Ade-John thanks Tinubu, as FTAN, others react to scrapping of tourism ministry
[By VICTOR NZE]
Tourism and hospitality (T&H) operators in the country have expressed mixed reactions following last Wednesday’s decision by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to scrap the newly-created Ministry of Tourism and merge it with the Arts, Culture and Creative Economy ministry.
This is also as the now immediate past head of the affected tourism ministry, Lola Ade-John, has thanked President Bola Tinubu for what she described as ‘the opportunity to serve Nigeria as the Honourable Minister of Tourism.’
It would be recalled that the Presidency, in a statement Wednesday, announced a cabinet reshuffle in the President Tinubu administration, creation of two additional parastatals, appointment of seven new ministers, reassignment of 10, as well as, the discharge from the cabinet of five others, including Ade-John.
A statement by the Presidency thanked the outgoing members of the Federal Executive
Council ‘for their service to the nation while wishing them the best in their future endeavours.’
According to the statement, Tinubu then charged the newly appointed ministers as well as their reassigned colleagues to see their appointment as a call to serve the nation.
Tinubu added further that ‘all appointees must understand the administration’s eagerness and
determination to set Nigeria on the path to irreversible growth and invest the best of their abilities into the actualisation of the
government’s priorities.’
Meanwhile, one of the ministers affected in the restructuring, Ade-John has expressed her ‘sincere gratitude’ to Tinubu for what she described as ‘the opportunity to serve Nigeria as the Honourable Minister of Tourism.’
According to Ade-John, in a letter addressed to Tinubu, Friday, her time at the office was ‘a profound honor to work toward a thriving tourism sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on sustainable, community-centered tourism.’
She further thanked the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, Nigerians and staff of the ministry, describing her tenure as ‘a privilege to contribute to this administration’s goals.
“My heartfelt appreciation also goes to Her Excellency, the First Lady, for her steadfast encouragement and her dedication to promoting tourism as a key driver of national pride and unity. Her support has been a tremendous source of inspiration.
“II am deeply thankful to the people of Nigeria and to the hardworking staff of the Ministry, whose dedication made our achievements possible. Thank you, Mr. President, for your trust. It has been a privilege to contribute to this administration’s goals, and I remain committed to Nigeria’s progress,” the former minister wrote.
Following the scrapping of the tourism ministry and subsequent removal of its minister, industry stakeholders have continued to react to the government’s decision of last Wednesday.
Umbrella body of industry operators in the country, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), in its response, Thursday, called for purposeful leadership within the newly-merged Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.
The Federation in a statement signed by its President, Mr Nkereuwem Onung, while describing the FEC’s decision as a ‘rude shock,’ however, emphasised the need for ‘a passionate, creative, and purposeful leadership within the newly-formed ministry’ as a way forward.
FTAN noted that while it acknowledges the complexities involved in this merger, ‘it also recognises the interconnectedness of tourism, arts, and culture as vital components of a singular industry, the abrupt nature of these changes was unexpected.’
This is further as the Federation further noted that the merger if positively exploited ‘presents a unique opportunity for a more integrated approach to development.’
“FTAN expresses surprise and concern regarding the recent merger of the newly established Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and the Creative Industry, now forming the Ministry of Culture, Arts, Tourism, and Creative Industry.
“The news of this merger and the minister’s removal came as a rude shock to us. However, we believe that this government’s decision is not a misplaced priority.
“The convergence of these sectors under one ministry presents a unique opportunity for a more integrated approach to development.”
Continuing, Mr Onung, therefore, urged the new leadership of the new ministry to imbibe ‘a deep understanding of the industries,’ in addition to possessing ‘a vision that inspires collaboration and innovation,’ in order to achieve desired goals of the government, just as it expressed enthusiasm to work with the new body in realising these objectives.
“If the government is genuinely committed to the growth and promotion of these sectors, it is imperative that the new leadership not only possesses a deep understanding of the industries but also a vision that inspires collaboration and innovation.
On its part, one of the affiliate members of FTAN, the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN) paid tribute to Ade-John for ‘her visionary leadership and commitment to shaping the future of Nigeria’s tourism sector.’
According to the group, in a statement by its newly-elected President, Dr. Lilian Managwu, Friday, the immediate past minister’s time in office, ‘though brief, was marked by bold initiatives that set the stage for growth and development, underscoring her passion for unlocking the immense potential of Nigeria’s tourism industry.’
“Through her Quick Start Policy Review and her active involvement in industry events, the Honorable Minister demonstrated a deep understanding of the opportunities within the sector and was committed to putting in place the strategies that could drive transformative change.
“Her forward-thinking approach and engagement with stakeholders gave us great hope for a more vibrant and competitive tourism landscape in Nigeria.
“Thank you, Honorable Minister, for your dedication, vision, and commitment to the tourism industry. Your plans for a brighter future have left a lasting impression, and we stand united in solidarity as you move on to new challenges and opportunities,” Managwu said.
