National Encomium, a celebrity publication, unfurls its contribution to the nation’s tourism drive by taking journalists and celebrities on a luxury cruise ship on Lagos waters
By Sylvester Asoya
Glamour was available in generous doses. With actors, musicians, comedians, celebrated journalists and a leading fashion designer aboard, that was no surprise. About 100 guests gathered on the invitation of Encomium, a leading celebrity magazine and awards company, which launched its initiative for the nation’s tourism drive on 12 July. That day, National Encomium and the awards company, which is its offspring, brought journalists, comedians, musicians, actors and other guests under the roof of a massive ocean vessel to commence what Kunle Bakare, Editor-in-Chief of the magazine, described as the journal’s ‘Tourism Initiative.” The cruise, which took off from Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase I in Lagos, terminated after a breathtaking view of Lagos on water.
Bakare described tourism as the biggest industry in the world today and noted that Nigeria and Lagos, in particular, which have numerous tourism sites deserve to be properly positioned in any effort to make the industry viable. “Lagos is a very beautiful place, especially on water. We wanted to draw attention to this beauty and there was no better way to do it than with that luxury ship owned by Tony Prest. It was a very good experience for us and our guests. Journalism should not just be about writing about people and events. We also have to contribute to the development of our nation,” reasoned Bakare. He added that as a brand, it is Encomium’s responsibility to constantly keep readers and the public aware of new developments.
The ship cruise did not come cheap. Bakare explained that his company spent a lot of money on the ride, but believes that the joy of giving back to the society mitigates any cost incurred. This was apparent right from the entrance where everybody was ushered onto a red carpet by a crew in all-white uniform with welcoming smiles.
However, this magazine gathered that a meal on the ship attracted between N15,000 and N20,000. For those with a healthy appetite, there was enough to eat. Also available were vintage wine, champagne and other choice drinks. But beyond the exquisite food and wine, the ship cruise afforded participating journalists another view of Lagos and Nigeria’s abundant tourism potentials.
The cruise went through Lekki, Victoria Island and Ikoyi with magnificent views of The Pavilion, The Palms, Exxon Mobil, The Lagoon Restaurant, Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Banana Island, Falomo Bridge, Tarzan Jetty, Paradise Boat Club, Lagos Motor Club, new Zenon headquarters and The Civic Centre. Guests were treated to jokes and musical performances by Gbenga Adeyinka, Seyi Law, Tunde and Wunmi Obe, Weird MC, Muma Gee, Sasha, Kenny St. Brown and Zakky Adzee.
The ship, NIRE Prest, which was built in China and recently delivered to the Nigerian owner, had on board, personalities like Dr. Doyin Abiola, Soni and Betty Irabor, Mr. Lanre Ogunlesi, Tunde Braimoh, Yemi Odusote and Wole Aboderin among others. As a publication, especially in this era of stiff competition, National Encomium has positioned itself as an important brand through social activities such as this. Only recently, it held an all-white party that equally drew an A-list attendance. And for days, it was the topic of discussion in different places.
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