By Onyekachi Victoria Philip
When many people think of a forest, they picture a lonely and dangerous place filled with thick bushes, wild animals and untamed surroundings. However, the Founder of La Campagne Tropicana River, Forest and Beach Resort, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, has transformed that perception by creating a forest environment where nature, comfort and safety exist in perfect harmony.
Nestled within La Campagne Tropicana Resort in Ikegun, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, the forest offers visitors an entirely different experience. Rather than fear, it welcomes guests with breathtaking scenery and an atmosphere designed for deep reflection.
Unlike the beach, where the soothing waves of the Atlantic Ocean create a calming soundtrack, the forest presents a unique kind of silence. Surrounded by lush trees, mangroves and a peaceful lagoon, visitors are embraced by nature’s stillness, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking peace away from the distractions of everyday life.
The forest is carefully maintained and regularly fumigated to minimize the presence of snakes and other wild animals, allowing guests to enjoy nature with confidence. The result is a safe environment where the beauty takes center stage.
Long before La Campagne Tropicana grew into one of Nigeria’s most celebrated eco-tourism destinations, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye established a simple campsite within the forest. He would spend time there, sleeping in the midst of nature while developing ideas that would eventually become the vision behind the now world-renowned resort.
That history gives the forest a deeper meaning. It is not merely a scenic attraction but a place where inspiration is born, where ideas flourish and where visitors can reflect, recharge and reconnect with nature.
Its reputation as a destination for meaningful conversations was further strengthened in December 2025 when the internationally attended Business Unusual gathering was hosted within the forest. The event brought together influential business leaders from different parts of the world to exchange ideas, explore opportunities and discuss innovative approaches to business and development.
The success of that gathering made the forest’s growing reputation as more than a natural attraction. It has become a space for leadership, creativity and strategic thinking, a place where peaceful surroundings inspire bold ideas and meaningful collaborations.
Today, the forest at La Campagne Tropicana stands as proof that nature can be both serene and purposeful. It challenges the traditional perception of forests as places of danger, presenting instead a destination where safety, inspiration, innovation and peace come together in one extraordinary place.