Culture and Tourism

Hiking On Jos Plateau, A Potential Mobiliser For Sport And Adventure Tourism- Kangiwa

Published

3 years ago

September 20, 2022

The Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Nura Sani Kangiwa has stated that hiking and other forms of adventurous activities on the natural formations of the Jos Plateau is a potential mobiliser of sport, adventure and eco-tourism for the growth and development of tourism of the plateau creating jobs and empowering youths with its attendant multiplier effects on the economy of the state.

Kangiwa who made the statement during an adventure hiking tour of Ganwan Columnial Basalt Rock Formations in Riyom, Plateau state by participants of training workshop on tour guiding captioned; Promoting Eco-Tourism and Hiking in Nigeria, said God has endowed the state with natural scenic beauties of Waterfalls, Rock formation, plateau plains, lush vegetation among others, which if properly harnessed, can empower the people and curb youth restiveness by being a source of great revenue earning for government and income generation for the people of the state.

The Director General who was vividly elated by the warm reception and hospitable manner of members of the communities in the area visited, said the people should be carried along in the tourism development plans of the tourist sites as major players and critical stakeholders of the sector to achieve the much desired Community Based Tourism for Plateau state.

Also speaking during the hiking tour, Arch. Isaac Sanda, Chairman of Trustees of the Wayfarers of Jos, Hiking and Adventures Club, called on government to provide the enabling environment such as access roads, proper documentation of the tourist sites, and incentives for the local communities, noting that this will go a long way in harnessing the tourism potentials that the state is endowed with for the overall economic benefits of both the government and the people.

Arch. Sanda further noted that frequent hiking and adventurous activities at the tourist sites of riyom rock formations and waterfalls will improve the growth and development of community based tourism and empower the local communities economically, stressing that stakeholders and key players in the industry should up their game in the marketing and promotion of the country’s tourism potentials for both local and global patronage.

Mrs. Ime Udo, President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), said she was highly impressed by the breath-taking scenic beauty, awesome Riyom Columnial Basalt rock formations that Plateau state is endowed with, noting that members of her association will seize the opportunity of marketing these unique tourism potentials to attract local and inbound tourists to the sites.

On behalf of Members of NATOP, Mrs. Udo expressed her appreciation to the Management of NIHOTOUR, under the leadership of Nura Kangiwa, for the opportunity given them to acquire the requite knowledge on tour guiding during the workshop as well as the opportunity availed them to tour the natural scenic attractions of Plateau state and the leisure adventure of hiking on the Riyom Rock Formations.

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Creative Industry

NTDA, ITPN Sign Pact to Enhance Professionalism in Tourism Sector

Published

15 hours ago

June 6, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

In a strategic move to strengthen professionalism and build capacity within Nigeria’s tourism industry, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has forged a partnership with the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN).

During a courtesy visit to the Authority, the ITPN delegation led by Mrs. Fatimah Obadaki, Chairperson, FCT Chapter emphasized the need for structured collaboration aimed at equipping tourism personnel with industry-relevant skills and enhancing service standards across the sector.

She highlighted that the visit was rooted in the institute’s mission to foster partnerships that promote high standards of service delivery and human capital development in the Nigerian tourism and hospitality sectors.

In his remarks, Dr. Olaleye Taiwo Famogbiyole, FITPN, Registrar of the ITPN, FCT Chapter, emphasized the pressing need to bridge the skill gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements. “The knowledge our graduates bring into the industry is no longer sufficient. We must adopt industry-recognized training programs to align university education with practical industry expectations. As an awarding body within the hospitality, travel, and allied trades ecosystem, we see a vital need to professionalize the sector,” Dr. Famogbiyole stated.

He further called for collaboration with NTDA in training staff in tour operations, tour guiding services and destination management. He proposed that NTDA staff be enrolled as members of the institute and benefit from its tailored training programs.

Dr. Famogbiyole also commended NTDA for its unwavering support of the National Tourism and Transportation Summit (NTTS), one of ITPN’s flagship initiatives. “NTDA has been a consistent and invaluable partner in the success of the NTTS over the years,” he noted.

In response, Mr. Ovie Esewhaye, Director overseeing the Office of the Director General of NTDA, welcomed the ITPN team and praised their resilience and commitment to professionalizing the sector despite prevailing economic challenges.

“At NTDA, we are repositioned for effective performance through strategic collaborations. We are open to partnerships that enhance the capabilities of our workforce. I pledge that all NTDA directors will be enrolled as members of the Institute and we will ensure our staff benefit from the various training programs offered by ITPN,” Mr. Esewhaye assured.

He further revealed that NTDA is undergoing a digital transformation and working towards ISO certifications to improve operational efficiency. “We want to be a benchmark for tourism standards in Africa,” he said.

Mr. Esewhaye reaffirmed NTDA’s commitment to the National Tourism and Transportation Summit and expressed willingness to participate in its upcoming edition. He also accepted ITPN’s invitation to participate in the Abuja Tourism Roundtable scheduled for July 2025, emphasizing, “As long as it has to do with promoting tourism, we will be there.”

The visit marked a significant step in strengthening institutional ties aimed at enhancing professionalism and capacity within Nigeria’s tourism sector.

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