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    Gov Bala restates commitment to promote cultural heritage

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    Bauchi Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir has affirmed that developing human resources and infrastructure is part of his commitment to making Bauchi’s cultural heritage and amenities more appealing.

    The Governor spoke to Journalists when he visited the famous Yankari Games Reserve and Resort to do an on the spot assessment of the ongoing rehabilitation of facilities at the Reserve on Tuesday.

    Bala Mohammed expressed gratitude and appreciation to all of his predecessors for their respective services and contributions to ensuring that Yankari Games Reserve remain the property of the state government.

    He specifically thanked former Governor, Alh. Ahmed Adamu Muazu for the foresight and political will to retrieve it from the Federal Government and revitalising it.

    The Governor expressed deep concern over the level of dilapidation as a result of the neglect of the place by the previous administrations, and he issued a stern warning to intruders and killers of the animals in the Yankari Game Reserves to steer clear of the area.

    He said that his administration will ensure that the security of the whole area is enhanced, in addition to protecting the rights of the species.

    The Governor said that after implementing development projects in the areas of roads, health, education, and other infrastructure throughout the state, he must now transform the well-known Yankari Game Reserve and turn it into one of Nigeria’s top tourists destinations, drawing visitors from around the world and boosting revenue generation in the process.

    He stressed that as a son of the area, he will ensure that the place was transformed declaring that there is the need for him to make the famous Reserve more conducive and attractive by making it functional.

    According to him, the target is to make it one of the world best class of tourists attractions in Nigeria thereby attracting tourists from across the globe and improve internally generating venture.

    Bala Mohammed was assured by Ruben Okoya of Architect Tronix that the project would be of high quality and that Yankari would be competitive when it is finished, which would add value not only to Bauchi but to the region and Nigeria at large.

    Governor Bala was accompanied by his Wife, Haj. Dr. Alisha Bala Mohammed and other top personalities of his administration.

    Recall that the famous Yankari Games Reserve was retrieved from the Federal Government by the Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu led administration in 2003 for proper management.

    It was however redesigned and transformed to the present situation it is by the Isah Yuguda led administration which renamed it Yankari Reserve and Safari thereby making it a center of attraction which hosted many national and international events.

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    Ekiti State tourism development praised by Jamaica’s minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett

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    Ekiti State tourism development

    Ekiti State tourism development receives commendation from Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, for its economic and cultural potential.

     

    Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, recognised globally for his tourism leadership, has praised the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) for launching its state chapter in Ekiti State.

    He acknowledged the state government’s unwavering commitment to promoting Ekiti State tourism development.

     

    Also read: Tourism Advocates Honour Bonu, Hints On Destination Lagos Awards

     

    Bartlett, also the Chairman of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre at the University of West Indies, noted that fostering tourism in Ekiti could help overcome geographical challenges by creating jobs and boosting economic growth.

    The state’s unique cultural heritage and natural attractions have the potential to draw visitors both nationally and internationally, and improving tourism infrastructure could further unlock its economic possibilities.

    He emphasised that tourism provides a platform for showcasing local talents, products, and services to a global market, which would benefit both residents and visitors.

    By investing in tourism, Ekiti can position itself as a model of sustainable development and become a premier tourist destination.

    Bartlett concluded by stating that through a collective focus on Ekiti State tourism development, opportunities to generate employment and improve citizens’ lives can be maximised.

    He reiterated that Ekiti State has the potential to be a leading destination for tourism in Nigeria and beyond.

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    NANTA partners with Eko hotel to promote Nigerian cultural tourism

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    NANTA and Eko Hotel partnership for cultural tourism

    NANTA and Eko Hotel have signed a marketing contract to promote Nigeria’s cultural tourism, focusing on the Theatre of Lights Xtmas holiday offering.

     

    In a landmark development, the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has signed a lucrative marketing contract with Eko Hotel, one of Nigeria’s premier luxury hospitality brands.

    This partnership, announced in Lagos, aims to upscale Eko Hotel’s cultural tourism experience, with a particular focus on its signature “Theatre of Lights” event during the Christmas season.

    The cultural carnival event, themed “Cultural Carnival Offerings,” will feature a blend of musical theatres, circus performances, magical shows, grand carnival processions, and more.

     

    Also read: Eko Hotels & Suites to boost local tourism with Tropical Christmas Wonderland

     

    Over the past three years, Eko Hotel’s African Xtmas Santa experience has attracted thousands of visitors, growing from 350 attendees to 4,000 guests.

    NANTA President, Mr Yinka Folami, expressed confidence that the association’s marketing reach would elevate the event further.

    He emphasised that cultural tourism can provide Nigeria with a much-needed economic boost. He also announced plans to showcase the Eko Hotel Theatre of Lights at the World Travel Market in London.

    Eko Hotel’s General Manager, Ghassan Fadoul, highlighted the importance of cultural tourism, noting that NANTA and Eko Hotel’s collaboration would help market Nigeria as a prime destination.

    The hotel’s Sales Manager, Iyadunni Gbadebo, shared ambitions to break the trend of Nigerians seeking leisure holidays abroad, promoting Nigeria’s own unique cultural heritage instead.

    The partnership marks a significant step forward for Nigeria’s cultural tourism industry, with NANTA committed to promoting the Xtmas Theatre of Lights globally.

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    Nigeria’s Tourism Sector Could Rival Oil Revenue, Says Minister

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    Nigeria’s Tourism Infrastructure Challenges

    Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade John, highlighted the tourism sector’s potential to generate significant revenue and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil during a recent webinar.

     

    Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade John, has revealed that the tourism sector has the potential to generate substantial revenue and serve as a viable alternative to the country’s reliance on the oil sector.

    Speaking at a webinar organised by the Tourism and Hospitality Industries Thematic Group (THITG) of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), ahead of the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit, she stressed that if properly harnessed, tourism could contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.

     

    Also read: ATLF 2024: Empowering African tourism, unleashing opportunities

     

    With the theme *”Domestic Tourism: A Powerful Tool for Rural Revitalisation and Economic Growth in Nigeria”*, the webinar focused on the untapped opportunities within Nigeria’s tourism sector.

    Ade John highlighted that in 2022, tourism contributed N17.3 billion to Nigeria’s GDP, far less than the 7.5% contribution seen in countries like France.

    She emphasised the need to develop domestic tourism to revitalise rural communities, create jobs, and generate revenue.

    Nigeria boasts 1,091 tourist sites across 356 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including prominent sites like Obudu, Ogbunike, Osun-Osogbo Grove, Kajuru Castle, and Yankari Game Reserve, which are improving in terms of architecture, wildlife conservation, and ecotourism.

    The tourism sector currently supports 1.9 million jobs, and Ade John urged further investment to unlock its full potential.

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