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Tourism Sustainability: FTAN Celebrates Members on 2024 WTD

Published

2 days ago

September 25, 2024

Eric

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria [FTAN] has congratulated its members on the occasion of 2024 World Tourism Day (WTD) billed for Friday, September 27, just as the group hailed their contributions towards sustaining the sector in the face of a myriad of challenges.

The WTD is celebrated globally as recognised at the United Nations. The theme for this year’s celebration is; ‘Tourism and Peace.’

According to the President of the federation, Mr Nkereuwem Onung, during a virtual media briefing, held Wednesday, ahead of the event in Nigeria, this year’s theme ‘underscores the crucial role that the tourism sector plays in promoting cultural understanding and fostering reconciliation across the globe.’

Mr Onung further affirmed that the survival of the country’s travel and tourism sector is a testament to the resilience of the private sector players who have surmounted difficult challenges, including inclement operating, in continuing to drive the industry till date and contribute its quota to the sustenance and development of the Nigerian economy.

This is also he recognised ‘the powerful impact travel can have in bridging cultural divides, facilitating dialogue, and nurturing peaceful coexistence.’

“In a world often challenged by conflict and misunderstanding, tourism serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging respect for diverse cultures and promoting unity within communities.

“World Tourism Day is not merely a celebration of travel; it is a celebration of our collective potential to build a more peaceful world.

“Our members are vital to this mission, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding that transcend borders,” he stated.

The FTAN leader used the occasion of the occasion to encourage its diverse members to engage in activities that align with this year’s theme, as well as, ‘reflect on the significance of this day and to continue championing the values of peace, understanding, and reconciliation in their practices.’

“From organising events to fostering dialogue between tourists and local communities, there are countless opportunities to promote peace through tourism.

“We invite everyone in the tourism sector to reflect on the significance of this day and to continue championing the values of peace, understanding, and reconciliation in their practices.

“Together, we can harness the transformative power of tourism to create a more harmonious world,’ he said.

Onung, however, expressed concern over the current lack of synergy between public and private sector operators under the current administration, noting that aside from the occasional appearances of the Minister of Tourism at select events, ‘little progress has been made.’

This is just as he lamented the absence of concrete measures to elevate tourism to a standalone ministry, a goal long advocated by stakeholders.

“This is not the tourism industry we envisioned when the ministry was established, and it is disheartening to see the aspirations of many go unaddressed,” he remarked.

Onung reiterated his call for collaboration among the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), and the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).

This is further as he emphasized that meaningful and profitable growth in the tourism sector ‘can only be achieved through cooperative efforts.’

“Let us all commit to working together to build a vibrant and impactful tourism industry that promotes peace and understanding for the benefit of all,” he stressed.

Fielding questions by the tourism press, the FTAN president who noted that there has been little progress made at the public sector level in advancing the country’s tourism sector over the last two decades, said a blueprint is needed which should clearly state the roles and terms of engagement between the government and the private sector operators for the much-talked about inclusivity.

On the subject of collaboration and inclusivity, the FTAN president insisted on a proper working document or template defining roles and terms of engagement and participation by all parties in the Nigeria tourism ecosystem, which he added, was crucial to jumpstarting the process of recovering grounds lost in the past due to what he described as ‘bad leadership.’

“Besides this, we have been waiting for that working document to be able to establish a proper framework of engagement with government by us at FTAN representing the private sector.

“We are celebrating the resilience of these individuals who have survived these challenges and defied the odds in prevailing over the security and infrastructure challenges to remain in business,” Onung stated.

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US Missions Nigeria Partners Silec Initiatives to Combat Social Vices, Drug Overdose

Published

1 hour ago

September 27, 2024

Eric

In a bid to address social issues bedeviling young people in Africa, and in line with bilateral relationship of the United States government to promote social investment programs to cushion the effects of the economic challenges confronting the Nigerian state, Silec Initiatives being a resourceful and pragmatic Non -Governmental Organization (NGO) is taking a proactive approach in addressing diverse socio-economic issues particularly as it affects the youths in drug prevention, youth development and empowerment. This move has necessitated this strong collaboration with the American Corner Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.

The United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken commissioned the ‘American Corner’ in the Lekki area of Lagos State on the 24th of January, 2024. It serves as regional resource centre for information and programs highlighting American culture, history, current events, and part of it’s government’s foreign policy program centred on people-to-people engagement, strategy to expand access to education, economic opportunity, equality, and societal inclusion.

According to the U.S. Department of State official statement, the United States has launched over 600 American Corners in more than 140 countries in geopolitical regions worldwide.

The facility as commissioned, is the United States of America president, Joe Biden’s policy to propel digital transformation and foster a digital ecosystem in sub-saharan Africa.

To elevate Nigeria’s youth innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity and productivity, the centre is a world-class and cut-edge avenue that serves as a unique platform to sustain conventions that drive national development.

In a visit to the centre by the renowned anti-drug advocate, founder/president Silec Initiatives, Sunny Irakpo, who is also an alumnus of the U.S Department of State International Visitor’s Leadership Exchange Program (IVLP) in Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, was ably and warmly received by the Executive Director of the American Corner, Ekpo Mfonobong, who expresses satisfaction over the nation building initiative of SILEC, it’s achievements and the need for partnership to invest in sensitization and education of citizens on the imminent dangers of drug overdose and social vices in Nigeria and across the continent. In her words, “I am proud of you and the achievements of Silec Initiatives even at the international level.” We shall work together to instill the right values and sanity of the youths for the progress of the society.”

SILEC Initiatives founder/president, Sunny Irakpo who received the official partnership message and the approval to commence program implementation scheduled for 22nd November, 2024, appreciates the U.S Mission in Nigeria under the current leadership of Ambassador Richard Wills and the management of the American Corner for the Hi-tech solutions and innovative drive to help reposition Nigeria for a greater heights and global competitiveness.

Irakpo calls on well-meaning Nigerians and individuals across the globe including corporate organizations to support the Silec Initiatives efforts and it’s global vision on drug prevention through awareness creation, public sensitization, youth development and empowerment as the instrumentality to cure the social ills using a noble organization like Silec Initiatives as she rolls out the drum comes 22nd November, 2024 at the American Space, Lekki, Lagos to give more meaning to the lives of the youth and the economy.

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Glo Urges Oyo Schools to Embrace Digital Technology for Operational Efficiency

Published

4 hours ago

September 27, 2024

Eric

Digital Solutions Company, Globacom, has urged tertiary institutions in Oyo State to adopt its digital offerings to enhance productivity, security, and operational efficiency.

At a meeting with representatives of various private tertiary institutions in the state held in Ibadan on Thursday, Globacom’s Head of Enterprise Business, Zakari Usman, emphasized the importance of embracing digital technology in the education sector.

Also, Globacom’s Enterprise Business Head, West Region, Mr. Adeniyi Odejobi, restated the company’s readiness to collaborate with higher institutions in Oyo State on such digital solutions as connectivity services, e-governance, smart learning, data vending, security surveillance, sponsored data, Glo Smart Health and closed user group serialised numbers.

He explained that these solutions would promote administrative effectiveness, seamless service delivery, and ease of internet connectivity, adding that Oyo State’s education sector would benefit immensely by embracing digital technology.

Speaking at the meeting which was attended by representatives of various private tertiary institutions, Oyo State’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Waheed Adelabu, expressed gratitude to Globacom for its consistent support, and hoped their digital packages would boost the ministry’s efforts to establish best practices in education.

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Aijay Productions Holds National Day Schools Competition in Lagos

Published

5 hours ago

September 27, 2024

Eric

The eighth edition of the Aijay Media Productions’ sponsored National Day Schools Competition is set to hold on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

The competition is an annual event designed to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day Celebration.

Speaking on this year’s fiesta, the Convener, who is also a school administrator, Mrs. Ijeoma Oka, noted that her belief that children should know the political challenges of the nation from school necessitated the establishment of the annual event, stressing that “this would propel children to do better when they assume the mantle of leadership as leaders of tomorrow”.

She added that “This medium is used to acquaint the students with the knowledge of the prevalent issues in our nation and prompt them to offer solutions in their creative ways; using diverse presentations like drama, dance poetry among other creative tools.”

She further advised parents, school administrators and school owners to take advantage of the extreme academic and social advantages of the Competition, and enroll their wards, noting that every child deserves an opportunity. The event promises lots of prices and giveaway.

The theme of the 2024 edition is Resilient in Adversity: Nigeria Shall Rise Again, while the venue for the event is the Caleb British International School, Abijo GRA, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.