Culture and Tourism
Kangiwa Advocates Sanitization Of Tourism, Hospitality Practices By Professional Bodies
The Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Nura Sani Kangiwa has appealed to professional bodies in the tourism and hospitality industry to sanitize professional practices in the sector by registering professionals in their folds and guard against the infiltration of quacks into the sector.
Nura Kangiwa who made the appeal when he received the recently elected executive members of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), led by the National President, Ime Udo on a courtesy visit at the Abuja headquarters of the Institute, said it was about time people discard the erroneous impression that to practice in tourism and hospitality fields is simple and easy without requiring formal training and thus, opened to all comers.
While noting that to practice in any of the professional arms of the industry, one does not only need formal training for a start, but that it must be a continuous exercise to train and re-train so as to be adequately equipped with the requisite skills for competency and proficiency in professional conducts in line with best global practices, adding that NIHOTOUR is readily available to offer quality training services to all practicing and intending members of the public in all tourism and hospitality trades.
The Director General further expressed the readiness of the Institute to partner with all professional bodies in the industry, including NATOP, for massive training of members as part of efforts to overcome the challenges of existing skill gaps in the sector which is hindering effective, efficient and quality service delivery.
Speaking earlier, leader of the delegation and National President of NATOP, Ime Udo, said they were at the Institute to pay solidarity visit on the Director General with the view to exploring possible ways of synergy in the area of manpower training and capacity development of its members, stressing that Nigerian tourism industry is in dire need of synergy between and amongst critical stakeholders and key players of the industry in both public and private sectors.
Udo, who was in company of some Executive Members of the Association which includes, Olubunmi Balqees, Secretary General; Cecile Mambo, Vice President–FCT, Abuja/North Central and Amos Opoola, Financial Secretary, said part of her campaign promises was to take NATOP to its pinnacle as a professional body in tour operations in the country, seeks strong partnership with NIHOTOUR to strengthen NATOP as a force to be reckoned with in terms of ethical professional conducts and practices
Creative Industry
Nigeria, Gambia Pledges Commitment to Improve Tourism Sector
Joel Ajayi
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger tourism collaboration with the Republic of the Gambia, following a courtesy visit by a four-man delegation from the west African country, led by Hon. Yakuba Darboe, Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, Western Region.
The delegation was received by Mr. Richard Ovie Esewhaye, Director overseeing the Office of the Director General, NTDA, and the Management Staff at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja.
In his remarks, Hon. Darboe described The Gambia as having a long-standing relationship with Nigeria, often referring to the country as the “37th state of Nigeria” due to the cultural and historical ties between both nations.
He noted that tourism is the backbone of The Gambia’s economy and that the country is in Nigeria to promote its tourism offerings.
He emphasized the importance of the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, stating that West African countries have much to learn from one another in terms of culture, investment opportunities, and tourism development.
“Nigeria, with its large population, presents a ready market for Gambian tourism, and we urge NTDA to include The Gambia when recommending travel destinations,” he added.
Mr. Esewhaye, in his response, welcomed the delegation and lauded the existing relationship between the NTDA and the Gambia Tourism Board. He recalled past engagements, including meetings with the Gambia Investment Forum, and highlighted the need to move beyond agreements on paper to tangible outcomes.
“Though small in size, The Gambia has made remarkable progress in tourism. Nigeria can learn from their model—particularly in revenue generation, cultural exchange, and capacity building,” he said. He also advocated for the establishment of a technical committee to identify concrete areas of collaboration.
Speaking at the event, Mr. F.O. Anumba, Director of Special Duties, NTDA, raised concerns about the current lack of direct air connectivity between Nigeria and The Gambia. He stressed that establishing direct flights would greatly enhance tourist traffic and improve bilateral tourism relations.
The visit concluded with the presentation of an Outstanding Leadership and Humanitarian Award to Mr. Esewhaye by Hon. Darboe.
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