Culture and Tourism

Nigeria mark World Tourism Day Celebration with Tourism Skill Training in Kebbi

Published

5 years ago

September 28, 2021

Joel Ajayi

LThe Minister of information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (Kakakin Kebbi) has commended the foresight of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) for embedding skill acquisition training in tour guiding as part of activities marking the 2021 World Tourism Day celebration, noting that it will improve the capacity of personnel needed to boost tourism activities in Kebbi state in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

Lai Mohammed who made the commendation while presenting certificates to youths and women who participated in the training programme during World Tourism Day celebration in Birnin Kebbi, called on the trainees to make good use of the skills they have acquired in promoting the tourism industry of the state and called on more youths to take up career in travel tourism and hospitality trades.

While declaring the training program earlier, the Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa called on youths and women in Kebbi State attending the skill acquisition and training in tour guiding to be steadfast in their pursuit of career in the Travel Tourism and Hospitality trades for gainful and self-employment.
Kangiwa who spoke through Mr. Edwin Enenta, Head of Department of Travel Tourism of the Institute while declaring opened a training exercise for youths and women in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, said by virtue of their versatility, the travel tourism and hospitality trades have the potential of offering high level job opportunities thus curbing unemployment and reducing poverty.
He said participants at the training program should see the exercise as a part of the contributions of NIHOTOUR in impacting positively the gains and benefits of the tourism sector to them, offering them the opportunity to be self-reliant and be productive members of the society.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Director Youth in the State Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mal Zaga noted that the training on Tour Guiding was a blessing to the state in view of the abundant tourism resources that the state is endowed with, including the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival which attract visitors both within Nigeria and outside the country, adding that having potentially skilled tour guides will help boost tourism activities of the state.

He expressed his delight on behalf of the government and people of Kebbi State for the gesture, noting that with more of such trainings, promoting the tourism potentials of the state to the global community will be easier with higher benefits.

The skill acquisition training titled Tour Guiding for Youths and Women in Kebbi State and Sub themes which include; An Overview of the Travel and Tourism Industry, Principles and Practices of Tour Guiding and Itinerary Planning for Tour Guides amongst others, is part of activities to mark the 2021 World Tourism Day celebrations being hosted by Kebbi State and it is targeted at the unemployed youths and women of the State.

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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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