Tropicana Scuba Diving, Is Tourism Icon, Wanle Akinboboye’s 8th Tourism Product

When Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, who was in his mid twenties returned to Nigeria from the United States of America in the late 1980s, he established La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, which incorporated the ocean front at Ikegun in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State.

In the early 1990s he registered a number of tourism and recreational focused companies, one of which was Tropicana Scuba Limited.

His aim was to operate and expose Nigerians to leisure activities that leveraged off Nigeria’s natural environment, while providing similar tourism experiences to those in North America and Europe.

This week, he has decided to leverage off and re – jig Tropicana Scuba Diving as a saleable tourism product. This product forms part of the 52 tourism products he intends to unveil to the industry over the course of a calendar year.

Otunba Akinboboye mentioned that “ La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort Ikegun ( the Resort) remains a preferred ecosystem that, amongst others, offers unforgettable underwater experiences for tourists, locals and corporate groups.”

He indicated that; “With an American trained scuba instructor in place, the Resort is able to offer safety standards with high quality scuba equipment training and certification possibilities.

“Scuba diving is a tourism product that provides tourists with the opportunity to explore open water spaces whether in the ocean , the sea or in a fresh water environment like lagoons, lakes etc. While scuba diving you can see coral reefs, underwater caves and marine ecosystems. You can also experience a wide range of underwater landscapes and marine life.

Otunba Akinboboye mentioned that recreational tourists have the opportunity of exploring different underwater environments using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (otherwise known as SCUBA gear). He indicated that, as part of the gear required for this activity, divers wear a tank of compressed air or enriched air nitrox, which allows them to breathe underwater.

Otunba Akinboboye noted that Scuba Diving is a great attraction for tourists that seek adventure and memorable experiences.

He also mentioned that experts have confirmed that scuba diving enhances physical fitness, as it provides a full-body workout, improving cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and stress reduction. Being submerged in water can also have a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.

On the issue of skill development, Otunba Akinboboye indicated that Scuba divers acquire valuable skills in navigation and buoyancy control. It is also a unique team-building activity that can be incorporated into corporate retreats with a view to strengthening work teams, fostering internal communication and camaraderie.

Otunba Akinboboye says that, with this tourism product, youths will be exposed to educational programs on marine life, ecosystems, and environmental conservation. They will also be taught life skills such as responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through the dive training.

Scuba diving will build the confidence of our Youths and boost their self-esteem, while improving their environmental awareness . In addition to the jobs that are peripheral to this activity , such as gas suppliers and helpers , our young people will also have an opportunity to earn income by taking on the role of Youth Tourism Entrepreneurs, and marketing this product.

We hope you enjoyed reading about Otunba Akinboboye’s 8th Tourism product. We would also recommend that you watch out for the 9th product, as Otunba Akinboboye assures us it is mind blowing.