Tourism, antidote to Nigeria’s dwindling economy – Benue state governor Ortom

Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has described the tourism sector as a panacea to the present economic meltdown Nigeria is currently experiencing.
To this end, the Benue government has signed a pact with National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR, to propel rapid growth and development in the hospitality industry in the state. Ortom, during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, at the weekend in Abuja, pointed out that partnership between Benue and NIHOTOUR would develop, promote and add value to the state’s economy. He maintained that Nigeria needed to, as a matter of urgency, venture into other resources that would boost her ailing economy.
    According to him, this is a right step in the right direction. And we must thank the agency for the passion and initiatives. He said: “As at yesterday, price of crude oil was $28 per barrel. The possibility of coming down more is there and from the projection of OPEC, it was $20 per barrel; for IMF, it is less than $20. That calls for quick action and quick means of adding value to our economy ‘‘And for us in Benue State, we have several areas where we have comparative advantage in agricultural, solid minerals, tourism and culture. No doubt, hospitality and tourism is one area where we have very big advantage and we are happy that you are coming in at this time. “Capacity-building, tourism, adding value to Nigerian is the way out of our present situation and I think that this is a noble course. On our part we shall do everything possible to ensure this programme takes off as soon as possible. We assure you of our commitment,” he assured.
Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Mrs Chika Balogun, who adjudged Benue as one of the most hospitable states in Nigeria, expressed the agency’s interest to partner, promote and add value to citizens of the state. While explaining the nature of the MoU, Balogun stated: ‘‘We are going to conduct capacity development trainings of workers in Nigerian hotels, cuisines among others, to promote tourism in Nigeria and make Benue a tourist destination for foreigners and Nigerians alike.’’ She added that with the security situation in the country, the agency had partnered with Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution IPCR, on additional courses on entrepreneurship study and the need for Nigerians to live in peace.
The programmes that are expected to kick off in February this year will have a Direct student and train the trainers who will be the staff of Benue State.

   Source: National Mirror