A private tourism development firm LEXLUC Global Services and Tours has partnered with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority NTDA in a bid to further develop domestic tourism across Nigeria.
The strategic partnership aimed to strengthen the ‘Meet My Town Know My State’ tourism initiative by encouraging Nigerians to explore destinations across the states experience historical sites and cultural heritage and boost community participation in tourism.
A statement issued by the partners stated that ”Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) LEXLUC will coordinate and implement approved activities develop tourism packages mobilise sponsorship and partnerships and report on progress. NTDA will provide relevant tourism information institutional coordination policy guidance and support for stakeholder engagement subject to its mandate and applicable approval processes.”
The signing of the strategic agreement was recently coordinated by Head of Legal Services at NTDA Olufunke Soleye and Head of Legal at LEXLUC Mary Oluwatoyin Noibi-Edoze.
Director of the Marketing and Promotions Department at NTDA Mr. Olufemi Akinyele was also present alongside staff members of the department.
At the signing of the strategic agreement between the two partners the Chief Executive Officer of LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd. Mr. Oluwole Ajayi said the initiative ”was developed to help Nigeria harness its tourism potential attract investment and create more opportunities within the sector.”
‘Tourism is the number one employer worldwide. Whether we like it or not we have to key into it and make sure it becomes the number one employer in Nigeria too’ Ajayi said.
Ajayi also revealed plans for a proposed West African Jollof Rice Championship and Tourism Festival which he stressed could complement the initiative’s broader objectives.
He noted that the proposed event was expected to form part of future tourism activities subject to the necessary planning and approvals.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration with NTDA would help advance the initiative and attract investors to Nigeria’s tourism industry.
In his remarks NTDA’s Director-General Mr. Ola Awakan said the partnership aligned with the core mandate of the tourism development agency to promote and develop tourism adding that the collaboration with the private sector was important to the sector’s growth.
‘It’s a laudable project. We are going to give you national and institutional backing. You are also helping us achieve our mandate and we are helping you to bring your idea to fruition. So it is a win-win situation. All of this is in the interest of Nigeria’ Awakan said.
He lauded Ajayi for sustaining the initiative and reiterated NTDA’s commitment to supporting it.