Culture and Tourism

Kangiwa, DG NIHOTOUR Strategises For Enhanced Relationship With Chinese Embassy On Staff Capacity Development

Published

6 years ago

November 17, 2020

Joel Ajayi

In a bid to strengthen the existing cordial relationship between the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, the Director-General, Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa has paid a courtesy call on the Attaché of the Economic and Commercial Counselor’s Office, Mr. Wu Lyufan of the Embassy of the Peoples’ Republic of China in Abuja.

Alhaji Kangiwa has during the visit seeks for a collaborative partnership between the Embassy and NIHOTOUR in the area of capacity development of staff of the Institute which will enhance performance in the delivery of the Institute’s mandate for personnel training in the Nigerian Travel Tourism and Hospitality industry.

He observed that China is noted for its reputation in manpower training and development worldwide particularly in skill acquisition and Hands-on training which NIHOTOUR will be glad to benefit from.

The Director-General reiterated the commitment and resolve of the federal government to revitalize every sector of the economy due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially the travel tourism and hospitality sub-sector which was the hardest hit by the pandemic due to restrictions placed on the movement of people globally.

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 the Institute will do better if its staff receive training and retraining that will upscale their knowledge inline with new global skills and innovations in personnel training of the travel tourism and hospitality industry.

Responding, Mr. Wu Lyufan expressed his happiness with the visit, noting that his office will do everything possible to offer training slots for NIHOTOUR staff in China as soon as the embargo placed on training occasioned by the covid-19 pandemic is lifted.

He said the Chinese Government as well as the people of China are keenly interested in the culture and traditions of Nigeria and are ever willing for such a cultural interface between the two countries and exchange of training programs.

Mr. Wu said the Chinese people are great travelers and will like to make Nigeria their preferred tour destination in view of its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions which are strong tourism attractions.

The Attaché promised to continue to offer all necessary support to NIHOTOUR in line with the healthy cordial relationship already existing between the Embassy and the Institute.

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Creative Industry

NTDA, LEXLUC Sign MoU to Unlock Nigeria’s Domestic Tourism Potential

Published

45 mins ago

October 23, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd. to promote domestic tourism, cultural heritage and destination awareness across Nigeria.

The agreement establishes a framework for implementing and expanding the Meet My Town, Know My State tourism initiative, which aims to encourage Nigerians to explore destinations within the country, learn about their cultural heritage and support greater community participation in tourism.

Speaking at the signing, Chief Executive Officer of LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd., Mr Oluwole Ajayi, said the initiative was developed to help Nigeria harness its tourism potential, attract investment and create more opportunities within the sector.

“Tourism is number one employer worldwide. Whether we like it or not, we have to key into it and make sure it becomes the number one employer in Nigeria, too,” Ajayi said.

He also referenced plans for a proposed West African Jollof Rice Championship and Tourism Festival, which he said could complement the initiative’s broader objectives. The proposed event is expected to form part of future tourism activities, subject to the necessary planning and approvals.

Ajayi expressed confidence that the collaboration with NTDA would help advance the initiative and attract investors to Nigeria’s tourism industry.

Director-General of NTDA, Mr Ola Awakan, said the partnership alignes with the authority’s mandate to promote and develop tourism, noting that collaboration with the private sector was important to the sector’s growth.

“It’s a laudable project. We are going to give you national and institutional backing. You are also helping us achieve our mandate, and we are helping you to bring your idea to fruition. So, it is a win-win situation. All of this is in the interest of Nigeria,” Awakan said.

He commended Ajayi for sustaining the initiative and reaffirmed NTDA’s commitment to supporting its objectives within the authority’s mandate.

The Meet My Town, Know My State initiative is designed to raise awareness of Nigeria’s destinations, promote cultural heritage and encourage domestic travel. Its activities may include organised tours, tourism education, awareness campaigns, events and stakeholder engagements across the country.

Under the MoU, LEXLUC will coordinate and implement approved activities, develop tourism packages, mobilise sponsorship and partnerships, and report on progress. NTDA will provide relevant tourism information, institutional coordination, policy guidance and support for stakeholder engagement, subject to its mandate and applicable approval processes.

The signing was coordinated by Head of Legal Services at NTDA, Olufunke Soleye, and Head of Legal at LEXLUC, Mary Oluwatoyin Noibi-Edoze. Director of the Marketing and Promotions Department at NTDA, Mr Olufemi Akinyele, was also present alongside staff members of the department.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations to expand awareness of Nigeria’s tourism offerings and encourage greater participation in domestic tourism.

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