The Federal Government has reassured the world of a safe and secure environment as it prepares to host the first UNWTO Global Conference on Tourism, Culture and the Creative Industries in November.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed gave the reassurance on Thursday in Lagos when he formally briefed the Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu on the conference scheduled for Nov. 14 to Nov. 16 at the National Theatre, Lagos.
He reassured participants that Nigeria would host a world class conference in safe and secure environment with adequate facilities.
Mohammed said the conference would bring together top executives of the UNWTO, Ministers of Tourism, Culture, Arts and the Creative Industries from the 166 member states of the organisation, international and local stakeholders and the media.
According to him, the choice of Lagos as the host city, was very fitting, considering the premier role of the state in tourism, culture and the creative industries.
He added that National Theatre, under renovation, was appropriate as venue of the conference, being the hub of arts and entertainment in the country.
“The conference will mark the return of the National Theatre to its role, following the ongoing 100 million dollar-rehabilitation of the edifice, and the construction of hubs for music, film, fashion and IT by the Bankers Committee and the Central Bank of Nigeria,’’ he said.
Mohammed commended the Lagos State Government for its significant role in the ongoing restoration of the National Theatre to its former glory.
On what Nigeria would gain by hosting the conference, the minister said it would showcase the country’s tourism, culture and creative assets;
He said the conference would project Nigeria’s image as a safe and desirable destination for leisure and business and as well consolidate its relationship with the UNWTO and its member states;
Mohammed added that the conference would generate foreign exchange, create direct and indirect jobs and provide the avenue for exchange of ideas and best practices with key industry players;
According to the minister, the planning committee and the relevant sub-committee for the conference had been inaugurated and preparations for the event had started
Mohammed who submitted a letter detailing the role of Lagos state as the host, solicited the endorsement and support of the state government in ensuring a successful outing,
Also speaking, the governor, congratulated the Federal Government for securing the hosting right of the global event.
He said the choice of Lagos as host and in particular, the iconic National theatre, an asset that had been abandoned for decades but now under rehabilitation, as venue was also significant.
READ ALSO:https://brandpowerng.com/lagos-govt-returns-encroached-land-to-original-allottees/
Sanwoolu reiterated the commitment of Lagos state to a successful and timely completion of the National Theatre rehabilitation and the hosting of the global conference.
He said the November date of the conference was apt because the state had set the month aside as “month of arts and culture’’.
“In the month of November, we will be hosting the National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST), we will also be opening our iconic JK Randle Museum for Yoruba Culture and History.
“Also in November, we will be hosting a three-day Arts Exhibition as well as another international Arts exhibition.
“For us in Lagos November is a month for arts and culture and the UNWTO conference being the high point of all these events, we are indeed very excited,’’ he said.
The governor assured the minister that Lagos state would be a partner, provide resources and logistics for the successful hosting of the conference.
(NAN)
