Minister of Tourism, Ms Lola Ade-John has assured that the Federal Government will move to create, promote Nigeria’s tourism products in the Diaspora and at home.
FTAN’s First Deputy President, Alhaji Madaki Aliyu, representing President Mr Nkereuwem Onung at the WTD 2023 celebration in Abuja, Wednesday
Speaking in Abuja, Wednesday, on the occasion of the commemoration of the World Tourism Day (WTD) with the theme; ‘Tourism and Green Investment, the Minister stated that the country’s tourism products ‘are vast, plentiful and core to revenue generation for the country.’
The minister who was represented at the event by the Director-General National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Sani Kangiwa, further stated that ‘there is opportunity to reflect on ways to enhance the contribution of tourism in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015.’
According to the Minister, ‘taking tourism to the community level, showcasing the hidden gems of the villages in all regions of our picturesque and diverse country, is the essence of creating sustainable tourism in Nigeria.’
Ms Ade-John identified the keypoints for growth and development of tourism in Nigeria as; community Empowerment, collaboration and partnerships, sustainable Tourism Development, Investment in Renewable Energy and Digital transformation.
According to her, all of these have a combined a transformative power with ‘immense potential for our nation.’
Permanent Secretary, old Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Ngozi Onwudiwe, presenting the address by the UNWTO Secretary General Mr Zurab Pololikashvili at the WTD 2023 celebration in Abuja, Wednesday
While reiterating that tourism products require adequate publicity development, maintenance and promotion, the minister remarked that there are numerous challenges that plagued the industry, just as she assured that ‘the government will gradually, speedily and successfully overcome these challenges with guidance, support and collaboration of all stakeholders.’
In his message on the commemoration of the WTD 2023, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, Mr Zurab Pololikashvili, noted that tourism is a pillar of our economies, as it plays a central role in our societies and in our individual lives.
According to the UN Secretary, tourism offers solutions to some of our biggest challenges including the climate emergency and the urgent need to shift to more sustainable economies.
The UWTO secretary general, in his address read by Permanent Secretary at the old Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Dr Ngozi Onwudiwe, further stated that the power of tourism is enormous.
He remarked that tourism will be made easier for investors of all kinds to support tourism projects with potential to make a difference.
Traditional dancers performing at the WTD 2023 celebration in Abuja, Wednesday
In his address, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Nkereuwem Onung, represented by the First Deputy President, Alhaji Badaki Aliyu, expressed the hope that this year’s celebration will provide an opportunity for governments, businesses, and individuals to come together and discuss sustainable tourism strategies.
This is also as he congratulated the Tourism minister, Ms Ade-John for organising the event, as he assured the support of the private sector in the her task of ‘-branding, re-structuring and re-organization of the tourism industry in Nigeria.’
“It will help highlight the importance of investing in sustainable tourism projects, such as eco-lodges, carbon-neutral hotels, and sustainable transportation.
“On this special day, let us celebrate the wonders of our world, appreciate the diversity of cultures, and recognize the importance of sustainable practices in tourism. Together, we can create a harmonious balance between exploration and preservation, leaving a legacy for future generations to enjoy.
“Let me use this opportunity to congratulate our Honourable Minister, Mrs. Lola Ade John for putting up this event and to equally assure you that the private sector tourism business owners are solidly behind you as you start the re-branding, re-structuring and re-organization of the tourism industry in Nigeria. “We do believe that you have all it takes to move this sector to an enviable height through public private partnership,” Onung said.
