The Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed says the Nigerian government is ready to partner with relevant tourism stakeholders in promoting goods and services.
Mr. Mohammed stated this at the opening of the Arts Hotel in Lagos. The Hotel is beautified with Nigeria’s finest arts and crafts.
The Minister said; “this project has been strategically crafted to showcase Nigeria’s unique art, innovativeness, and creative works.
“The hotel house a gallery with an extensive display of diverse Nigerian art for public viewing and in celebration of Nigeria’s rich and vibrant culture.”
He encouraged Stakeholders to package and promote Nigerian destinations, goods, and services thereby creating direct and indirect employment through tourism.
Mr. Mohammed said this would help to grow the economy, increase the national GDP, and position Nigeria as a year-round tourism destination.
He said; “We are committed to the sustainable development of our tourism and hospitality industry, particularly domestic Tourism.
“This is because Nigerian tourism and hospitality sector accounts for about 20% of the nation’s total GDP and is a major and primary source of investment and revenue for Nigeria.”
The Minister urged Nigerians to tour around the country and consume more of the local goods and services.
The General Manager of the Art Hotel, Mr. Roderick Peck, said that there were thousands of artworks on display within the hotel premises.
Peck noted that the hotel would serve individuals with excellence and style as a fantastic menu would always be available.
The Oniru of Iru land in Lagos (Monarch), Gbolahan Lawal, promised that value would consistently be added to the property and every other property within the area.
He appreciated the hotelier for leveraging the infrastructure the state government and its predecessors had put in place in the area.
“This is a beautiful edifice, I am happy to be the monarch on the throne today, I love arts and architecture, and I have not seen any like this in this area. I hereby commend the architect and builder,” he said.
Stakeholders in the tourism sector, government officials, and other dignitaries were all present at the event.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
