By Peter Adelowo
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has promised to partner with the private sector to boost revenue in the Territory through tourism.
Wike stated this at a one-day interactive session organized for Nigerians in Diaspora Organization, NIDO by the Emerging Abuja Projects in Abuja.
The Minister, represented by the Director of Tourism, Ann Dogo, stressed that the government must partner with the private sector which plays a critical role in the development of tourism.
“Tourism has all it takes to rebrand any economy, and when people with passion participate and contribute their quota, the story of this country will change” Wike stated.
“It is very important for the government to partner with the private sector to move tourism forward. The government cannot do it alone. There is no country that has done it. The participation of the private sector in tourism is very critical to national development” the Minister emphasized.
He explained that tourism will help in identifying areas to be modified to meet global standards, which will create more room for tourists in the country.
On his part, the Chairman, Nigerian in Diaspora Organization, NIDO, Harold Ogunfemi, who pledged commitment to partner with the Emerging Abuja Projects to boost the tourism sector stressed that the project would give Abuja and Nigeria a new face in the tourism world.
He stated that NIDO Europe will sign a memorandum of understanding to legally promote this project.
“This is a beautiful idea, and NIDO will advertise it and bring Tourism experts, both in Nigeria and non-Nigerians into Abuja, to see the new emerging Abuja,” Ogunfemi stressed.
On his part, the brand ambassador of the “Emerging Abuja Projects and Former Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia, urged Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora to collaborate to make Nigeria a tourism hub.
“We always go to Europe and other places for vacation. Why don’t the foreigners come to Nigeria too? I think both Nigerians at home and diaspora should be part of making Nigeria a tourism hub” Siasia stated.
Earlier, the Deputy Coordinator of the Emerging Abuja Projects, Ani Asamah, said the whole essence of the projects is to make December Abuja a growing one that will also attract tourists and increase revenue for the FCT.
She further explained that over thirty-five activities have been lined up for this year’s grooving December which includes, car races, ludo games, and couple eating competition amongst others.
According to her the project is not only aimed at only to promote Nigerian culture but to create a new economic driver for the FCT by attracting tourists and encouraging them to spend money in Abuja.
“The projects hope to boost the local economy and showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage in collaboration between the Organizers, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization, and the FCT administration to achieve this goal
Over 23 countries under NIDO participated in the one day interactive session.
