Minister lauds ‘historic’ hosting of UNWTO confab at National Theatre
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has described as historic the hosting of the first United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Global Conference on Linking Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries at the National Theatre in Lagos.
The Minister made the remarks in Lagos, yesterday, at opening of the Experts’ Workshop of the event. He said: “Today, we are witnessing the making of history in two very important ways. This is the first time the UNWTO would be bringing stakeholders in tourism, culture and the creative industries together at a single forum to deliberate on issues of common interest. Secondly, this is the first event to be held since the completion of Phase 1 of the $100 million renovation of the iconic theatre.
“It’s important to note that this is the first major renovation work on the National Theatre since it was built over 40 years ago. Many thanks to the Bankers’ Committee for this great job.”
Mohammed said the event comes at a time Nigeria and the world are seeking industries that can stimulate socio-economic recovery, alleviate poverty, mitigate effects of climate change, accelerate job creation and inclusive development, and foster international peace and cooperation.
“Within these premises, tourism, culture and the creative industries, therefore, present a huge potential to bridge this gap, especially at a time of great economic challenges the world over,” he added.
Highlight of the Experts’ Workshop was a discussion by UNWTO Secretary General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, and Mohammed, with some primary school students on the importance of culture, tourism and the creative industries to national development.
