*As NTDC Boss Says Tourism Is A Potential Tool To Diversify Nigeria’s Economy
THE maiden edition of the ‘Nigerian Flavours’ gained momentum on Saturday, March 17, fun-loving and relaxation-minded Nigerians, from within and outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja thronged the serene Harrow Park, Wise II, to celebrate the festival.
The event, aimed at showcasing the rich culinary diversity of Nigerian cuisine and delicacies, is an initiative of the Ministry of Information and Culture, and a collaboration between the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in line with the objectives of the “Tour Nigeria”.
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The event, living up to the rationale behind its emergence, showcased varieties of Nigerian foods and beverages by the various vendors across the six geo-political zones at the event, in the evening, while the dexterity of the likes of the foremost producer and Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy, Don Jazzy; D Banj; Korede Bello; Reekado Banks; Terry Apala; CDQ; Jimmie and DJ Kay, among others artists, electrified the atmosphere later in the day. While merchandisers opportunities in arts, crafts and fashion had a brisk sales, children were also were catered for as they had good fun in the safe children’s games area.
Briefing the journalists at the historic event, the Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Folorunsho Coker, said Nigeria’s tourism industry has continue to developed with new frontiers of tourism potentials being explore on daily basis.
This, he attributed to the genuine interest of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in scooping every available revenue from tourism, to shore up the nation’s revenue and foreign earnings.
He said the Federal Government through the Ministry of Information and Culture has rolled out plans to promote the sector and make it one of the major revenue generation sectors of the economy in line with government’s economic diversification agenda.
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Coker described tourism as big business, disclosing his intention to focus on domestic tourism, “to make the best use of what we have and consume more of Nigeria, while using technology as a pivotal tool.”
While describing global tourism revenues as over $8trillion and employment at over 300million, the NTDC boss revealed that over the years, Nigeria has been fortunate to develop new forms of cultural expression, “like our music, which is huge around the world; our Nollywood is number two in the world; our fashion is simply superb, with our fashion designers competing at international level; our food, our religion enjoy good attention globally.
“These show how rich we are in tourism assets. It is now for us to decide what we want and the ingredients needed, then put them together to prepare a sumptuous tourism meal to be enjoyed by our nation.”
Highlights of the historic event include; over 60 food and beverage vendors across the six geo-political zones, musical performance by Nigerian Artists, merchandizing opportunities for arts, crafts and fashion, safe children’s games area, affordable farmers’ market, great comedy and others.
The event, aimed at showcasing the rich culinary diversity of Nigerian cuisine and delicacies, is an initiative of the Ministry of Information and Culture, and a collaboration between the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in line with the objectives of the “Tour Nigeria”.
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“Tour Nigeria” is a brand of NTDC, which was conceived to drive domestic consumption of Nigeria’s tourism assets and products, create new channels of tourism markets, generate employment and increase spending in the economy. It also aims at promoting domestic and international tourism to Nigeria by ensuring that the nation takes advantage of her population, its density, its wealth and its unique culture.
“Nigerian Flavours,” which showcased the diverse gastronomy of Nigeria and promote Abuja as a destination for fun, hospitality and relaxation, was lauded by participants and vendors who exhibited at the event, while they enjoined the organisers to ensure its continuity.
