The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has said that his administration is totally committed to the completion of the National Cultural Centre, the Millennium Towers, in Abuja, just as the National Theatre, Iganmu-Lagos, will be developed as a duty free entertainment centre.
President Jonathan, who stated this in his address at the occasion of unveiling of Fascinating Nigeria, a new tourism brand identity for the Nigerian culture and tourism sector, at the Banquet Hall of Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, 4th July, 2013, assured that new brand will help transform Nigeria at the global tourism, and called on the organised private sector to work with the government to boost the culture and tourism sector in Nigeria.
Represented by the Vice-President, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, the President said: “Fascinating Nigeria is a very important brand as Nigeria’s first official tourism identity. Travel and Tourism remain important source to our economy. At the global level, studies have shown that tourism has contributed greatly to the economy and job creation. As a nation, we need to foster investment that will sustain Nigerian Tourism. The National Theatre is vital for this. Soon, we will complete the National Cultural Centre in Abuja. I call on the private sector to work with the Government so that we achieve Nigeria’s tourist potentials.”
Asserting that the impact of culture in the growth of any nation cannot be overemphasized, he said the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, under High Chief Edem Duke, was registering a commendable impact, and that there was need to preserve and foster the many heritage sites in Nigeria. It is widely believed by stakeholders that the unveiling of the “Fascinating Nigeria” tourism brand is expected to open a veritable window for the country in the global tourism market for economic development.
Nwagbo Pat Obi
Corporate Affairs