Lai Mohammed warns against de-marketing Nigeria

The former Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lai Mohammed has warned against ill comments about the country, stressing that they are hindering the country’s tourism potential. Mohammed stated this on Thursday during the launch of the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF), saying the description of the country as unsafe is hindering tourism. The former minister […]

The former Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lai Mohammed has warned against ill comments about the country, stressing that they are hindering the country’s tourism potential.

Mohammed stated this on Thursday during the launch of the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF), saying the description of the country as unsafe is hindering tourism.

The former minister who serves as Chairman of ETF’s Board of Trustees and Governing Board, however acknowledged the challenges confronting the country but noted that no country is problem free. “There is no country that does not have its own problems. The government is trying this.  But honestly, if you read about Nigeria before you come to Nigeria, or you read about Lagos before you come to Lagos, you think they are two different countries.”

He highlighted the mandate of the ETF, saying it includes the creation of an all-inclusive platform for government, private sector and tourism stakeholders, serving as the policy advocacy voice of the tourism industry.

He added that the ETF is the brainchild of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressing that it is focused at positioning Lagos as the partner of choice for global tour operators and making the country the destination for all tourists.

“Tourism is one of the most powerful engines of growth anywhere in the world. The Eko Tourism Foundation will harness that power to drive Nigeria’s economy and create millions of jobs,” he said.

The President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Gabriel Idahosa underscored the importance of the foundation, saying it is aimed at harnessing the potentials in the tourism, entertainment and creativity ecosystem.

He stressed that stakeholders in the sectors have been operating in silos, adding that the foundation aims to muster their potentials to unlock economic benefit.

“This will mobilise all stakeholders in the industry. All stakeholders in the industry, whatever you are practitioners like artists, catering, travels, this foundation was created to harness all potential,” he said.