By Taiye Olayemi

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has advised the Federal Government to consider putting tourism on the concurrent list instead of the residual list, to ensure proper exploration of the sector.

The National President of FTAN, Mr Nkereuwem Onung, gave the advice  on Thursday during the 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association  in Abuja.

The AGM’s theme titled “Tourism Today and Tomorrow: Setting the Agenda for the New Administration” and the sub theme: “Community involvement in Tourism Development: Building Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism”.

Onung said that tourism ought to be on the concurrent list to position the sector for more feasibility.

“In our effort to set the agenda for the new administration, we wants the new government to consider putting tourism on concurrent list instead of the residual list.

“We are aware that tourism is on the residual list, which should not be, considering the fact it is the veritable tool for our economic transformation given the dwindling revenue from oil in Nigeria .

“The 2013 Supreme Court judgment has not helped matters,” Onung said.

He said that that the states could productively work with the national government to use tourism as a tool of transformation.

FTAN president also called for the creation of a Ministry of Culture and Tourism, separate from the Ministry of Information and Culture as obtainable presently.

According to him, tourism should not remain as a department in the ministry of information and culture.

Onung expressed FTAN’s readiness to midwife a robust relationship between the states and various federal agencies responsible for tourism development in Nigeria.

He said the association had put in place a team of experts to collaborate with the states on hotel registration classification and grading.

He said the team would also collaborate with states on Tourism Master Plan; Eco Tourism Infrastructure; Destination Branding Community Engagement and Empowerment; and create niche tourism products among others.

Onung said FTAN had also collaborated with the Economic Community of West African States, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Chambers of Commerce and embassies  to deepen various advocacy programmes to boost tourism in Nigeria.

“We will also work with the Federal government through the Ministries Departments and Agencies in innovative tourism development. We will work with them to implement the new laws.

“We reiterate our dedication to community involvement, sustainable development, and the creation of sellable tourism products.

“Let us commit to working hand in hand to set the agenda for the new administration, ensuring that tourism continues to flourish as a driver of economic growth, cultural exchange, and national pride,” he said

Earlier, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), said that the Nigerian tourism industry was ready for improved states and federal government stimulus.

Kangiwa said this had necessitated the call for the creation of a stand-alone ministry of tourism.

He said the private sector and other stakeholders needed to key into opportunities provided by the 2022 NIHOTOUR Establishment Act.

He explained that the NIHOTOUR Act made statutory provision for the institute to work with FTAN and other trade or professional organisations in Nigeria.

In his remarks, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), expressed concern that the culture and tourism industries had been underrated over the years.

Runsewe, however, advised the new government to ensure the culture and tourism industries were made to exist alone, separate from information sector.

He described culture and tourism as sectors that had the capacity to reduce crime rate, engaging the youths positively.

“We all need to change our attitude towards our culture and tourism because they are the new oil,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiongiuori/Deji Abdulwahab

 
By Taiye Olayemi

Gov.Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom on Thursday called for a review of the national policy on tourism to take full advantage of the enormous potential in the sector.

Eno, speaking at the 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM)  of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), said this was needed to reap bountifully from the sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AGM has its theme as “Tourism Today and Tomorrow: Setting the Agenda for the New Administration”, and the sub theme: “Community involvement in Tourism Development: Building Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism”.

The governor represented by his deputy, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, said that amendment of existing tourism laws must be accelerated  for sporadic development in the sector.

“The global tourism sector is not slagnant. It is growing and evolving almost with the speed of light so can’t afford to use policies which emanated from old thinking to drive a 21st century ICT driven sector.

“We must tailor our legal framework to encourage investments in the sector, existing laws must be reviewed and new ones enacted to encourage direct foreign investments and the participation of more local investors in the sector.

“For the nation to experience development in tourism, the challenge of insecurity must be tackled because insecurity and tourism development are mutually exclusive.

“We must work very assiduously toward building a reputation of a safe and secure country in order to attract more tourists and even investors to the country,” he said.

According to Eno, building of quality infrastructure must underpin tourism development

He said a national culture in support of tourism must be created and adhered to by all.

“The Dubai tourism sector, for instance, is largely driven by bold infrastructure.

“From the quality of our airports, to roads, seaports, railways and other infrastructure, the signature of excellence must be unmistakable.

“Nigerians are no doubt very hospitable people. But we can do better because we are competing with the rest of the world.

“Government should aggressively sensitise Nigerians on attitudinal change in the direction of tourism development so much so that we should be ranked the best in the world in hospitality.

“We must be intentional about the image we project to the world, hence the need for a conscious corporate branding of Nigeria to make it more attractive,” he said.

Eno advised government at different levels to engage professional associations such as FTAN to work out a framework, to finally tap into this sector.

He said this would bring about job creation and huge growth, as millions of Nigerian youths would be gainfully engaged.

He noted that in Akwa Ibom, tourism was a key focal point in his administration’s “ARISE Agenda”.

“As a hospitality practitioner myself, we are determined to invest heavily in this sector and get our people back to work. We will promote our nationally and internationally known cuisines

“We have several historic sites, the house where the founder of Nigeria, Fredrick Lord Luggard lived in, is in Ikot Abasi. We have the Raffia works in Ikot Ekpene and other sites to see.

“Our plan is not just to get more people to travel to Akwa Ibom state and spend their money. We desire to give those who visit our state maximum value for money and satisfaction to warrant voluntary repeat visits.

“Presently, the Ibom Icon Hotel, situated amidst a rich palm forest vegetation within the Nwaniba Golf course, offers the kind of serenity that is rare to find anywhere else in West Africa.

“Ibom Specialist Hospital in Uyo is a world-class medical facility designed to redirect medical tourism from other parts of the world,” he said.

Eno said with all these already in place and a lot more, his administration would focus on the development of the vast coastline of the state.

“We will upgrade facilities in the various tourist sites to international standards, expand existing infrastructure and consolidate on the present atmosphere of peace and security in the state,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
 
Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

Susan Akporiaye,  National President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), has advised  men to take women  as individuals divinely designed to complement their efforts and not as competitors.
 
Akporiaye, also the Chief Executive Officer, Topaz Travels and Tours, gave the advice during an interactive platform organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), on Wednesday in Abuja.
 
The theme of the programme is,  “#puttingnigeriafirst#”, with sub theme,  “Role of Women in National Unity”.
 
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  ‘#puttingnigeriafirst#’ campaign is an initiative of the NCAC  to correct societal ills through timely reorientation for Nigerians to enable national development and unity take full manifestation.
She said Nigerian men must come to the understanding that women have  been designed as helpers and builders who are meant to complement their partners’ efforts.
She noted that until men begin to relate with their partners and colleagues as the case may be, with such consciousness, national peace and unity would continue to be threatened.
According to her, humanity will  be incomplete without taking cognisance of the role of women in nation building.
“Women according to the holy books are created as helpers and builders, when our men begin to see us as partners in progress and not competitors, the society will be a better place.
“I seize this opportunity to tell our men to desist from perceiving women as competitors. The nature of the relationship between a man and a woman should be complementary.
“Couples would achieve maximally in marriages and in the corporate world when the right understanding is put to work,” she said.

Akporiaye encouraged Nigerian women to remain dutiful in their roles as mothers to raise responsible children.
She also advised students present at the programme to be deliberate in being obedient to their parents.
Also speaking, Rev. Godwin Agaga of the Assemblies of God Church, Kubwa, Abuja, who spoke on religion and ethics in relation to nation building, urged Nigerians to uphold religious and cultural values.
Agaga advised the youth to desist from being used as instruments to incite violence and evil behaviour, as well as not to engage in examination malpractices and truancy.
“Nigeria is the biggest agenda for us all now, it is bigger than any individual, let us nurture our nation to grow.
“Religion and ethics have serious roles to play in the unification of Nigerians, religion should teach to love others, sacrifice and be patriotic citizens,” he said.
Gbenga Aruleba, Nigerian broadcast journalist, said putting Nigeria first required  that the media  thrive to be socially relevant.
He urged journalists to intensify their efforts in being the mouthpiece and agenda setters for the masses. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has advised Nigerians to remain patriotic and committed to national development.

Chief Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General, NCAC,  gave the advice during an interactive platform organised by NCAC, with the theme “#puttingnigeriafirst#”, on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Runsewe, the advice is against the backdrop of unhealthy political practices, ethnicity, violence and religious bigotry on the increase after the general elections.

He said the process of rebuilding the nation had begun with President Bola Tinubu’s sheer competence, commitment and unflinching resolve to restore hope in the Nigerian project.

He urged Nigerians to consciously put the nation first, in the interest of peace, social integration, harmony and national development.

Runsewe advised Nigerians to be committed to making the nation greater.

“We have no other nation apart from Nigeria, to make Nigeria great is a task that must be done; a task for all Nigerians irrespective of place or circumstances of birth, religion or creed.

“This is why we must eschew all forms of religious bigotry, ethnic jingoism and unhealthy political practices that tend to fan the embers of disunity and distract us from our developmental aspirations.

“Our nationalists who fought for our political independence did not achieve victory on the strength of ethnic, religious or other parochial inclinations.

“I, therefore, call on all Nigerians, particularly our political elite, religious leaders, traditional rulers, opinion moulders, leaders of thought and  all patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with the new administration in its determined efforts to reposition our nation on the part of sustainable peace, socio-economic growth and development,” he said.

Runsewe urged Nigerians to be well guided in their efforts to creatively think and constructively proffer workable solutions that would make the nation overcome its economic challenges.

He said this should be done to fasten security issues, the cankerworm of corruption and economic crimes, while mobilising human and material resources toward the attainment of national development.

He encouraged Nigerians to imbibe the Americans’ patriotic spirit of undivided loyalty, love of country and sheer commitment to national service, in the greater interest of Nigeria as a nation.

He said this was responsible for Americans  maintaining their status as world leading super-power.

“Enough of hate speech, destructive criticism, unhealthy grandstanding along political parties, ethnic and religious background.

“Let us unite and build the Nigeria of our dreams, we must keep that spirit alive, so that the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain.

“Nigeria is blessed with talented, resourceful, innovative and dynamic citizens.

“For our abundant human and material resources to be fully harnessed and productively channeled to drive the process of our national development, all hands must be on deck,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Nkereuwem Onung, National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), advocated a functional rule of law and good governance if the ‘puttingnigeriafirst’ campaign must be upheld by Nigerians.

“I stand here as an ambassador for putting Nigeria first. I want everyone to be same and call on the Nigerian government to be fair to all.

“If we must remain united, we must all put Nigeria first in our endeavours,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ‘#puttingnigeriafirst#’ campaign, an initiative of NCAC, began in May. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has advised the Federal Government and states to intensify efforts in environmental conservation to ensure tourism activities are upscaled.

Mrs Ime Udo, National President of NATOP, gave the advice during NATOP’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state, on Friday.

She said environmental conservation must be prioritised by protecting and preserving nation’s natural landscapes and biodiversity.

She noted that this could be done through the implementation of sustainable practices geared toward safeguarding the country’s tourism assets for future generations

The theme for the AGM was “Tourism Green Investments in Nigeria”.

“It is crucial for states in Nigeria to prioritise environmental conservation, by protecting our natural landscapes, preserving biodiversity, and implementing sustainable practices.

“We can safeguard our tourism assets for future generations. This will not only attract eco-conscious travelers but will also contribute to the overall well-being and quality of life for our citizens,” she said.

Udo, who cited examples of countries which had planked their tourism development on environmental conversation, said the Central American nation of Costa Rica and Asia’s Bhutan were some of the successful destinations.

She said eco-friendly practices drive their industry’s growth and by extension, promote a green economy.

She noted that Costa Rica stands out as a notable illustration, renowned for its commitment to sustainable tourism, by prioritising environmental conservation, investing in renewable energy, and promoting eco-friendly practices.

“Costa Rica has successfully positioned itself as a leading destination for Eco-tourism.

“This approach has not only attracted environmentally conscious travellers but has also generated economic opportunities, creating jobs and fostering overall economic growth.

“Another inspiring case comes from the nation of Bhutan, which has embraced the concept of Gross National Happiness, valuing the well-being of its people and the environment above all else.

“Now, let us turn our attention to Nigeria and explore how we can leverage the principles of sustainable tourism to grow our tourism sector.

“”Nigeria boasts a wealth of natural and cultural attractions, from breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cultural heritage sites.

“By adopting a green economy approach, we can tap into this immense potential and create a thriving tourism sector that benefits both our environment and our economy,” she said.

Udo urged her counterparts in the industry to equally strive to prioritise the socio-cultural aspects of sustainability.

She said this included respecting local traditions and cultures, supporting local businesses and communities, and educating tourists on the importance of responsible travel.(NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Mateen Badru

Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos has described the movie, “Gangs of Lagos”,  as defamatory and sacrilegious for depicting the ‘Eyo’ as criminal gangs that commit grotesque murder and visit terror on innocent citizens.

The traditional ruler raised concerns about the film in a three-page letter he addressed to the managements of Amazon Prime Nigeria and Greoh Ltd. on June 28, listing four conditions that the producers and promoters should meet within 14 days.

Akiolu called  Amazon Web Service, Greoh Studios and the film producers “to immediately remove, cease and desist from using the image getup and manifestation of the Eyo in the Gangs of Lagos.”

According to the traditional ruler, the film has inflicted huge reputational damage on the Eyo brand.

Gangs of Lagos, since its release has been a subject of controversies among the indigenous people of Lagos State with the Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU) claiming that the film depicted Isale Eko as a den of criminals and Eyo masquerade as a gang of murderers.

The descendants of Isale Eko had equally instituted a suit seeking N10 billion damages against Amazon and other producers over what they described as huge reputational damage the Gangs of Lagos inflicted on the Eyo brand.

Akiolu, in his letter, copied  Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, claiming that the illegal representation of the Eyo by the movie had caused huge reputational damage to the Eyo brand.

The traditional ruler also claimed that on the international stage, potential tourists and visitors to Lagos were likely to query the authenticity of the Eyo as true cultural heritage event deserving of respect and reverence.

He further claimed that the film producers had used the complete getup, indistinguishable image and traditionally designed and ordained appearance of the Eyo which forms part of the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of Lagos for commercial gain and exploitation.

This, he said, was done without permission or due reference to the office of the Oba of Lagos.

“I am the custodian and final authority of the Adimu Orisa and its manifestation the Eyo. These traditional rites are the tangible and intangible property of the indigenes of Lagos and these are their bundle of rights of our intellectual property in our cultural heritage.

“This cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artefacts and intangible attributes that has been inherited from past generations over two hundred years ago, maintained in the present by the Oba of Lagos and bestowed for the benefit of future generations.

“These traditions express our way of life and thought. They are proofs of our intellectual and spiritual achievements. They must not be used without the indigenous owners’ express permission or desecrated in any way whatsoever,” he said.

The Oba alleged that the film grossly violated the rights of the indigenous people of Lagos contrary to the provisions of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007.

Under the international law, Oba Akiolu noted that the declaration protects “our indigenous right to practise and revitalise our cultural traditions and customs.

“This includes the right to maintain, protect and develop the past, present and future manifestations of our cultures, includes artefacts, designs, ceremonies, technologies and visual and performing arts and literature.”

Oba Akiolu, therefore, demanded that the continued use and depiction of the Eyo in the film and its obvious violation of indigenous intellectual property rights as well as defaming sacred rites should stop forthwith.

As parts of peace conditions, Akiolu directed the film producers to “immediately remove, cease and desist from using the image getup and manifestation of the Adimu Orisa – the Eyo – your film Gangs of Lagos.”

He also asked the film producers to submit within 14 days a proposal for consideration for the restitution of the sanctity of the Eyo brand.

He asked the film producers to “provide within 14 days compensatory proposal for the infringement of our intellectual property rights in our cultural heritage which you have commercially exploited without licence.”

The traditional ruler demanded that the producers of Gangs of Lagos should submit within 14 days a draft of an appropriately worded apology to the Oba of Lagos and indigenous people of Lagos. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran