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Omotayo Omotosho, MFR, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and a veteran TV broadcaster, has called for greater focus on domestic tourism and more sustainable policies to support the country’s growth.
In a recent conversation with ARISE NEWS on Friday, Omotosho shared her thoughts on Nigeria’s tourism industry, the economy, and the actions of government officials.
Reflecting on the current tourism landscape during the Christmas period, Omotosho noted the high number of visitors to Nigeria, with hotels fully booked across the country. Despite this, she expressed her long-standing belief in the promotion of domestic tourism.
“While I was there as DG, all I did was doggedly promoting domestic tourism,” she said, citing notable cultural events like the Black Heritage Festival and the Osun Osogbo Festival, which were celebrated during her tenure.
“What has happened to all that now?” she questioned, highlighting the significant revenue generated from these initiatives at the time.
Omotosho emphasised that for tourism to truly thrive, state governors must prioritise the sector.
“I believe that tourism can thrive when our state governors decisively take tourism seriously,” she said. “Unfortunately, in Nigeria, I’m not sure they have what they call continuity.”
She added that while the federal government plays a crucial role, state-level involvement is equally important, given Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
On the matter of President Bola Tinubu’s earlier purchase of a new jet, which sparked public outrage amid the country’s economic challenges, Omotosho expressed her disapproval.
She said that wasn’t right for him to do; however, she acknowledged the president’s responsiveness to public concerns, suggesting that upon hearing the criticism, he would likely reconsider his decision.
“I am sure he will definitely want to do something,” Omotosho added.
In discussing the use of proceeds from the fuel subsidy, Omotosho highlighted her connections with the education sector. She explained that after engaging with the chief executive of TETFund, she was told to visit universities across Nigeria to observe how they were utilising funds. She noted that there had been significant gaps in the system before President Tinubu’s administration, but with the president’s directive, some of the fuel subsidy proceeds are now being channelled into education.
“The president gave him a marching order that some of the proceeds from this fuel subsidy must go to education,” Omotosho confirmed.
Despite these positive steps, Omotosho stressed that she did not support the diversion of such funds for the purchase of a presidential jet, urging leaders to prioritise the nation’s welfare.
“What we lack in Nigeria is genuine love for one another,” she concluded, calling for more selfless leadership in the country.
Frances Ibiefo
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