This will foster inclusive community development and create pathways for sustainable wealth generation in the FCT, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” said FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has announced the FCT Administration’s determined plans to transform its six area councils into vibrant tourism and investment hubs.

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This initiative was highlighted at the maiden edition of the FCT Area Councils’ Tourism and Hospitality Investment Carnival and Expo held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Social Development Secretariat, Mrs Bunmi Olowookere, Dr Mahmoud emphasized the pivotal role of tourism in driving economic growth and overall development within the territory.

She explained that the expo was specifically designed to showcase and promote the diverse investment opportunities inherent in the FCT’s area councils, aiming to stimulate economic expansion and progress.

Dr Mahmoud underscored the FCT Administration’s commitment to igniting and revitalizing the rural economy by celebrating indigenous culture, business, and innovation.

“This will foster inclusive community development and create pathways for sustainable wealth generation in the FCT, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” she stated.

She further noted that President Tinubu had directed the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to prioritize the development of the culture, tourism, and hospitality potential of the FCT area councils as a key strategy to unlock the rural economy.

This will foster inclusive community development and create pathways for sustainable wealth generation in the FCT, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” said FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud.

Dr Mahmoud commended the Tourism Department of the Social Development Secretariat for organizing the event in direct response to this directive.

The Minister of State assured that the FCT Administration would continue to welcome and actively support innovative ideas and collaborations aimed at developing the territory’s significant tourism potential.

She affirmed the FCTA’s commitment to participating in relevant exhibitions that would further deepen and nurture the revitalization of the tourism and hospitality sectors within the FCT.

The ultimate goal, she stated, is to position the FCT as the most preferred tourist and investment haven for both domestic and international visitors and investors.

On his part, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, Malam Aminu Ibrahim, highlighted the substantial contribution of the tourism sector to the GDP of numerous countries that have strategically invested in it.

Represented by the Director of Administration and Finance, Dr Nasiru Shidali, Ibrahim emphasized that Abuja remains one of the fastest-growing and developing cities on the African continent, ripe with abundant business and investment opportunities waiting to be harnessed.

Ibrahim affirmed that tourism and hospitality are undeniably major employers of labor, and the FCTA is actively implementing all necessary measures to cultivate an investment-friendly environment.

“The strategic location of Abuja and the growing population makes the territory an attractive destination for investors, businesses, and stakeholders,” he said.