THROUGHOUT the course of her life, Pharm (Mrs) Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuff has thrived to distinguish herself in service to her people.
This passionate liberator has been rightly nicknamed “MOREMI” after the legendary late Queen Moremi of the Ancient Ife Kingdom, by her political constituency of Agbado Oke-Odo in Alimosho in recognition of her heroic qualities of self-sacrifice for socio-economic emancipation of the people; humility, despite royal lineage; strong commitment to the social contract with various stakeholders; marital integrity; operational agility; and commendable cordiality.
During the past State Executive Council, she served Lagosians wholeheartedly as Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
Among the notable and landmark achievements during her tenure at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MTAC) was putting the name of Lagos State in the Guinness Book of Records for being a holder of the World’s Largest Anniversary Logo made with cupcakes mosaic.
She established the 'Q4-LAGOS' to encourage the culture of data collation on all entertainment and tourism activities happening in Lagos State per quarter. The Vlekete Slave Market was refurbished and opened in Badagry during her tenure. Equipped with relevant artifacts, the museum houses galleries, such as slave relics and information related to slavery.
The Film Fund for filmmakers was set up during her tenure, and has so far empowered 70 filmmakers with grants up to 400 million Naira.
During her tenure, the 35th edition of the National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) was hosted by Lagos State Government and she also established the 'Community-based Tourism' concept to stimulate and accelerate growth in domestic tourism in all communities across Lagos State.
Akinbile-Yusuff, while at the Ministry also formulated the Tourism Policy and Tourism Masterplan, to provide a pathway for the implementation of all tourism, arts, and culture-related activities by the State Government for the next couple of years.
The Ministry, under her watch, developed a website for the projection of its activities with the inclusion of a Registration Portal for practitioners in the industry. In addition, three different videos that will market Lagos and promote the State's Tourism sites were produced and uploaded online, to attract more tourists, both local and international, to the State.
The Lagos State Creative Industry Initiative (LACI) was established during her time, to further reposition the creative sector in line with the goals of the present administration.
Under her watch, the four theatres constructed by the State Government in Epe, Badagry, Ikeja, and Igando were fully furnished.
The Glover Memorial Hall, being one of the oldest theatres in Lagos was restored, fully refurbished, and officially commissioned during her time.
One cannot forget the John Randle Centre, which stands out as the biggest tourism infrastructure commissioned under this administration.
Documented in 1949, The Agia Tree Monument in Badagry, being one of the most cherished monuments in Badagry, is presently being remodeled by the State Government so that it can continue to serve as a tourism attraction for residents and visitors to the ancient town.
It is the site where Christianity was first preached. It is notable as the first place the Christianity gospel was shared in Nigeria.
In a farewell message, she appreciates Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for giving her the opportunity to serve, while also thanking her colleagues for working closely to achieve the THEMES Agenda.
She also acknowledged the Directors of her ministry, Deputy Directors, Heads of Departments and Units, and all the members of staff for their individual and collective contribution to the success of her tenure.
It would be a delight to see her return once again to the Ministry to consolidate, wrap up existing schemes, and press on in drive to make Eko a tourist attraction.