By Folashade Olorunfemi
UN Tourism, the global apex body for tourism, has agreed to partner with the recently launched Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) towards the actualization of the Foundation’s objectives.
This was declared while the ETF delegation led by its Chairman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, received the UN Tourism delegation led by its Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili in Lagos. The UN agency agreed to affiliate with the Foundation to establish a Tourism Academy in Lagos and to jointly promote Lagos as Africa’s premier tourism hub.
Pololikashvili noted that Lagos has all it takes to make it Africa’s tourism hub and lauded ETF for its campaign against the devaluing of Nigeria. He promised to work with ETF in developing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) infrastructure in Lagos.
In the light of this, he accepted ETF’s invitation to serve as the Patron and Honorary member of the Foundation, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sustainable tourism development globally.
While speaking at the event, Mohammed mentioned that the issue of insecurity in Nigeria is largely exaggerated, adding that tourists who have recently visited the country often express regret for believing false and negative narratives about Nigeria.
He reiterated his point by citing ‘Detty December’, an aesthetic occurrence that has placed Lagos on the global tourism map, as a clear evidence of the city’s vibrancy and appeal to tourists.
Mohammed also noted that over 20,000 events are held in Lagos monthly, highlighting the need for purpose-built event centres and related facilities to support it’s various entertainment and creative industries. He stressed that this will enable global musicians host local performance, rather than hiring it abroad.
The Chairman further explained that ETF was established to create an inclusive forum for government and private sector collaboration on tourism in Nigeria.
Other members of the ETF’s delegation included HRH Erelu Abiola Dosumu, member, Board of Trustees; Dr. Tunde Lawrenson, Secretary, Board of Trustees and Governing Council; Mr. Karl Hala, member, Governing Council; Ms. Abiola Adelana, Treasurer, Governing Council and Ms. Sharon Ashinze, Assistant Secretary. Governing Council.
The UN Tourism Secretary-General was accompanied by Elcia Grandcourt, Director, Regional Department for Africa; Shirin El Tayan, Chief of Protocol and Kojo Bentum-Williams, Communications Senior Expert.
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