Culture and Tourism

NIHOTOUR Set For Digital Technology Training-Kangiwa

Published

6 years ago

February 11, 2021

Joel Ajayi

Authorities of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR have set in motion, the machinery for the application of digital technology in its skill acquisition training and capacity development delivery services as the nation’s apex Travel Tourism and Hospitality training Institute in the country.

This disclosure was made by Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa, Director General of the Institute when he received in audience; officials of Backbone Connectivity Network Limited (BCN), led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Ibrahim Dikko at the Abuja headquarter office of NIHOTOUR.

Speaking further, Kangiwa said in keeping pace with modern trends in the ease of doing business, NIHOTOUR under his watch, is set to leverage on digital technology to deliver on its core mandate of providing training in Hospitality and Travel Tourism skill acquisition and public enlightenment.

The Director General said he is exploring the platform to partner with digital technology service providers so as to deploy their high internet band wave services to achieve the desired upgrade of the Institute’s training services via virtual, e-learning as well as distance learning particularly in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and the entrenchment of non-pharmaceutical protocols to stem the upsurge in the spread of the disease.

In his remarks on the capability of his company to deliver on the Institute’s digital technology upgrade needs, Alhaji Dikko said BCN has four portals that NIHOTOUR can leverage on to achieve its digital technology service delivery platforms that allow for communication via fibre that is affordable and sustainable.

Dikko said the Company has integrated connectivity solution to serve the African continent and their service is to provide dedicated internet facilities of high quality to their clients who demand them, thus, NIHOTOUR should be rest assured of high-quality internet service provision from BCN.

He said BCN is a reliable digital service-solution-provider to business enterprises that allows collaboration on service operation and deliveries as well as a digital technology expertise that is credible, reliable and safe in enhancing clients’ data gathering, storage and efficient utilization for optimum results.

Share on Facebook

Culture and Tourism

Awakan Marks First Anniversary as NTDA DG, Charts New Course for Tourism Sector

Published

1 week ago

September 24, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

As the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) enters its second year under the leadership of the Director-General, Mr. Ola Awakan, the focus will remain on building partnerships and converting Nigeria’s tourism assets into greater opportunities for investment and accelerated economic growth.

That simple message framed the one year scorecard presented on Wednesday by Mr. Awakan during NTDA Tourism Week 2026 and activities leading to World Tourism Day held in Abuja.

“Nigeria does not lack tourism assets,” Awakan said. “What is required is a system that connects these assets to investments, jobs, technology, enterprise and sustainable economic value.” He added.

Reeling out his scorecard, Awakan observed that over the past year, the Authority concentrated on stakeholder engagement, innovation, investment facilitation, digital transformation, destination marketing, tourism intelligence and institution building.

He explained that efforts have been made towards deeper collaboration with government institutions, traditional institutions, private-sector operators, development partners, financial institutions, professional bodies, communities and international partners.

On the digital front, the NTDA boss said the Authority has advanced NITOUREY, a dedicated tourism streaming platform and content ecosystem meant to take Nigerian destinations, culture and experiences to wider audiences, in alignment with this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Digital agenda and artificial intelligence to redesign Tourism”.

He also identified Naija Flavour as a flagship project to position Nigerian cuisine as both a tourism asset and a tool for cultural diplomacy, linking tourism to Nollywood, music, fashion, food, festivals and digital creativity.

Speaking further, Awakan reiterated that the NTDA is also digitising tourism enterprise accreditation and regulatory processes while developing a grassroots tourism framework to identify, document and promote assets across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Internationally, NTDA has expanded ties with tourism institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners and global organisations on technical cooperation, investment, destination marketing, capacity building, cultural diplomacy and market access.

The NTDA helmsman however recognised that challenges remain such as infrastructure gaps, weak tourism data, limited connectivity to some destinations, security concerns in certain locations, regulatory compliance shortfalls and the need for stronger private-sector participation.

Awakan remained positive looking ahead with his priorities including the mobilisation of more tourism investment, accelerating the development of viable assets, expanding domestic and international marketing through deeper digital transformation, strengthening regulation, increasing community participation, building capacity of tourism professionals and deepening partnerships with international tourism institutions.

The DG also announced plans for the expanded Naija Flavour International Tourism Expo to be unveiled in Abuja later this year making it the ultimate platform aimed at drawing international participation, investors and development partners into the sector.

While thanking President Bola Tinubu GCFR for giving him the opportunity to serve, he added that, “One year in office is not the destination. It is a checkpoint,” reiterating that the next phase would require stronger partnerships, greater investment and sustained institutional commitment.

Earlier, the Director of Marketing and Promotion of NTDA Mr. Olufemi Akinyele, said the milestone was being marked as part of NTDA Tourism Week, which began with a road walk and a guided tour of Abuja under the theme “Digital Vibes, Nigerian Pride: Celebrating Tourism, Culture and People.”

Government and industry representatives at the event congratulated the Director General and commended the Authority’s increased engagement with tourism stakeholders.

Share on Facebook