Nigerian cities becoming safe for global events – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has said Nigerian cities are becoming ready and safe for hosting global events.

Mohammed, who spoke at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Global Conference on Linking Tourism, Culture and the Creative Industries, said this was due to the hosting of two international events in quick succession by the country.

The UNWTO event was held at the newly-renovated National Theatre in Lagos on Monday and Tuesday with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in attendance.

“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.

The minister further stated that UNWTO conference was 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.

“This conference is very important in the history of the UNWTO and Nigeria, because it marks the very first time that the organisation, in a single forum, is bringing together the three inter-linked sectors of tourism, culture and the creative industries to highlight their fundamental importance as effective tools for inclusive development and drivers of sustainable growth,” he said.