Foluronsho Coker, Director General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation ( NTDC), Says the sudden blistering rise of the American currency in the exchange market, is a worrisome threat to the survival Tourism and related enterprises in Nigeria nay third world economies.
He likened the dollar position, particularly its scarcity as another covid 19 pandemic, which has affected the fabric of goods and services in Nigeria in recent times.
” the dollar has ravaged our industry, from aviation fuel, spare parts purchases, Hospitality and recreation services, transportation, logistics and the entire national economic architecture, this currency has assumed a scarcity presence, and snuffing life of the tourism sector ” Mr Coker explained.
The ntdc boss further took a look at Nigerian festivals and pleaded that the process and engagement should not have political colouration and undertone to avoid polluting the heritage value chain.
” I am going on a road show in the south west to appeal to the traditional rulers to hold on to what is true, enduring and beneficial to the growth of our festivals. We should not pollute the festivals and cannot turn festival grounds to political podiums leading to violence ” Coker stated further.
Speaking on the sidelines of a breakfast time out in lagos,, Saturday morning, Coker who was part of the Osun oshogbo festival which ended on Friday, informed that Nigeria must not lose sight of the unification process which various festivals in the country desires to promote, berating the disturbing tribal and religious sing song which is fast eating up the fabrics of National unity and cohesion.
” we grew up in Nigeria not concerned about where anyone comes from, your dialect or those things which irritates relationships. We saw ourselves as neighbours, family and friends, so I wonder at the divisions and acrimonies over ethnic and religious sentiments which unfortunately is eroding the fabric of national unity, peace and development.”he explained.
The ntdc helmsman observed that lagos government has reintroduced history and culture studies in its schools, noting that its a welcome healing process that will remained, teach and educated our children about the richness of Nigerian cultural tourism history and tradition, urging other states governments to emulate the intervention to the benefit of the country unification process and cohesion .
” At ntdc, we wish help give our people hope and faith in Nigeria,. Indeed, these are difficult times and people are worried about tomorrow, tourism businesses bleeding but we shall preach hope, stand in gap, lift up depressed minds even though we don’t have all the resources but we will try to navigate the process, collaborate with industry associations and together, we can win these challenges and return our country to winning ways. Nigeria image must be salvaged no controversies about it and we call out all hands on to the rescue efforts.