Culture and Tourism

Kangiwa Pledges To Uphold Probity, Accountability in Service Delivery

Published

5 years ago

June 17, 2021

… As ICPC inagurates Anti-Corruption Unit

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa has pledged the commitment of his administration to uphold the tenets of probity, due diligence and accountability in the effective service delivery of the core mandate of the Institute.

In a statement signed on Thursday in Abuja by Director Media and public relations of institute Ahmed Mohammed Sule.

Kangiwa who made the pledge through the Institute’s Director of Human Resources, Alhaji Muhammed Abarshi during the inauguration and induction of the NIHOTOUR Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unity -ACTU, said the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) remains a critical value chain in entrenching accountability and discipline in the nation’s administrative system.

He said better quality service delivery to the Nigerian people cannot be achieved without probity, accountability, discipline and due diligence in the conduct of public affairs, pointing out that the country deserves transparency and fairness from those trusted with public office which is the cardinal principle of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Kangiwa noted further that the onus to honestly and sincerely deliver on the mandate of every public sector establishment is on all MDAs as public institutions to ensure that people get the best of services they deserve in governance as a way to better their lives and living conditions, and called on staff of the Institute for all hands to be on deck to carry out the mandate of NIHOTOUR as the apex public Travel-Tourism and Hospitality training, research and regulation of professional practices in the sector of the country to move the industry to the next level.

In his Goodwill message to the inauguration, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye SAN, represented by Mr. Abuo Lawrence an Officer in the Commission, said ICPC and Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) began the collaboration since 2001 to establish Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, (ACTU) in MDAs as a preventive method of monitoring, identifying and addressing lapses in government’s operational system capable of engendering corruption and unethical practices with view to instill sanity.

The ICPC Chairman then called on members of the inaugurated ACTU Unit of the Institute to honestly and courageously perform their duties without fear or favour so as to uphold the trust and confidence reposed in them worthy to be appointed as members of the Unit.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of members of the Unit, Alhaji Bashir Yusuf Muhammed promised to work diligently and to deliver on the mandate of the Unit on all principles and aspects of public probity, fair play and accountability.

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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.

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