World tourism day…. Nkerewuem appeals to federal government to help tourism industry back to its feet.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the World to celebrate the United Nations World Tourism Day, President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Nkerewuem onung has emphasized the need for strategic action plan which must bring tourism stakeholders together and create project (s) that will be of benefit to all.

Mr Nkerewuem made the remark while speaking to the journalists at the on going world tourism day celebration which is hosted by kebbi state government in collaboration with National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).

The FTAN president 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 tourism business in Nigeria.

” We are determined to bring something new to the table and also mindful of the fact, that the Ministry of Tourism and its ten agencies are pivotal to ftan dreams, to ensure no industry player or viable cultural tourism projects are left behind or allowed to lay fallow'” Mr Nkerewuem said

He was of the view that government must help the industry back to its feet and regretted that the palliatives promised the industry associations and players are yet to be delivered and pointed out that government must through the such intervention, prove that it cares and also appreciates 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 the COVID-19 regulations ambushed its growth and also without help anywhere, with unforgettable lessons learnt that time has come for us, government and the private sector to work together and not leave anyone behind”
The FTAN President who noted that the celebration of unwto tourism day With the Theme; All inclusive Tourism” was apt commended the Kebbistate government for taking up the financial burden to give Nigeria a podium to celebrate the global festival, thereby showcasing 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 tour 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 joined hands together, refreshing narratives about our country, our people and culture can help douse sociopolitical tension which is fueling individualism and insecurity” ftan President stated.

He also commended some of the stakeholders including the Emir of kebbi and state government for the investiture of Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture as the kakaki of kebbi, adding that the traditional and Cultural title bestowed on the Minister was well deserved.

” Ftan rejoices with our Minister. He has done well and maybe after this outing, he will put more energy towards getting the industry the palliatives the federal government promised us. We look forward to working closely with the Ministry to get everyone, far and near to give Nigerian Cultural tourism the milage expected of its diversity, he said.

Chioma Ezike.