Creative Industry
NIHOTOUR Seeks Partnership With NAHCO To Train Personnel On Hajj Operations
The Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alhaji Nura Kangiwa has reiterated the importance of professional competence and certification in the effective handling of Hajj operations for Nigerian pilgrims as one of the conditional requirements by Authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Alhaji Kangiwa who made the disclosure when he visited the Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikirullah Kunle Hassan in his office said this has necessitated the Institute to call for collaboration and partnership between NIHOTOUR and NAHCON so as to achieve the level of training, competence and professional certification of officials of the Hajj agency and all its partners involved in the handling of Hajj operations from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia.
He said since its establishment over three decades ago, NIHOTOUR has trained over 10,000 certified IATA personnel in the nation’s Travel and Tourism industry and attained the best IATA training center in Africa and among the top ten best IATA training centers globally, noting that with this track record of excellence NIHOTOUR is prepared to bring its vast material and manpower resources to bear in training and re-training of the manpower needs of the Hajj Commission.
In his response, Alhaji Zikirullah Kunle Hassan Chairman/CEO National Hajj Commission of Nigeria said NAHCON has all along been aware of the requirements by the Saudi authorities on professionalism, competence, and IATA certification of officials and personnel handling Hajj operations into the Holy land, adding that the Commission gladly welcomes NIHOTOUR’s proposal to offer training for its staff and personnel.
Alhaji Hassan noted that the World is changing with the professionalization of every aspect of activities of our lives and the Hajj operation is not an exception, stressing that NIHOTOUR’s approach of the Commission to offer its training services couldn’t have come at a better time than now, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic which requires a high level of professional conduct in the handling of future Hajj operations.
Present during the courtesy visit by the NIHOTOUR Director-General was Management staff from both the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria
Creative Industry
NTDA Moves to Transform Gelede Festival into a National Cultural Event with Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom
Cyril Ogar
The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan paid a courtesy visit to the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration for cultural tourism development.
The delegation was received by His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeshina Adeniyi (Maforunyomi I), the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba; Olori Mosunmola Anike Adeniyi; the Bales of the kingdom; and members of the White Cap Chiefs. The visit commenced with a vibrant cultural procession by the revered Gelede Masquerades, showcasing the rich heritage of the community.
Addressing the Director-General, the monarch applauded him for honouring the invitation and commended his efforts in leveraging his office to drive innovation within Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The monarch applauds the NTDA Boss for his initiatives towards repositioning the country’s cultural heritage on a global stage.
Oba Adeniyi further expressed his interest in fostering a strategic partnership between the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom and the NTDA, emphasizing the community’s readiness to actively participate in ongoing efforts to develop and promote tourism across the country.
He highlighted key cultural assets within the kingdom, including the Gelede Masquerades; an important cultural symbol associated with fertility and childbirth; and two ancient iroko trees within the community, each over 250 years old.
In response, the DG appreciated the traditional ruler for the invitation, honour, and warm reception, stating that the visit was not only culturally enriching but also strategically important to the Authority’s mandate.
He continued by emphasizing the role traditional institutions play in advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.
He stated that effective storytelling is essential to unlocking the value of cultural heritage, explaining that documenting and sharing the stories behind cultural elements such as the Gelede Masquerades and the ancient iroko trees would enhance their appeal to both local and international tourists.
The NTDA DG further proposed featuring Igbobi-Sabe’s tourism assets in the ongoing NITOUREY Project, the first-ever tourism dedicated streaming platform in Africa aimed towards showcasing Nigeria’s rich and vibrant tourism assets to the world.
The meeting proceeded with a guided tour of one of the iroko tree sites located in Abule Ijesa, Yaba, where the Director-General observed that the site holds significant potential for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
He encouraged the traditional ruler to work closely with the NTDA in developing initiatives that would revitalize the historic landmarks, positioning them as prominent symbols of Nigeria’s cultural tourism.
The Director-General received royal blessings from the Monatch who wished him wisdom and success in his tenure, while expressing confidence in his leadership and vision.
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