like this to help drive tourism and hospitality growth,” he added.
He further described Eko Hotels as an iconic African legacy that should be celebrated not only by Lagos and Nigeria but also by the wider African continent and the diaspora.
According to him, the hotel represents an ecosystem that embraces culture, tourism, fashion, music, entertainment, and hospitality, making it a symbol of Africa’s growing tourism potential.
Melissa Enoch
