Mr Lai Mohammed, Nigeria Information and Culture Minister
his address in a joint press conference at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja at the 61st
UN Tourism conference said, “Nigeria is safe and secure for its citizens and
for foreign tourists and investors.”
The event tagged ‘Tourism Statistics: A Catalyst for Development’
was declared open by President Muhammadu Buhari is the 61st meeting
of the United Nations World Tourism Organization Commission (UNWTO) hosting no
fewer than 166 foreign delegates, 26 ministers and 322 Nigerian top officials
in attendance.
The Secretary General of the UNWTO, Mr Zurab
Pololikashvili who arrived Nigeria on Sunday was received by Mr Lai and both
addressed a joint press conference at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja on the future
and scope of global tourism industry.
The event according to the Minister was to highlight
the improved tourism climate in the country because of the administration’s
effort in steming the tide of insecurity also added that according to the
theme, tourism statistics was for planning purposes and the ultimate development
of our tourism.
His words,
“please permit me to sincerely thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his
invaluable support, without which this event would not have been possible. Thanks to the successes recorded by this Administration in
fighting insecurity, we are holding this global meeting here.
“Four years ago, hosting this event
in Abuja would have been a pipe dream, considering the level of insecurity.
Remember that Boko Haram carried out many deadly attacks in this capital city.
That is now history. “Nigeria is safe and secure for its citizens and for
foreign tourists and investors. Whatever pockets of criminal acts that exist
are being addressed squarely.
“Gentlemen of the press, it is common knowledge that culture
drives tourism. We will, therefore, use the occasion of this meeting to showcase
the rich and diverse culture of Nigeria. Some spectacular cultural events have
thus been lined up for the meeting.”
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