Mr Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has nominated Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s immediate previous Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, as Special Advisor.
According to a statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mohammed’s appointment was announced during the inaugural session of the 66th UNWTO Commission for Africa (CAF), which is presently taking place in Mauritius.
Mohammed brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his new post, having constantly played key roles in the activities of the World Tourism Organization over the previous seven years.
He oversaw the 61st UNWTO CAF Meetings in Nigeria in 2018 as well as the inaugural UNWTO Global Conference on Linking Tourism, Culture, and Creative Industries in Lagos last year.
Through his Agenda for Africa program, he is anticipated to assist Pololikashvili in achieving his goal of making Africa a vital location for the global tourism industry.
Accepting the new post, Mohammed expressed gratitude, saying he was motivated by the secretary-general’s trust in him.
“I stand before you, greatly moved and inspired by your gracious words of assurance and faith.
“With so much gratitude for the confidence placed in me by the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Mr Zurab Pololikashivili and with an unswerving resolve to honour that trust, I humbly accept the appointment as the Special Advisor on Tourism to the Secretary General of this great Organisation.
“This would mark the first time that I would be attending a function of the UNWTO as a private individual having for the past seven years, served as the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I wish to extend my deepest respect and appreciation to all the leaders of the member states, particularly those from the Africa region, for their support and friendship,” he maintained.
Mohammed added: “I am deeply honoured to become the first Nigerian to serve in this capacity.
“Nigeria is dynamic and diverse in terms of natural and human resources in the areas of tourism, culture, creative industries, technology, and other aspects of our national economy.
“Having come so far and rising still, Nigeria in particular, and the African region, in general, is living and shaping the full range of achievements and challenges of our current times.
“It is, therefore, inspiring to take on more responsibilities that will guide the development of tourism more responsibly and sustainably.”
The Special Advisor’s duty includes supporting in the development of a strategy for resuming sustainable and safe tourism following COVID-19 and consulting the UNWTO Secretary-General on information and culture concerns.
In addition, the former minister is expected to prepare necessary reports and research documents by UNWTO principles, as well as accompany the secretary-general on official trips.
During such visits, he is also expected to advise him and recommend suitable public relations initiatives in line with the aims of the World Tourism Organization.
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