News
NDIS 2023: “Sports Tourism Can Be Nigeria’s New Oil” –Sen. John Enoh
Published
1 year agoon
By
Lanre
Minister of Sports Development John Enoh, has said that sports can be converted into tourism that would provide a win-win situation for the country, in terms of Diaspora Direct Investment (DDI) and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), GDP growth, job opportunities, industrialisation and reduction in youth rascalities, crimes and criminalities.
According a statement issued by Gabriel Odu, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, he stated this at the 6th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit held in Abuja, saying the country has the potential to grow its GDP enormously through various avenues, particularly in sports.
According to him, Nigeria is a brand in the sports business, in areas like football, athletics, boxing and mixed martial arts, with its talents scattered across the world.
Enoh said: “Sports can transform the lives of individuals. It bolsters physical, psychological, emotional, and social well-being and development.
“At the same time, sport plays a significant role in cultures and communities around the world. These factors alone justify investment in sports. But there is also a growing understanding that sports” programs merit support because they are powerful vehicles for achieving broader goals, particularly in advancing development and peace agendas,” he said.
He emphasised that this can only happen if the country does partner with Nigerians in the Diaspora, that have the resources, experts and global exposure in this field.
He stressed further that with Diaspora partnership, training centres and learning skills in sports-related courses will be advanced, more youths will be encouraged to take up jobs in sports and there will be large funding for research and welfare packages, such as pension for veteran coaches, players and other sports professionals in the Nigerian sports industry.
Enoh added that when such collaboration is made available, Nigeria can have the full capacity to host international tournaments and sports festivals, that will boost the country’s tourism sector.
The Minister agreed that the choice of theme, “New Vistas, New Aspirations and New Visions: Diaspora and National Development”, is very apt, given that it presents itself at a time, President Bola Tinubu, who was sworn-in in May, is poised to redefine every sector of Nigeria’s economy, including Sports development, to greatness.
“Our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC ran a presidential campaign premised on Hope for a Better Future” laden with a promise to revamp the cross-sector of the Nigerian economy and the social lives of Nigerians.
“In line with these, Nigerians have begun to see the decoupling of hydra-headed administrative nomenclatures that have seen to why there has been no national progress over the years.
“The sports ministry has benefited from these adjustments as it is no longer a Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, but solely the Federal Ministry of Sports Development”, he said.
The Minister said sports, diaspora and development, critical elements to sustainable growth of the economy.
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News
Uzodimma inaugurates IMSUTH, IMSUBEB boards, pledges N20bn for education, healthcare
Published
5 days agoon
February 10, 2025By
Lanre
Governor Hope Uzodimma has inaugurated the IMSUTH and IMSUBEB boards, pledging N20bn for healthcare and education reforms in Imo State
Imo State Governor, **Senator Hope Uzodimma**, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising the **health and education sectors**, describing them as crucial to the well-being and development of the people.
Also read: Odua investment partners with Iwosan to boost local healthcare
Speaking at the **inauguration of the boards** of the **Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH)** and the **Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB)** in Owerri, the governor outlined the significant strides his government has made in these sectors since assuming office in 2020.
Governor Uzodimma revealed that his administration had invested over **₦4 billion** in rehabilitating IMSUTH, **procuring modern medical equipment** and attracting professionals with **local and international medical experience**.
“IMSUTH was in a **comatose state**, but today, it stands among the top teaching hospitals in Nigeria,” he stated.
The governor expressed concerns over Nigeria’s **preventable death rate**, attributing about **70% of fatalities** to poor healthcare infrastructure.
He urged the **newly inaugurated board**, led by **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri**, to leverage their expertise to transform IMSUTH into a centre for **medical excellence**, discouraging **medical tourism abroad**.
“This is your own. **Help stop medical tourism in Imo**. Bring back your knowledge and experience. Without health, there can be no development,” Uzodimma emphasised.
The newly appointed IMSUTH board members include:
– **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri** – Chairman
– **Prof Kelechi Uwakwe** – Chief Medical Director (CMD)
– **Rev. Fr. Dr Emeka Emekaraoha**
– **Anyaehie Okameme**
– **Dr Osita Kingsley Uzoma**
The governor assured the board of **government support** while encouraging collaboration with IMSUTH management.
Uzodimma also inaugurated the **Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB)**, tasking the members with **accountability** and **prudent management of funds**.
He pledged that their **monthly financial reports** would be published for transparency.
“Your failure is our collective failure; your success is our collective success. **This is not your turn—it is the turn of Imo people**. Change the story, rebuild the schools, and serve as dedicated public servants,” he advised.
The governor announced that his administration had **cleared all outstanding counterpart funding** obligations, securing **₦20 billion** for **school renovations, teacher recruitment, and improved learning materials**.
New IMSUBEB Board Members
– **Hon Chidiebere Egbo** – Chairman
– **Arc. Mrs Amaka Onu**
– **Hon Chuks Metu** – Secretary
– **Hon Vitalis Obioma**
– **Hon Edward Obinna**
– **Mrs Nzeoma Lucy Nkeiru**
– **Mrs Leticia Amandianeze**
In their acceptance speeches, **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri** and **Hon Chidiebere Egbo** pledged to align with the governor’s vision, ensuring **high-quality healthcare** and **basic education** for Imo residents.
The event was attended by **Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe**, **Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu**, **Chief of Staff Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie**, and other top government officials and stakeholders.
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FG unveils motherland 2025 to position Nigeria as global cultural, investment hub
Published
5 days agoon
February 10, 2025By
Lanre
The Federal Government, in collaboration with Discover Motherland Africa, has launched *Motherland 2025*, a movement to reconnect the African diaspora while boosting Nigeria’s economic and cultural resurgence
The **Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy**, in collaboration with **Discover Motherland Africa**, has launched *Motherland 2025*, a transformative initiative aimed at positioning **Nigeria as a global hub for African culture, investment, and tourism**.
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Speaking at the unveiling event in **Abuja Continental Hotel**, Minister **Hannatu Musa Musawa** described *Motherland 2025* as more than a festival—**a movement designed to reconnect the African diaspora while driving Nigeria’s economic and cultural resurgence**.
“Motherland 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a homecoming. This initiative cements Nigeria’s role as a powerhouse of Black and African identity, commerce, and innovation.”
>“It is an opportunity for global stakeholders, from investors and policymakers to cultural leaders and travelers, to experience and invest in Nigeria’s resurgence as a cultural and economic powerhouse,” Musawa stated.
As part of the initiative, the Minister announced the *“See Motherland Through Your Eyes”* competition, inviting **participants to visually capture Nigeria’s landscapes, traditions, and vibrant communities**.
“This competition celebrates Nigeria’s diversity and spirit. From the **Kelangu drumbeats of the North to the Bata rhythms of the Southwest and the Ogene echoes of the East**, our culture moves like a dance—alive in every moment.”
The Minister further called on **government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and cultural institutions** to support *Motherland 2025* in making it a **long-term driver of Nigeria’s tourism, creative economy, and investment landscape**.
“The success of this initiative relies on strong partnerships. We invite policymakers, investors, and development organizations to join us in shaping Nigeria’s tourism, creative economy, and investment landscape.”
The *Motherland 2025* initiative consists of several major components designed to boost Nigeria’s cultural, tourism, and economic appeal:
– **Motherland Expo and Festival** – A platform for **cultural exchange, business engagement, and entertainment**, featuring **State Pavilions and Business Exhibitions** showcasing Nigeria’s **36 states and the FCT**.
– **Closing Concert** – A grand musical event featuring **top Nigerian and international artists**.
– **Motherland Travel Hub** – A **centralized travel logistics platform** to make exploring Nigeria easier for visitors.
– **Citizenship by Investment Program** – A unique initiative allowing **diaspora members and foreign investors** to contribute to Nigeria’s development while gaining residency benefits.
– **Diaspora City** – A **dedicated hub for diasporans to settle and invest in Nigeria**.
– **Motherland Ambassador Awards** – An **award program recognizing diaspora leaders** making significant contributions in various fields.
**Chidinma Nwankwo**, Managing Director of **Discover Motherland Africa**, emphasized that *Motherland 2025* is **not just a festival, but a landmark movement reconnecting Nigerians abroad while unlocking cultural pride and investment opportunities**.
“Motherland is a homecoming, a journey, and a commitment. This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not just as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism.”
“Whether you are part of the diaspora, a first-generation Nigerian, or someone who has never set foot in Nigeria, this is your invitation to engage, contribute, and become part of something bigger.”
With *Motherland 2025*, Nigeria aims to **strengthen its identity as the centre of global Black and African culture** while **unlocking investment opportunities and fostering economic development**.
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News
Dees Travels Chairman advocates stronger tourism policies to unlock Nigeria’s potential
Published
1 week agoon
February 6, 2025By
Lanre
Professor Sunday Adebisi, Chairman of Dees Travels, urges the Nigerian government to implement stronger tourism policies to boost economic growth, highlighting the sector’s potential to surpass Dubai as a premier travel destination
The **Chairman of Dees Travels**, **Professor Sunday Adebisi**, has called for **robust tourism policies** to help Nigeria realise its full potential as a **global travel destination**.
Speaking at the company’s **get-together party** in **Lagos**, Adebisi noted that **Nigeria has all it takes to compete with top destinations like Dubai** if the right policies are put in place.
Highlighting the economic impact of the **“Dirty December”** festivities, which reportedly generated **over $100 million** in revenue, Adebisi stressed that Nigeria could attract **global tourists year-round** if the sector is well-structured.
> *“If we get our tourism sector right, the potential is limitless. Nigeria could surpass Dubai and become the premier destination in Africa. With 365 days of summer, there’s no reason tourists can’t flock to Nigeria all year,”* he stated.
While acknowledging the efforts of the **current administration**, Adebisi urged **more government investment** in tourism and aviation to maximise their economic benefits.
Similarly, **Group Managing Director Daisi Olotu** echoed these sentiments, arguing that **aviation and tourism require greater attention** to boost Nigeria’s **economic growth**.
*“The current government is trying its best, but if aviation gets the attention it deserves, it will generate more money for operators, agents, and the economy at large.
Tourism has the potential to generate vast amounts of income, and if Nigeria wants to compete globally, it must prioritise these sectors,”* Olotu noted.
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