UNWTO Confab: Minister Hypes Nigeria As Hub For Global Events

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said the hosting of two international events in quick succession by the federal government is a testament to the increasing readiness, safety, and security of Nigerian cities to play host to global events.

The minister said this yesterday at the opening of the UNWTO Global Conference on Linking Tourism, Culture and the Creative Industries, with the theme “Pathways To Recovery And Inclusive Development,” which was held at the newly-renovated National Theatre in Lagos.

“The hosting of this conference is a strong affirmation of Nigeria’s position as a trusted business hub, and a safe harbour for capital, talent, and intellectual property.

“In the lead-up to the conference, Nigeria hosted the 2022 UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Week in Abuja, from 24th to 28th October 2022. Through the progressive scaling-up of our MICE events (with MICE here standing for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), we intend to build public confidence and increase our operational readiness to host international events,” he said.

Mohammed said the purpose of the UNWTO conference is to fast-track the objective of transforming the tourism sector into a preferred sector, and the creative industry into a creative economy against the background of the government’s intention of supporting and facilitating an enabling environment for the true business growth of tourism and the creative industry.