The Tourism Parliament,a conference of Stakeholders in Tourism sector today in Abuja launched Executive Tourism Mice also known as ‘Destination Nigeria Governors Conference’
The Executive Mice which was unveiled at an annual event with the THEME: TOURISM AS A CATALYST FOR JOB CREATION AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION: A CALL TO ACTION FOR NIGERIA GOVERNORS,had in attendance relevant stakeholders in Tourism sector, which included Honourable Minister of Tourism,Mrs Lola Ade-John who was represented her Special Adviser, Kelvin Ikegwuonu Former DG Nigeria Tourism Development Commission,Hon.Sally Mbanefo,Director General, National Institute For Hospitality And Tourism,NIHOTOUR, The Gambia High Commissioner to Nigeria,H.E Mohamadou Musa Njie, among others.
In his opening speech, the Converner who is also founder of Travelogue,Amb.Ayo Omotosho said the event was organized to brainstorm on how to harness Tourism potentials and also give all stakeholders sense of belonging.He said the Executive Tourism Mice was initiated by the Parliament in order to reach out to all the 36 State Governors including FCT,for all stakeholders to be on same page in the tourism sector.
He added that the essentially the event was to use media to project tourism positively in Nigeria, and also to discuss various issues surrounding tourism development in Nigeria.
“This is not the first of its kind,we have been doing this in Lagos, but we are having it for the first time in the city of Abuja, so that we can communicate directly to Mr President, you know, first of all, let me use this opportunity to say a big thank you to our president, President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for listen to the yearnings of the stakeholders in Nigeria, having created the Ministry of Tourism in Nigeria. And so ever since that time, the Honorable Minister, Honourable Lola Ade-John, who has been very active, particularly promoting the sector, that’s domestic tourism, you know, using community based tourism, to project all our policies, at the Ministry of Tourism, so today is another dimension.
“We are also working with Nigerian Governors forum.so to key in the Nigerian Governors ,so they reach out to other Governors. And no doubt there are some Governors that are tourism friendly in Nigeria. But we want to incorporate all the state Governors plus FCT into this project, saying that, because tourism is life, and it’s like policies. They have to just know, embrace it and moving forward by creating employment for teaming Nigerian youth, because tourism is the highest employer of labour. So with this, with what we are using this opportunity the media to communicate effectively to the Nigerian Governors”.
Honorable Minister of Tourism,Lola Ade-John represented by Mr Kelvin Ikegwuonu Former the Special Advisor to the Honorable Minister of Tourism on Medical Tourism, underscored the immense potential of tourism as a content, as a potent driver of job creation and economic diversification in Nigeria.
She said Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of natural and cultural resources from pristine beaches and lush rainforest to rich historical sites and vibrant cultural heritage.
“These assets, if harnessed effectively, can be transformed into a gold mine of opportunities. Tourism, when strategically developed, has the power to generate employment across multiple sectors from hospitality and transportation to arts and crafts. The ripple effects are far-fetching.
“It can be a lifeline for our teenage youth population, offering gainful employment and entrepreneurship avenues. Moreover, tourism is a key to economic diversification. By reducing our over-excellence on oil, we can build a more resilient and sustainable economy.
“Tourism can contribute significantly to our foreign exchange earnings, boosting our national income and also make things work. To fully realize this potential, we call on our esteemed partners to prioritize tourism development in their respective locations and also our governors too because we believe one thing we kind of explain to people is that many of these assets don’t belong to the ministry, they belong to the state. So all we can actually do as the ministry is to support this state to make sure that these assets are well taken care of and well managed.
“So by investing in infrastructure, providing enabling environment for businesses and promoting our unique selling points, we can collectively position Nigeria as a world-class tourism destination”the Minister stated.
In goodwill address, the Gambia High Commissioner to Nigeria,H.E Mohamadou Musa Njie, said with its vast and diverse cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities, Nigeria has great potential to utilize tourism for job creation, wealth generation, and economic growth, stated that the critical question is how to effectively promote these attractions internally to the 250 million Nigerians, the world, and fellow Africans, fostering shared prosperity that benefits everyone.
In his words “We understand that the Nigerian tourism sector has its own challenges, similar to any other industry. However, developing a strategic tourism policy with specific, sustainable programs at all levels is crucial. Prioritizing access to these assets and investing in tourism infrastructure are essential steps. With these components in place, tourism has the potential to become one of Nigeria’s most valuable assets, considering the nation’s abundant natural and cultural resources.
“The key lies in leveraging these natural assets to attract both local and international visitors while also supporting the communities where these assets are situated. This approach can create jobs and economic opportunities at all levels. Involving local communities and private sector players across the tourism value chain, from hospitality to cultural exhibitions, will ensure that the benefits of this sector are felt far and wide. This inclusivity not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens the very fabric of society, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among the people.
“I also want to acknowledge the invaluable role of the media in this journey. The stories you tell, the images you share, and the narratives you build are instrumental in marketing Nigeria as a tourist destination.
“Finally, I commend the organizers of this event for their visionary approach to bringing these discussions to the forefront. Your initiative is a testament to the critical role that tourism can play in shaping our economies.
“May our collective efforts yield fruitful results for the betterment of our nations and our continent”.
Also in his good will message, Director General/CEO, National Institute For Hospitality And Tourism,NIHOTOUR, Alh. Nura Sani Kangiwa,who was represented by a Director in the agency, said the immense value of tourism as a catalyst for job creation and economic diversification cannot be over emphasized.
“As you know, tourism is not just about visiting new places, it’s a dynamic industry that brings people together, showcases our rich culture, while promoting our unique heritage. By investing in tourism, we can create new job opportunities for our communities, supporting local artisans, hospitality workers, tour guides etc. Each visitor who comes to experience our attractions contributes to local economists, strengthening businesses and creating a ripple effect of growth.
“Furthermore, tourism promotes economic diversification. By developing our tourism infrastructure and attracting a diverse range of visitors, we reduce our reliance on traditional industries. Distinguished participants/parliamentarians, you will agree with me that a healthy tourism sector can stabilize Nigeria’s economy, especially during challenging economic period like we are witnessing presently”.
He implored the stakeholders to work together to harness the power of tourism to promote sustainable practices protect nation’s natural resources and celebrate Nigerian cultural identity.
“This is where governors and by extension local government chairmen will be called for action. As we know all tourism resources or sites are located in Local Governments (Third Tier). As we welcome tourists and share our stories, we not only enrich their lives but also pave the way for a prosperous future for all.
“Finally, I make bold to say that we can make tourism a driving force for job creation and economic growth in Nigeria. Therefore, let us embrace the opportunity that this forum brings and build a brighter, more diverse economic landscape for even generations yet unborn”he added.
