She is a theatre practitioner, tourism strategist and hotel executive, but at the heart of everything Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo does is a singular mission: to make Lagos a destination with stories that captivate the world, writes Vanessa Obioha
There are many layers to Dr Iyadunni Gbadebo, and each one reveals a fascinating facet of her personality.
One is the tourism promoter who recently stood before a motley audience in the Grand Ballroom of Eko Hotels and Suites to unveil her latest report, the Lagos Smart Tourism Index. It was a rigorous piece of research that not only highlighted the city’s challenges and potential but also presented data-driven solutions for positioning Lagos as a leading tourist destination in the future.
But it was not only the figures that captivated her audience. It was the passion she exuded and the stories she told throughout her presentation. Whether she was recounting her visit to Mexico’s famous Hell’s Gate or describing how Lagos could tap into its rich heritage to market itself as a tourism destination, Gbadebo spoke with infectious enthusiasm and admirable confidence. As I would later realise, that passion is genuine and runs through everything she pours her heart into.
