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    Minister of Tourism needs wide interface to enrich sector — Ojo-Lanre

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    Wale Ojo-Lanre, a Tourism Ambassador, says the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, needs to interface with experienced professionals and seasoned practitioners in order to further enrich the sector.

    Ojo-Lanre, an experienced tourism journalist, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    He spoke on the sidelines of the 4th Journalists’ Hangout at the NUJ Press Centre in Ibadan.

    He said the new Minister must realise that tourism is currently at zero level in the country.

    Ojo-Lanre, one of the foremost advocates for the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Tourism in Nigeria, said he was optimistic Ade-John would make significant improvements.

    He said: “The Minister will do this by propelling the sector to a revenue generating port for the government.

    “So, the Minister has to be proactive from the beginning by tying her wrapper firmly as the task ahead is tough, rough and harsh, but not insurmountable.”

    He counseled Ade-John to surround herself with competent, experienced and professional tourism pundits who understand the nitty-gritty of the tourism potentialities of Nigeria.

    Ojo-Lanre pointed out that it was an honour that President Bola Tinubu heeded calls by those who know so much about the sector.

    He said: “The onus now lies on the Minister to plant the ministry on a solid background and foundation to justify the vision of the creator and mission of the sector.”

    He said the Minister must commence her duty by recognising the fact that tourism is private sector-driven.

    He said: “Hence, she must be ready to collaborate and form a positive and productive synergy with members of the tourism private sector, who have been stoking the embers in Nigeria for many years.

    “The Minister must adopt a multi-vocal approach to tourism development via legal framework, policy direction and private sector collaborations.

    “She should make her policy thrust known to the sectoral players, ask for inputs and carry them along from the commencement of her service as all hands must be on deck to build the tourism sector of this country to an enviable position on global tourism space within the shortest possible time.”

    The Tourism Ambassador however lamented that the sector has suffered intolerable neglect in the past.

    He emphasised the need for the Minister to identify Entry Point Projects, bring to life a workable and highly domesticated and truly Nigerian Tourism National Development Plan and National Tourism Policy.

    He said: “All these must be on ground for tourism to grow since we cannot build something on nothing.”

    Ojo-Lanre listed some tasks ahead of the Minister, with which to hit the ground running, such as developing a comprehensive tourism policy and strategy for Nigeria.

    He added: “These should also involve identifying potential tourism products and destinations, setting goals and targets, and formulating plans to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism development.

    “The Minister needs to prioritise improving tourism infrastructure, including transportation networks, accommodation facilities, recreational facilities and tourist attractions.

    “These will enhance infrastructure that will make Nigeria more accessible and appealing to domestic and international tourists.”

    Ojo-Lanre also said there was the need to develop effective marketing and promotional campaigns to raise awareness of Nigeria as a tourist destination.

    He said this would involve leveraging various channels such as digital marketing, social media, travel trade shows and partnerships with international tourism organisations.

    He said: “There is also the need to actively engage with the private sector to attract investments in tourism infrastructure and services.

    “This must involve providing incentives, streamlining regulations, and fostering public-private partnerships to encourage tourism-related investments.

    “We must also focus on building the capacity of the tourism workforce by providing training and education programmes to ensure that the industry has a skilled workforce capable of delivering high-quality services to tourists.

    “The Minister should prioritise sustainable tourism practices to minimise negative impacts on the environment, culture, and local communities.

    “This could involve developing guidelines and regulations for responsible tourism, promoting community-based tourism initiatives, and encouraging eco-friendly practices among tourism businesses.

    “The Minister should establish effective collaboration and partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including tourism associations, local communities, regional authorities and international organisations.

    “Therefore, engaging with stakeholders will help ensure a coordinated and inclusive approach to tourism development.”

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    Mac Folly MD Chike Ogeah Calls for National Tourism Masterplan to Boost Nigeria’s Hospitality Sector

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    Chike Ogeah tourism masterplan Nigeria

    Chike Ogeah, MD of Mac Folly Hospitality, has urged the Nigerian government to develop a comprehensive tourism masterplan to drive economic growth and elevate the nation’s tourism potential.

     

     

    Chike Ogeah, the managing director of Mac Folly Hospitality, has emphasised the need for a national tourism masterplan to unlock Nigeria’s tourism potential.

    Ogeah highlighted how a well-structured plan could transform the hospitality sector by capitalising on the nation’s natural attractions, such as the Ikogosi Warm Springs and Jankari Game Reserve.

     

    Also read: Lagos, NATOP Join forces to showcase tourism at world travel market

     

    Ogeah, formerly with Skyway Aviation Holding Company Limited (SAHCO), suggested that a partnership between government and private enterprises would enhance tourism sites by integrating top-tier hospitality services.

    Citing the Sun City model in South Africa, he proposed establishing major hospitality brands alongside key tourist sites to enhance visitor experiences.

    Emphasising Mac Folly’s commitment to growth, Ogeah shared plans to expand with two additional hotels in Lagos and Abuja, despite rising diesel prices and other operational challenges.

    This, he noted, would contribute to Nigeria’s hospitality landscape, with Marriot’s involvement aimed at elevating service standards and capacity.

    A national tourism masterplan could pave the way for more organised private sector partnerships and targeted government investments, driving Nigeria’s economic growth and job creation potential through tourism.

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    Julius Agenmonmen foundation launches first medical outreach in Nigeria, transforming lives in Edo, Delta

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    Julius Agenmonmen Foundation medical outreach

    The Julius Agenmonmen Foundation launched its first medical outreach in Edo and Delta, offering essential healthcare services to over 2,000 residents.

     

     

    The Julius Agenmonmen Foundation (JAF) has successfully launched its first community medical outreach, providing critical healthcare services to over 2,000 residents in Ubulu-Uku, Delta State, and Uromi, Edo State.

    The outreach, conducted from 13–17 September in partnership with Zuri Health, included comprehensive services such as dental and eye care, laboratory testing, general consultations, and pharmacy support.

     

    Also read: Nigerians spend $2.38m on foreign healthcare services in first half of 2024

     

    In an interview, co-founder Dr Uche Agenmonmen highlighted the importance of this outreach in addressing healthcare needs for those who often lack access to essential medical services.

    “We are reaching those in our society who don’t have access to quality healthcare. Focusing on eye care, we aim to help people enjoy good vision throughout their lives, preventing blindness in these communities,” she said.

    JAF, a non-profit established by Julius Agenmonmen and Dr Uche Agenmonmen, is committed to improving healthcare accessibility across underserved areas of Nigeria.

    The foundation’s mission took root after Julius Agenmonmen pledged during his 60th birthday to give back by improving healthcare services in local communities.

    In April 2023, this pledge led to the donation of advanced eye diagnostic equipment to St. Camillus Hospital in Uromi, where Julius was born, symbolising his journey of giving back.

    By December 2023, the foundation’s contributions had benefited over 1,000 patients, significantly impacting eye care access for the Esan community and surrounding regions.

    Reflecting on the outreach, Julius Agenmonmen expressed his deep gratitude and desire to support those less fortunate. “Last year, my wife and I founded the Julius Agenmonmen Foundation to give back to society.

    Having faced health challenges myself, I was blessed to have resources for treatment. We wanted to thank God for our blessings, and we knew that helping the underserved was the best way to do so,” he shared.

    The foundation plans to expand its reach, ensuring accessible and high-quality healthcare for more people in need across Nigeria.

    Through JAF’s ongoing initiatives, the foundation aims to bridge the healthcare gap in underserved communities, providing residents with vital resources to enhance their well-being.

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    Renovation of Ibadan’s iconic Cocoa House marks a new chapter for Nigeria’s first skyscraper

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    Cocoa House renovation Ibadan

    Cocoa House in Ibadan has undergone its first major renovation in 59 years, symbolising a renewed commitment to preserving Nigerian heritage.

     

     

    Ibadan’s historic Cocoa House, Nigeria’s first skyscraper, has undergone its first renovation in nearly six decades, a project marked as a significant milestone in the legacy of the landmark.

    The revitalised structure, located in Oyo State, was officially commissioned on Thursday, featuring a redesigned reception area, an upgraded car park, and enhanced surroundings.

     

    Also read: Leboku Festival: Gov Otu reiterates commitment to boost tourism ecosystem

     

    Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Chief of Staff Segun Ogunwuyi at the ceremony, expressed his administration’s dedication to initiatives that honour the South-West region’s legacy.

    “We must continue to uplift the legacies of our predecessors and foster progress through collaborative efforts. This building is a testament to our shared heritage and economic potential, and its renovation is a symbol of both our past achievements and our future aspirations,” Makinde said.

    Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), led by Chairman Bimbo Ashiru, oversaw the renovations as part of its commitment to preserving the region’s heritage.

    Speaking at the event, Ashiru described Cocoa House as a symbol of Western Nigeria’s economic resilience and noted that the renovations, including the addition of a modern office space on the 21st floor, would ensure its relevance in a changing landscape.

    “Today, as we stand before this historic edifice, we are reminded of the importance of honouring our past while building for the future,” Ashiru stated.

    Cocoa House, originally completed in 1965, represents the economic vision of the region’s founding fathers, built from revenues generated by Nigeria’s once-thriving cocoa industry.

    The building’s modernisation preserves this symbol of agricultural and economic success, emphasised by OICL’s Group Managing Director, Abdulrahman Yinusa. He noted, “As Nigeria’s first skyscraper, Cocoa House is intertwined with the success of the agricultural sector, particularly cocoa, which was once the backbone of our economy.

    This commissioning represents our commitment to ensuring that Cocoa House remains a place of pride and a functional space for future generations.”

    The renovation ceremony attracted dignitaries from across the South-West, including representatives of the five state governors and the Chairman of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission, Seye Oyeleye.

    These leaders joined to celebrate Cocoa House’s renewal, signalling a shared vision of preserving history while adapting for future growth.

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