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Tag: tourism

  • NIHOTOUR clarifies new regulatory role

    NIHOTOUR clarifies new regulatory role

    The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has clarified its mandate as a regulatory body for personnel, practitioners, and operators within Nigeria’s tourism, hospitality, and travel industry value chain.

    Its Director-General, Abisoye Fagade, made this announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting with the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

    Fagade, in a statement emphasised that with the enactment of the NIHOTOUR Act 2023, signed into law, the institute was no longer just a training body.

    “NIHOTOUR is now the foremost regulator of hospitality, tourism, and travel professionals in Nigeria.”

    He explained that the new role includes registering, standardising, and certifying personnel across the sector to ensure professionalism, quality service delivery, and adherence to international best practices.

    Fagade stressed the importance of collaboration to enhance the industry and called for increased foreign investment in capital development to improve infrastructure and workforce training programmes.

    He also reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling NIHOTOUR’s regulatory responsibilities, with the goal of elevating Nigeria’s tourism sector to global standards.

    Responding to Fagade’s comments, FTAN President Mr Nkereuwem Onung lauded the Director-General’s leadership and vision.

    He acknowledged the efforts of the former NIHOTOUR Director-General, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, in advancing the NIHOTOUR Act.

    Onung also raised concerns about potential regulatory overlaps between NIHOTOUR and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to support sustainable tourism growth in Nigeria.

  • FG unveils draft national tourism policy

    FG unveils draft national tourism policy

    The  Federal Ministry of Tourism has Unveiled Draft National Tourism Policy  aimed at paving the path for Nigeria’s Global tourism leadership. The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, disclosed this  in a virtual meeting  with  stakeholders on Saturday in Abuja.

    The minister said that the  Policy was a significant stride towards advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector. She added that it was achieved through the  collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), and key stakeholders.

    According to her, the  crucial document marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey to harness the vast potential of its tourism industry, aligning it with global standards and sustainable practices. The minister  emphasised the transformative potentials of the policy by  highlighting  the strategic focu on sustainable tourism, community engagement, and diversification of tourism products as essential pillars.

    Ade-John further said that this  would drive economic growth, job creation, and cultural preservation in Nigeria.

    “This draft policy is a testament to our collective dedication to repositioning Nigeria’s tourism sector  as a key driver of economic diversification. We are committed to implementing frameworks that ensure accountability, foster green initiatives, and empower women and youths,” she said.

    She  said that the draft policy reflected a comprehensive approach, addressing critical areas such as digital transformation, sectoral synergies with aviation among others.

    Ade-John said that the  policy is expected to be finalised in Oct., with a presentation to the Federal Executive Council scheduled for November.

    She said  that stakeholders inclusivity had been prioritised throughout the policy development process, ensuring that the voices of all relevant sectors were considered.

    “The next steps involve further consultations and validation to refine the document before its implementation. The presentation concluded with a commitment to continuous collaboration, and dialogue among stakeholders to ensure the successful realisation of the policy’s objectives,”  she said

    The meeting  witnessed participation of   top government officials, private sector representatives, and key industry stakeholders.

  • ATTWON, ANJET and tourism industry: Setting the records straight

    ATTWON, ANJET and tourism industry: Setting the records straight

    Some eight years ago, a group of travel and tourism journalists and enthusiasts set up the Association of Travel and Tourism Writers of Nigeria (ATTWON).

    The move was informed by a deep conviction to selflessly galvanise the industry to achieve its vast potential and serve as a major economic hub for the nation.

    Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on June 10, 2016, RC CAC/IT/ No 88082, ATTWON, thus, became the first and only association of travel and tourism writers, including journalists, photographers, editors, and tourism professionals dedicated to the development of the industry.

    At inception, ATTWON saw the need to bring the country’s travel media and tourism industry closer in unity for a positive transformation of the industry while showcasing the tourism potentials of the country on the global tourism map.

    And ever since, ATTWON has been promoting responsible journalism, and domestic tourism, supporting and developing members, and encouraging the conservation and preservation of travel resources in Nigeria.

    This is contrary to the misleading publication made by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), claiming exclusive status as the only registered association for travel and tourism writers.

    We find it necessary to set the records straight and ensure accurate information is conveyed to the industry stakeholders and the public.

    It is important to emphasise that aside from ATTWON members, there are other independent travel and tourism journalists, writers and television producers, who all responsibly promote the industry and the nation’s vast tourism potentials, and also, in their various capacities, relate with industry stakeholders and supervising agencies for the overall good of the sector.

    For us at ATTWON, this multiplicity of actors in the writing and reporting segment of the sector absolutely bodes well for the industry.

    We therefore state, unequivocally, that it is absolutely delusionary of ANJET to think their members are the only travel and tourism journalists in the country, or to wear the toga of the one who defines who a travel journalist is and who the supervising ministry and agencies would relate with in furthering the cause of the sector.

    We also state, unequivocally, that the monopoly that ANJET seeks to perpetuate in this modern age of journalism is not just befuddling and unimaginable, it is clearly self-serving and limits the possibilities for the sector. This move – this ANJET stance – is abhorred and must be consciously rejected by the industry and everyone who truly loves to see the industry develop.

    ANJET is not, in fact, a registered association for travel and tourism writers. The claim they make regarding their exclusive registration status lacks any basis in reality. We respectfully request that they provide evidence to substantiate these allegations, as ours is the only verified and recognised association of travel and tourism writers in this sector.

    The Association of Travel and Tourism Writers of Nigeria (ATTWON), the organisation being wrongfully accused of not being registered, is the only officially registered association for travel and tourism writers in Nigeria today. ATTWON’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, dedication to the industry, and a thriving community of esteemed writers and journalists distinguishes us as the leading authority in this field.

    As the only registered association for travel and tourism writers, ATTWON remains committed to upholding the highest industry standards, fostering professional excellence, and ensuring that our members continue to contribute positively to the growth and promotion of the travel and tourism sector.

    It would be recalled that as a way of stepping up our missions, ATTWON as a media association, about six years ago, applied and paid for membership in the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), like the other associations.

    Rather than ATTWON being welcomed, having met the requirements, the reverse was the case as ANJET opposed the membership approval that two media associations cannot be under FTAN.

    FTAN, which was established in 1997 by the then Federal Ministry of Commerce and Tourism to ensure smooth operation and cooperation between government agencies and the organised private sector in Nigeria, was misled to do the bidding of ANJET. But it is heartwarming to note that perception at FTAN about ATTWON has now changed and the relationship, cordial and mutually tailored to growing the industry.

    To be sure, FTAN has multiple associations per sector like the Hoteliers, Training Institutes and the like. Even if ANJET is duly registered, why should there be a monopoly in the media segment? Is it for the growth and development of the sector or themselves?

    Recently, the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) organised a training tagged, ‘Train-the-Trainer Programme’ on Hospitality and Tourism Trade for Tourism and Hospitality trainers, stakeholders and tourism journalists in Lagos.

    Investigation has revealed that ANJET members, in their usual style of arm-twisting industry leaders to accede to their demands before supporting or partaking in any initiative, frowned at the proposed training allowance for attendees as being too small, asking that it be reviewed upwards, otherwise they threatened to back out of the training.

    Gladly, the NIHOTOUR hierarchy stood its ground, called their bluff and went on with the training. And this is not the first time industry leaders have called the bluff of ANJET members. History is replete with such instances, which ATTWON will highlight publicly when the time is right.

    Not given to such ANJET’s frivolity, however, ATTWON members and indeed other independent travel journalists and writers took part in the hugely successful training. In addition, the training received a media coverage and mileage that no event had ever achieved before in the industry. And this much was confirmed by NIHOTOUR officials.

    Apparently miffed that NIHOTOUR refused to be arm-twisted and that the training was successful, ANJET, shockingly, has since resorted to writing and publishing a series of articles both online and in the traditional media, attacking the NIHOTOUR DG and alleging that ATTWON is faceless.

    Specifically, they have been condemning NIHOTOUR and attempting to bring the image of the agency to disrepute for organising training for, as they put it, “non travel journalists and fake association members.”
    The ultimate question is: How can a group of people who have been feeding fat on industry stakeholders and government agencies over the years, and whose stock-in-trade has been to surreptitiously arm-twist stakeholders into doing their selfish bidding, be so bold to cast aspersions on other people who mean well for the sector?

    ATTWON, a duly registered association that has been actively involved in the tourism industry in Nigeria over the years is referred to as fake?

    Besides, it is on record that ATTWON and ANJET members attended the training organised by NIHOTOUR last year in Abuja. Why were they not called fake then?

    For the records, ATTWON has, since 2017, been organising various programmes such as, “ATTWON OPEN HOUSE” and “ATTWON TOURISM PARLIAMENT” where major stakeholders have always come together to discuss issues affecting the industry. We also actively participated in the call for the Tourism Ministry to be separated from the Information Ministry, among many other advocacies that we have done in the past. And we would not relent; many more impactful initiatives are up our sleeves.

    Why has ANJET suddenly become jittery of ATTWON’s strides and future exploits in the sector? Who is afraid of ATTWON?

    E-signed

    Annabel Kufre
    PRO, ATTWON
    10th July, 2024

  • Asaba Waterfront City ‘ll revolutionise tourism, urban renewal – Delta govt

    Asaba Waterfront City ‘ll revolutionise tourism, urban renewal – Delta govt

    Delta State Government, yesterday, said the move to develop the Asaba Waterfront was geared towards effective urban renewal and boosting the tourism potentials of the state.

    The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, disclosed this shortly after a meeting with representatives of the host communities of the Asaba Waterfront Development project and the project consultants.

    Briefing journalists after the meeting, Dr. Emu said the Asaba Waterfront City project, which was initiated three years ago and located along the banks of the River Niger, was designed to be Africa’s newest upscale, smart and tech-driven city.

    He said the project is a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) venture, between Delta State Government, which owns 15 per cent, Asaba communities which have five per cent and private investors, who hold 80 per cent, adding that the project is to be financed through a combination of equity and debt capital, in addition to pre-sales financing.

    He said: “About three years ago, we started this journey of Asaba Waterfront Development Project. We acquired about a 1,000 hectares of land and they were broken up into two: one was given to North China and another section was given to Falkland.

    “The whole idea is a PPP. For me, the people wanted to, on their own, start giving out the land and they started going into private arrangements and agreements with some developers.

    “We figured out that it was going to cause a lot of urban slum and create a lot of security issues for us, especially during the allocation. So, we sat down and decided that we should acquire that entire 1,000 hectares of land.

    “In compliance with the Land Use Act, we allowed everybody who had interest in that area, published in critical newspapers, to come over and express their interest through a memorandum.

    “We got a lot from dufferent people and we sat back and identified all the communities involved. We moved in to call in consultants to come and look at the entire area and scoop for compensation, and ensure that all the parties involved, remotely or otherwise, must be captured.

    “The compensation sum was determined. Shorty before then, was election and that was halted for this. But before then, in our process of engagement, we told the communities that there are three parties to the business.

    “First, is the developers who are very formidable and have a pedigree. They are to have 80 per cent of the entire investment. Government was to have 15 per cent and the community was to have 5 per cent.

    “Here is the logic; it is a modern city and part of our urban renewal plan. So, what we needed to do in that area is to sand fill; take out all the rubbish, and fill them, allow them to settle and build a world- class infrastructure.”

    According to Emu, Delta State Government was making lots of sacrifices to ensure the project came on stream to ensure real urban renewal in the area.

    “For government, 15 per cent sounds big but absolutely nothing to what government should ordinarily get. In the first instance, government should earn C of O fees, and future ground rent from all that.

    “The C of O in that area should cost about N5 billion and government has forfeited that. More so, government has gone ahead to start payment of compensation.

    “Government is also constructing a six-lane road to separate the North China and Falkland end and take it straight to the shore; that would create the ambience and convey the seriousness that government truly wants to have an urban renewal. And that will cost us approximately, N5 billion. In all of these, government is spending money.

    “So, we do know that if we had allowed the old game that the locals wanted play out, it would cost us more than N10 billion to manage security challenges. But today, with these urban renewal arrangements and with all the parties involved agreeing to work together, we have in our hands, a new city.

    “If we have a 1,000 hectares in that corridor, it is going to be a tourist attraction and bring in a lot of revenue to all the parties. And government does not have any hand in managing that asset. People who have that responsibility is the private sector.

    “So, they are going to create infrastructure that will inter-link the entire 1,000 hectares and that will be the beginning of major urban renewal development in Asaba.

    “We are happy and it is part of the continuity arrangements of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; to continue to do valuable things that he met on ground and this is one. The Asaba people would be eternally grateful for this major intervention.

    “And with the dredging of the River Niger, which is just along the shore line, it would be a massive tourist attraction. So, that is the short story about Asaba Waterfront City,” the SSG added.

  • Cross River gorillas will boost local tourism if protected, says Wild Africa Fund

    Cross River gorillas will boost local tourism if protected, says Wild Africa Fund

    Wild Africa Fund, an environmental NGO, says that Cross River gorillas can boost local tourism if there are deliberate policies to protect them.

    The fund urges the public to protect Nigeria’s unique Cross River gorillas by supporting ongoing efforts to safeguard their populations and habitat as well as reducing demand for commercial bush meat that threatens them.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Festus Iyorah, Nigeria Representative of the fund, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

    According to him, the Cross River gorillas live in the mountainous region between Nigeria and Cameroon and it’s Africa’s most endangered ape species.

    He said that available records showed that fewer than 300 individuals of these gorillas remained in the wild, with 100 of them living in Nigeria’s Cross River State and the rest in Cameroon.

    He said that the Gorillas were found in Nigeria in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mbe Mountains, and the Okwangwo division of the Cross River National Park.

    He explained that the Cross River gorilla, one of Nigeria’s most iconic and cherished wildlife species, faced numerous threats, including hunting and habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, commercial logging, and the encroachment of human settlements into its habitat.

    Iyorah noted that while the hunting of gorillas had reduced over the last few years, wire snares set for other animals in the bush meat trade could also entrap gorillas, leading to injuries and, in some cases, death.

    “We can’t afford to lose even one of our 100 Cross River Gorillas at this critical stage. Let us all come together to protect the Cross River Gorilla and ensure that these remarkable species continue to thrive in our country for generations to come,” Iyorah said.

    The Nigeria representative said that the country had taken significant steps to address those challenges and protect the Cross River Gorilla.

    He said that the National Park Service and Cross River State Government, in collaboration with local and international conservation organisations, had been working to safeguard the gorilla’s habitat, enforce anti-poaching laws, and promote community-based conservation initiatives.

    He said that efforts were crucial,  not only for the survival of the Cross River gorillas but also for the preservation of our rich biodiversity and the sustainable development of our communities.

    He listed the benefits of protecting the gorillas.

    ” Gorilla based tourism is an invaluable asset to some African countries like Rwanda and Uganda, offering a win-win scenario for both conservation and economic development.

    “Tourists from around the globe are drawn to the magic of gorilla encounters, making Gorilla-based tourism a source of foreign currency and funding for community development projects such as schools and healthcare centres.

    “Gorilla trekking accounted for 14 per cent of the 498 million dollars Rwanda earned from tourism in 2018, when the government doubled the cost of Gorilla-trekking permits to 1,500 dollars per person.

    ” In 2018–19, tourism brought in $1.6 billion for Uganda, contributing 7.7 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing at least 667,000 people,” Iyorah said.

    Iyorah quoted the CEO of wild Africa Fund, Peter Knights, as saying
    “If wildlife can be successfully protected in Nigeria it can become a major driver of increased tourism and jobs.

    Iyorah said that Wild Africa Fund had launched a month-long public awareness campaign, using radio, TV, newspapers, billboards, and social media to inform people about the threats facing the Cross River gorillas and to amplify laws and anti-poaching measures protecting them.

    He added that the campaign would feature messages from top celebrity ambassadors, including Davido, Laycon, Emanuella, and Alex Iwobi, and short documentaries highlighting ongoing efforts to protect gorillas and their habitat.

  • Tourism a trillion-dollar industry – NTDA DG

    Tourism a trillion-dollar industry – NTDA DG

    Mr Folorunsho Coker, Director-General, Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), says tourism is a trillion-dollar industry whose value chain interconnects many sub-sectors, providing employment for millions of people.

    Coker on Wednesday in Abuja said tourism had been a major contributor to national GDPs. He described the sector as a ”low hanging fruit for Nigeria’s economic growth and development”.

    “Its value chain is vast. This ranges from the hospitality sector to aviation and transportation, destination management, souvenir production, event packaging, carnivals, festivals and cultural promotions, among others.

    “The opportunities of leveraging this key growth sector to create jobs, shore up revenue and add to the nation’s GDP are limitless.

    “My team and I strongly believe that to become a tourism hub in Africa, we need to first develop domestic tourism. Sadly, Africa only accounts for four per cent  of this market.”

    The NTDA boss said that there was need for stakeholders in the tourism industry to wake up to their responsibilities and collaboratively work towards the growth of the sector.

    According to him, the development of domestic tourism will increase the country’s attraction to sponsors and investors, adding that this will, in turn, develop the industry.

    He said that it would also develop the industry’s assets which would culminate in infrastructural development and open up the huge potential of the sector.

    Coker also lauded the appointment of Ms Lola Ade-John as the new Minister of Tourism, describing her as “a notable professional with cognate experience in the information and disruptive technology space”.

    “I am positive that her appointment to the Ministry of Tourism is just what the industry needs,” he added.

    The NTDA boss said that the new ministry of tourism would offer the required growth structure for promoting the country as a destination of choice for many across the world.

    He said that the demand for Nigerian tourism was geared towards strengthening the sector to surpass the pre-COVID levels.

    Coker noted that, globally, tourism had recovered its post-COVID value by 80 per cent.

    “Africa has recovered its post-COVID value by as much as 88 per cent; clearly, the opportunities for domestic growth of the sector are enormous,” he said.

  • Minister plans to make tourism major revenue earner

    Minister plans to make tourism major revenue earner

    The new Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, says she will work with government’s ministries, agencies and other relevant stakeholders to make tourism sector a major revenue earner.

    Ade-John said this on Monday while assuming office at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja.

    Ade-John was received by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture, Dr Ngozi Onwudiwe, and its heads of agencies and departments.

    The minister, who said that tourism was all about marketing and engagement with stakeholders, said that she would engage investors, governments, and grassroots people to improve the sector.

    “There is a major emphasis on revenue generation and the Ministry of Tourism will go on tourism revenue drive.

    “With everyone’s support, tourism is going to be the number one revenue earner in both foreign and local currencies,” she said.

    In her remarks, Onwudiwe said the ministry was significant in achieving the revenue diversification drive of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    She sought for the support of the Ministries of Information and National Orientation, as well as Arts, Culture and Creative Economy for her to succeed.

    “Before now, the sector has always been subsumed into other sectors such as Ministry of Information and Culture.This administration decided to diversify the economy.

    “Tourism is no doubt an enabler of economic  growth. It generates income, employments and investment among the value chains,’’ she said.

    Ade-John was received alongside Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris; Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Minister, Hannatu Musawa, at the Information and National Orientation Ministry’s Radio House headquarters.

  • FG optimistic of Spain’s investment in Nigerian music, culture

    FG optimistic of Spain’s investment in Nigerian music, culture

    The Federal Government (FG) on Tuesday expressed optimism that Spain will invest in Nigeria’s music industry.

    The Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Folorunsho Coker, stated this at a press conference on VIS A VIS.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that VIS A VIS is a flagship professional meeting between the African music industry and Spanish music producers, aimed at the internationalization of African music.

    Coker said Nigeria is a creative hub in Africa, hence Spain recognizes the importance of the Nigerian music industry to its Gross Domestic Product.

    While noting Nigeria as the creative hub of Africa in music, film and fashion. He added that the project will open up the potential in the creative industry in Nigeria.

    He said, “I would expect that shortly after this project. I will not be surprised to see Spanish businesses in this creative industry deciding to come and invest in the critical infrastructure for the music industry such as recording studios, film studios etc.

    “Spain recognizes the importance of this creative industry to their GDP. If we can mutually benefit from this project, I think it will be a wonderful thing.

    “I think Nigeria could create a very important component of the festivals in Spain. It will attract even more Europeans to head to Spain on a continuous annual basis.”

    Also speaking, the Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, His Excellency, Juan Sell, felt proud of the programme.

    He said it would bring together a lot of things both countries care about.

    “It is about giving opportunities to the Jews, not only Nigerians. We truly believe this project can create a good collaboration between Nigeria and Spain in the field of music, and that would provide us with a very good platform to build upon it,” he said.

  • My regret coming to Nigeria for global tourism confab – UNWTO boss

    My regret coming to Nigeria for global tourism confab – UNWTO boss

    Mr Zurab Pololikashvili, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)  Secretary-General has expressed regret about coming to Nigeria for the Organisation’s first Global Conference on Linking Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries.

    Speaking at a Gala Dinner and Command Performance in Lagos, the UNWTO boss said the regret was that he came to Nigeria without his friends and family members to witness the hospitality, music and top-notch cultural performances he and other participants were treated to.

    The gala night is one of the activities lined up for the three-day conference aimed at transforming the tourism sector into a preferred sector, and the creative industry into a creative economy.

    “I really regret that I did not come here with my family members and friends to witness all these performances, but I will be back

    “I want to say that It is really amazing and many thanks that you showed us the best of your country, the best of the culture of your country, which is really unique.

    “That is why people around the world have to come to Nigeria.

    “That is why you need more international visitors to come here to see the beauty and see all these authentic culture you have,”” he said.

    Pololikashvili expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for accepting to host the conference and wished the country “peace, prosperity, health, wealth and all the best”.

    He commended the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed for his passion for the industry and for his wisdom which he said the Organisation had benefited immensely.

    “Nigeria has one of the best tourism ministers in the world and  I am sure that the ministers here will agree and they will not be upset with me.

    “Thank you Mr Minister for your good heart, for your wisdom for your hospitality because tourism is about hospitality and friendship, nothing else.

    “You are really the best example of how to be the good boss, and how to be the good friend,” he said.

    Earlier while welcoming the guests to the gala night, the minister said he was not ready to bore them with speeches but to allow them to partake in what the country could offer in the area of entertainment.

    Mohammed however thanked his colleagues Ministers from Namibia, Ivory Coast, Congo Kinshasa, Gambia, Togo, Benin, Sierra Leone for honoring him by being at the gala night.

    He also thanked all the experts that participated in the workshops as well as everybody who in one way or the other had contributed in making the conference a success.

    Highlights of the night were cultural dances and displays by the Nigerian troupe and dance drama on the unity of Nigeria.

    There were  also cultural dances of the Ashanti from Ghana, Kikuyu from Kenya and Zulu from South Africa performed by Bolanle Austen-Peters Production.

    Awards were  given to individuals, entities and corporate bodies on culture, tourism,  and creativity categories.

    Some of the awardees in the culture category are, Ofala Festival which was received personally by the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe and some members of his traditional council.

    The award given to Argungu Fishing Festival was received by three Emirs from Argungu Emirate in Kebbi state while the Osun Oshogbo Festival also received award on the culture category.

    Some of the awardees in tourism and  creativity categories are Goge Africa Productions, Wale Akinboboye, Segun Arinze, Charles Novia, Ali Baba, Ali Nuhu, Bolanle Austen-Peters Chioma Ude and Dare Art-Alade.

    Highpoints of the night was the christening of Pololikashvili with three Nigerian names, Danladi, Anaemeka and Omotunde.

    The Secretary-General, his team, Mohammed and other tourism ministers at the gala nite also thrilled the audience when they danced to Nigerian ace musician, Kizz Daniel’s hit song, “Buga’’.

  • Creative arts, cultural tourism bastion for foreign investment in Nigeria – Lai Mohammed

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has reiterated government’s commitment on socio- economic potentials inherent in creative arts and cultural tourism of Nigeria for foreign direct investment.

    Mohammed, in a statement by Ahmed Sule, Director, Media & Public Relations in Abuja, made the remark during a business development visit by Nura Kangiwa, Director General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).

    The visit was made alongside a delegation of 14 eminent persons including the County officials, business men and women from Miami Dade County, Florida USA.

    The minister said Miami Dade County and Nigeria had common potentials in creative arts and culture, as such, could be explored for the benefits of Nigeria and the United States.

    “Nigeria is blessed with a vast social cultural, creative arts and tourism potentials investment.

    “The collaborations and partnerships with prospective investors from Miami Dade County will open a wide range of opportunities for the promotion, growth and development of the travel-tourism and hospitality industries of both countries,” he said.

    Mohammed urged the delegation to use the opportunity of their visit to explore the beautiful flora and fauna terrain that Nigeria possessed and savour the sumptuous delicacies of Nigerian foods.

    He added that they should also savour cuisines as well as interact with the hospitable people of Nigeria for the benefits of a memorable and fruitful visit of the country.

    Earlier, leader of the delegation, Jean Monestime said they were in Nigeria to explore the possibilities of investment partnerships in several key sectors of the economy.

    Monestime, who happens to be Commissioner for District 2, Miami Dade County, said the sectors include aviation, tourism, ports and maritime industries for the economic good of Nigeria and Miami Dade Florida, USA.

    He noted that Miami Florida had a lot in common with Africa especially Nigeria, in the areas of social cultural relations, creative arts and the entertainment industry.

    He added that partnering with Nigeria could explore and harness the potentials that would boost the economic and social cultural relationship that had long existed between Nigeria and the United States of America.

    “The partnership will pave the way for harnessing those hidden potentials of both countries that have been left unexplored and untapped.

    “Our visit to the country is an eye opener of the vast socio-economic potentials that Nigeria is endowed with.

    “The investment opportunities as well as the conducive environment for foreign direct investment are positive signs of great importance, as we make the needed decision of investing in Nigeria when we return home,” Monestime said.