Culture and Tourism

NIHOTOUR To Support Organizations On Youth Tourism Development

Published

5 years ago

May 26, 2021

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa, has reiterated the readiness of the Institute under his watch to offer all necessary support to organizations involved in the promotion of youth tourism in the country.

The Director General who made the disclosure when he received in audience, members of the National Executive Council of Youth Tourism Development Organization-Nigeria (YTDONigeria) led by its President, Comrade. Emmanuel Okon, said youths constitutes very critical area of focus in the efforts to develop and grow the Nigerian tourism industry.

Kangiwa said NIHOTOUR is prepared to reverse the trend on the neglect of youth in national tourism development programmes through value reorientation and the inculcation of positive mind sets of Nigerian youths of the significance of tourism as a veritable tool for poverty alleviation, youth empowerment and job creation in line with the strong values the present administration attaches to tourism and youth matters.

While he wished YTDONigeria resounding successes in its laudable youth tourism promotion activities, Kangiwa promised to offer the necessary support of the Institute to the organization in human capacity development and in sundry programs such as the research project the Institute is currently partnering with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to have an information data base for the Nigerian travel tourism and hospitality industry, urging YTDONigeria to come on board for overall good of the industry.

Earlier in his address, President of YTDONigeria and leader of the delegation, Comrade Emmanuel Okon said they were on the courtesy visit to formally congratulate Nura Kangiwa on his appointment and assumption of office as Director General of NIHOTOUR and to solicit for the support of the Institute in the programs and activities of the organization.

Comrade Okon who stated that Kangiwa’s appointment was apt and timely, said he has total confidence on the Director General to make a remarkable difference at NIHOTOUR in view of his pedigree in the nation’s tourism industry in the several decades that he knew him as a man with passion for everything tourism.

He then disclosed of Nura Kangiwa’s appointment as Patron of the YTDONigeria, stating that arrangements are been made to formally confer on him the patronship at an elaborate ceremony to be held soon.

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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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