Creative Industry

Development Of Hospitality Is Fundamental-Minister

Published

5 years ago

March 26, 2021

…Inaugurates HTSSCN Governing Board

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has revealed that development of tourism and hospitality is fundamental to the growth and development of Nigeria adding that all hands need to be deck to achieve this.

To this end, he however, inaugurated the Board of Directors and Trustees of the governing board of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSCN) with a charge to take the sector to the next level.

Speaking at inauguration on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister, who was represented by Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, said the board would help in enhancing the growth and development of the sector by living beyond expectations in actualizing the dream of the sector.

According to him, the composition of the board membership cut across the private sector driven union, national bodies and stakeholders, who were fully involved with professional skills, operations and services.

He added that the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) being the regulating board, has spelt out the roles and responsibilities that would be carried out by employers.

This, he said, would fulfill the development of the trade union, professional bodies, and other key players, through a structured platform of the council.

“You may wish to note that the Federal Executive Council ( FEC) in 2013, approved the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), and setting up sector skill council for the selection of pilot sectors of the economy.

“You are among those carefully nominated due to your dedication, and selfless services to the growth of the sector.

“I approved the representation at both board of directors and trustees of the council, while other members are drawn from the private sector, to the employer-led member organizations as represented by your presence as you are inaugurated.”

Earlier, in his address of welcome, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Director- General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), described the inauguration of the governing board of the sector skills council as setting another milestone in the desire to institutionalize the council.

According to him, regarding the constitution of the board, deliberate efforts were taken to ensure the representation of a strictly private sector driven employer-led stakeholders across the trade unions.

” We are, however, aware that some specialized sector trade service providers and operators are yet to form their specialized trade unions, associations or professional bodies.

” The council is encouraging such specialized trade operators to form a united body, so that we can identify and engage them for admission into the council in the dispensation of our activities,” Kangiwa said.

Responding on behalf of the committee, the Chairman board of Trustees, Alhaji Tijani Danzabuwa, promised to assiduously ensure the pursuit of the council’s vision with zeal and passion.

”Given our wealth of experience and positions as private sector employers and stakeholders, we shall double our efforts towards advocating for improved quality service delivery in the industry.

Other members of the board of directors included: Mrs Susan Akporiaye, President, National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mrs Patricia Narai, Director Domestic & Eco Tourism Department.

Also name in the committee are Mrs Kinabalu Timothy, Event worth, Mr Ikechi Uko, organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market.

While, other members of the Board of Trustees includes; Mrs Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Culture, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Director-General National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR)

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Creative Industry

NTDA Moves to Transform Gelede Festival into a National Cultural Event with Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom

Published

3 weeks ago

April 27, 2026

The Gleamer

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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