The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has affirmed the Administration’s commitment to transforming the area councils into flourishing hubs for tourism and investment.
She made this known during the inaugural FCT Area Councils’ Tourism and Hospitality Investment Carnival and Expo, held at the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture.
Mahmoud, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, Bunmi Olowookere, emphasised that the event was aimed at showcasing and promoting investment opportunities and the economic growth potential inherent in the various area councils of the FCT.
She observed that, through the celebration of indigenous culture, business, and innovation, the Administration is poised to ignite and revitalise the economy, foster inclusive community development, and create pathways for sustainable wealth generation in the FCT, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister revealed that the Administration, under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike, 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 to compete favourably with other tourist and hospitality destinations across the world.
Mahmoud acknowledged the role of the area councils as critical and strategic stakeholders, noting that most of the potential and investment opportunities to drive these directives are domiciled in the area councils.
She, therefore, commended the Tourism Department of the Social Development Secretariat for coming up with the initiative.
She, however, assured that the Administration would continue to welcome ideas, support initiatives, engender collaborations, and participate in exhibitions that would help to deepen and nurture the revitalisation of the tourism and hospitality potential of the FCT as a preferred tourist and investment haven for visitors and investors on the continent.
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On his part, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, Hon. Aminu Ibrahim, said that the tourism sector has contributed to the GDP of most countries that have invested in the sector.
Represented by the Director of Administration and Finance, Dr Nasiru Shidali, the Mandate Secretary said that Abuja remains one of the fastest-growing and developing cities, open for business and ripe with enormous opportunities waiting to be harnessed.
He affirmed that tourism and hospitality are unarguably among the largest employers of labour.
According to him, “It is in line with the above objectives that the FCT Administration, in tandem with the federal government Renewed Hope Agenda mantra, is anxious in creating an investment-friendly environment.
“And this expo exemplifies our dedication to fostering the growth and development of the sector in the FCT.
“We recognise the importance of arts, culture, and tourism in revenue generation, job creation, and urban regeneration.”
Ibrahim explained that the strategic location of Abuja and its growing population make the Territory an attractive destination for investors, businesses, and stakeholders.
