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Ojo-Lanre begs Tinubu, National Assembly for increase in Tourism budget
Published
11 months agoon
By
LanreThe former President of the Guild of Tourism Journalists in Nigeria, Wale Ojo-Lanre, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to shore up the budgetary allocation for the newly-created Ministry of Tourism and its parastatals.
Ojo-Lanre, a lawyer, is also the Director-General of the Bureau of Tourism Development in Ekiti State.
He made this call during an engagement with journalists in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, after delivering a Goodwill Message at a workshop organised by the South West/Niger Delta Forest Development, with the theme: “Ecotourism Development and Tourism Business Development of Ise Forest Conservation Area.”
Ojo-Lanre, who commended President Tinubu for creating a stand-alone Ministry for the sector, pointed out that without a considerable budget allocation to the new Ministry and its parastatals, the speedy progression of the tourism sector will not only be stunted, but the Ministry will be winking in the dark.
He revealed that the tourism sector in Nigeria has immense potential to contribute significantly to the country’s economy and job creation, adding that to fully tap into this potential, it is paramount that the industry receives sufficient attention and support.
He said: “By supporting the Tourism Ministry and its parastatals through increased budget funding, the Federal Government and National Assembly would be demonstrating their commitment to unlocking the sector’s immense potential.”
Ojo-Lanre also urged the National Assembly to add legislative value and necessary legal framework so that the new Ministry and its parastatals will hit the ground running.
Recognising the immense human capital development needs of the tourism industry, he urged them to specifically allocate a bumper budget for the National Institute for Tourism and Hospitality Development, which is saddled with manpower development of the sector.
He pointed out that there is an urgent need to pay greater attention to manpower development in the tourism sector, a sector he noted thrives in excellent service dictated by international standards and rules
Ojo-Lanre revealed that the National Institute for Tourism and Hospitality Development plays a vital role in equipping the sector with skilled professionals and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
He emphasised that the funding boost would enable the institute to enhance its training programmes, infrastructure and research capabilities.
“By providing quality education and hands-on training, NIHTOUR has the power to nurture a skilled workforce that matches the industry’s demands and international standards,” he said.
Ojo-Lanre highlighted that investing in the tourism and hospitality sector results in numerous socio-economic benefits, adding: “It creates job opportunities, drives entrepreneurship, boosts local businesses, and contributes to community development.”
While acknowledging the challenges faced by the country in allocating funds to various sectors, Ojo-Lanre underscored the critical importance of prioritising the development of the tourism industry.
He said: “Increased investment in human capital development will propel Nigeria towards becoming a competitive tourism destination and generate positive ripple effects across various sectors.”
He urged the Federal Government and National Assembly to heed this call for better budget funding for the Ministry of Tourism, National Institute for Tourism and Hospitality Development and Nigeria Tourism Development Authority, adding: “By doing so, they will pave the way for a thriving and sustainable tourism industry, which will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth and overall development.”
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Mac Folly MD Chike Ogeah Calls for National Tourism Masterplan to Boost Nigeria’s Hospitality Sector
Published
1 week agoon
November 1, 2024By
LanreChike 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.
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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
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 26, 2024By
LanreThe 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.
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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
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 25, 2024By
LanreCocoa 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.
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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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