The Atlantic Ocean provided more than just a scenic backdrop at this year’s National Tourism Summit at Lagos’s Koko Beach; it witnessed a profound personal moment for the event’s host, Senegalese pan-African strategist Lehlé Baldé.
In her own words, Baldé reflected on the innovative setting and its significance: “Photos from when I hosted the National Tourism Summit earlier this year at Koko Beach. The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Koko Beach and Flytime, put together a major, high-level summit right by the ocean, a bold and innovative setting for serious conversations about Nigeria’s tourism future beyond #dettydecember. It was an honour to host and be part of such an important moment for the sector.”
Her remarks reveal her pride in the event’s success; they hint at the unique personal connection she forged. With characteristic humility and charm, she even shared the delightful dilemma of dressing for the occasion: “I can’t lie, I had no idea what to wear to host a conference at the beach, but the team and I decided that this Bawsty brand number was the one.” This small confession underscores the collaborative spirit and warmth she experienced from her Nigerian colleagues, making her feel welcome as part of a collective mission.
While the summit, convened by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, was a strategic, high-level conversation about the nation’s economic future, for Baldé it became an emotional milestone in her journey with a country she now warmly embraces.
An Innovative Stage for National Ambition
Choosing a beach for a significant policy summit was a bold, innovative move by the ministry and its partners, symbolising a desire to break conventions and explore new horizons for Nigerian tourism beyond seasonal festivities.
For Baldé, an award-winning media entrepreneur and policy advocate with over a decade of experience moderating high-level dialogues, the setting was both a professional challenge and a delight. She has hosted over 200 major events, including for the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria. Still, the warmth of the ocean breeze and the symbolic weight of the location left a unique impression.
A Professional Journey Deepens into Personal Affection
Baldé is no stranger to Nigeria. A Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honoree and an International Monetary Fund Fellow, she has built a significant part of her career in the country. She previously worked as a pioneer editor at BusinessDay in Lagos and remains a leading voice, having recently moderated the Bank of Industry’s ESG Conference and the prestigious BusinessDay CEO Forum. Her work as a journalist has consistently spotlighted Nigerian success stories, innovation, and financial inclusion.
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However, the National Tourism Summit represented something different. The collaborative spirit of the Nigerian team, the shared vision for the continent’s future in that open-air setting, and the genuine hospitality she experienced moved the event from her professional portfolio into her personal story.
The summit became a tangible experience of the “growing momentum” around Nigeria’s creative sector that she described, and she found herself personally invested in its success.
Finding a Home Away from Home
The emotional core of Baldé’s experience lies in the transition from being a highly respected international professional to feeling truly belonging. As a multilingual pan-African leader, she champions inclusive growth across the continent. Yet, in Nigeria, this philosophy took on a deeper, more personal meaning. The respect she was shown, the collaborative energy, and the shared laughter that undoubtedly followed the playful dilemma of “what to wear to host a conference at the beach” all contributed to a powerful sense of acceptance.
This experience has cemented a heartfelt connection. Through the trust placed in her to guide a national conversation and the warmth with which she was welcomed, Baldé has found a second home on the continent. Here, her professional mission and personal affections are deeply aligned.
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