The Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John has stressed the need for Nigerians to love and own the country.

Speaking at the 7 Wonders of Nigeria Expo at the National Museum Onikan, Lagos on Friday, April 19, 2024, Lola Ade-John called for the teaching of Tourism in primary and secondary schools so as to inculcate tourism ideals in young ones early in their lives.

She noted that Nigeria is a country blessed with abundant natural beauty and rich cultural heritage ranging from her breathtaking landscapes and historical sites to the vibrant cities and warm hospitality.

The Minister stated that Nigeria has so much to offer travellers seeking authentic and unforgettable experiences.

Lola Ade-John said this initiative allows the Ministry to highlight the wonders that make Nigeria a world-class tourism destination.

” Today, we celebrate the diversity, majesty and potential of Nigeria’s tourism offerings. This expo is more than just a showcase of captivating visuals, it is a testament to the resilience and creativity of our people. Each wonder on display here today tells a story – a story of ingenuity, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of Nigeria”, she said.

She stated further that as the Minister of Tourism, she is privileged to witness firsthand the incredible natural and cultural treasures that grace the country from the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene waters of the Niger Delta, stressing that Nigeria is a country filled with wonders waiting to be explored.

“As we celebrate the 10th edition of this expo, let us not only marvel at the wonders before us but also reflect on the importance of preserving and protecting them for future generations'”, she explained.

Lola Ade-John noted that It is the country’s collective responsibility to ensure that these treasures remain intact for years to come so that others may experience the same sense of awe and wonder they feel today.

According to her, In order to achieve this, we must carry along our people. Community engagement is vital to the preservation of our assets and history.

The Minister emphasised the need to engage the local communities and train them on basic tourism skills, entrepreneurship, hospitality, cleanliness as well as love and respect for cultural differences.

She said: “This approach will empower and encourage our people to contribute to the country’s revenue diversity plan as the President emphasises in His Renewed Hope Agenda.

She enjoined all to continue to promote responsible tourism and preserve the nation’s treasures, stressing that, “together, we can showcase Nigeria as the wholesome destination it truly is”.

While commending the organisers, exhibitors, and everyone involved in making the event a reality, Lola Ade John noted that their hard work and dedication has helped showcase Nigeria in all its glory.

In her words, “let us continue to
cherish our national treasures as they are testament to her beauty and diversity”.

In his welcome address earlier, the organiser of the event, Ambassador Ikechi Uko stressed the need for collaboration with the tour operators.

He enjoined the tour operators to always endeavour to use the original pictures in marketing of the tourism wonders of Nigeria instead of using the wrong one by relying on the internet.

Uko called for concerted efforts in marketing Nigeria tourism potential with government collaboration and support.

Uko stated that the future of Nigerian Tourism is with Nigerians, stressing that 10 percent of Nigerians traveling within Nigeria will help the tourism industry grow.

He said that it was necessary to create experts in the tourism sector.

The organiser of the the programme explained that the expo was held in Lagos for the first time to promote the tourist sites in the state as most residents of Lagos do not know the existence of the National Museum at Onikan.

According to him, tourism could be promoted through two major basics; story-telling and photography.

Unveiling his captivating pictures of Nigeria tourism sites, renowned Nigerian photographer , Mr Dayo Adedayo stated that Nigeria has given him so much that he vowed not to post anything bad or negative about the country.

Mr. Adedayo, lamented that Nigeria was losing about N100 billion annually by not allowing tourists to view Aso in Abuja.

Adedayo appealed to the government to reverse that decision.

He also challenged stakeholders in the sector to look inward in a bid to increase tourism contribution and revenue generation into the country.

He called for appropriate funding of tourism ministries and agencies across the states.

In his words, “we need to sell Nigeria and with pictures. Without pictures we are just walking blind.”

Also speaking during the panel discussion, Nneka Isaac Moses of Goge Africa enumerated that challenges tour operators face in carrying out their business.

She also called for government support and collaboration, saying the tour operators cannot do it alone.

Her position was also re-echoed by the President of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators, NATOP who highlighted the stress tour operators go through to discover new sites, but were never encouraged by the government.

She raised the issue of palliative during the COVID 19 pandemic where others sectors were given government support, accept the tourism industry that was totally neglected.

Udoh explained that it was only the Lagos State government that provided some sort of support in form of palliative to the tour operators to survive the devastating effect of the pandemic.

Other members of the panel who spoke on the challenges the face in their business include
Bolaji Seun of Naija explorers, Isaac Sanda of Wayfarers Hiking group from Plateau state, Queen Bethia Idoko an independent Traveller who had been to 22 states and 70 Countries and Ibrahim Makanjuola Ibrahim Sholar of Nigerian Tourism Lovers.

The high point of the event was the presentation of awards to the Ekiti State Government as the most active tourism state of the year 2023, Cross
River State as Government as the most active tourism state of the year 2023,
Akwa Ibom State Governor as the Tourism Governor of the year, IbomAir as Airline of the Year 2023, Director General of the National Institution of Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR as the tourism CEO of the year 2023.

The event attracted three commissioners of Tourism from Enugu State, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, delegation from Ekiti Tourism Bureau led by the Director General, Mr Wale Ojo Lanre , Edo State led by the Permanent Secretary and Abia State by the SA to the Governor , Okey J Martins.

Others are the National Park Services led by CP Emmanuel Ntuyang and the host National Museum and Monuments, NCMM.

The audience were entertained by the
Carnival Calabar and Cross River traditional Dancers.

The event was rounded off with Naijafood by NIHOTOUR with presentation of food from the 6 geo-political Zones of Nigeria.