Editor
THE Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has promised to unite tourism stakeholders across the country in order to create projects that would further enhance the industry.
Mr Nkerewuem Onung, FTAN President, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
Onung who was elected recently said that the new normal had revealed the need for a strategic action plan which must bring tourism stakeholders together and create projects that will benefit all.
He noted that the federation, under his watch, would work with the federal government to ensure that industry operators and investors are not left behind in the focal agenda to reinvent the wheel of the tourism business in Nigeria.
“We are determined to bring something new to the table and also be mindful of the fact that the Federal Ministry of Tourism and its 10 agencies are pivotal to FTAN’s dreams.
“We will ensure no industry player or viable cultural tourism projects are left behind or allowed to fallow,” he said.
Onung, who urged the federal government to help the industry bounce back to post COVID-19 pandemic era, wondered why the palliatives promised the industry’s associations and players are yet to materialise.
He said the government must through such intervention, prove that it cared and also appreciated the critical presence and job-creating values of the cultural tourism industry.
“I must commend the resilience and doggedness of the private sector for the rebound of the sector after COVID-19 regulations ambushed its growth.
“Without help anywhere, with unforgettable lessons learnt that time has come for us, government and the private sector should work together and not leave anyone behind,” he said.
Onung commended the Kebbi state government and the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) for hosting the world tourism day, taking the financial burden to give Nigeria a podium to celebrate the global festivity.
He said this had created the needed avenue to showcase the rich cultural and agro-tourism economy of Kebbi state noted for its rice pyramid.
“Tourism industry has the capacity to sell the rice paddie fields of Kebbi to the world and also create more jobs and opportunities for recreation, and hospitality diversities to thrive and grow into a new economy.
“Yes, we may have security challenges but it has been proven that if the government and the private operators join hands together, refreshing narratives about our country, our people and culture can help douse sociopolitical tension which is fueling individualism and insecurity,” he said.
He appreciated the Emir of Kebbi and state government for the investiture of Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, as the Kakaki of Kebbi.
He said that the traditional and cultural title bestowed on the Minister was well deserved, an affirmation that the minister had done well.
“FTAN rejoices with our Minister. He has done well and maybe after this outing, he will put in more energy towards getting the industry the palliatives the federal government promised us.
“FTAN looks forward to working closely with the Ministry to get everyone, far and near, to give Nigerian cultural tourism the mileage expected of its diversity, he said.
