FCTA To Harness Tourism Potential In Area Councils For Economic Devt

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA has set up an agenda to tap into the vast tourism potential across the Area Councils for job creation and economic development.

The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, made this known in Abuja at a forum organized to showcase the tourism and hospitality potential in Area Councils.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, Mrs. Olubumi Olowookere, the Minister stated that innovation remains key to positioning the territory as a transformative platform, using the Area Councils as thriving hubs for tourism and investment.

She stressed the administration’s commitment to answer the clarion call of the president.

“Minister of the FCT Minister, Barr, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike and myself had earlier received the mandate and directives from Mr. President, to develop and open up the Culture, Tourism, and Hospitality hubs of the FCT in order for it to compete favourably with other tourists and hospitality destinations across the World.”

The Minister of State, further highlighted that, “I am glad to inform you that the realization of the above objectives is part of what we are flagging off today, acknowledging the role of Area councils as critical and strategic stakeholders since most of the potential and investments opportunities to drive these directives are domiciled in the Area Councils.”

“The FCT Administration through the Tourism department of the Social Development Secretariat, will continue to welcome ideas, support initiatives, engender collaborations and participate in exhibitions that will help to deepen and nurture the revitalization of the Tourism and Hospitality potential of the FCT as a preferred tourist destination”.

Earlier, the Director of Tourism, Social Development Secretariat, Mrs. Nenadi Ann-Dogo, said the initiative would further promote indigenous culture and innovation adding that the administration is committed to igniting and revitalizing the economy, fostering inclusive community development, and creating pathways for sustainable wealth generation in the FCT.

Ann-Dogo expressed her surprise at the discoveries of abandoned tourist sites and unknown culture in the FCT stressing that the maiden summit was targeted at showcasing the huge potential to the global community.

Also speaking, a member of FCTA Tourism Committee, Dr. Okoro Nwachenemere stressed that the platform would further boost the nation’s per capita income by supporting efforts to diversify the economy through other viable sectors, thereby reducing overdependence on the oil and gas industry.

The flag off ceremony ahead of the expo began with a road show from area one junction displaying different cultures in the FCT.

Florence Adewale, Edited By Blessing Nyor