By Imelda Nwajei, Lagos
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism in Edo State Southern Nigeria, Iryn Omorogiuwa, has urged the Nigerian authorities to boost the tourism business via the usage of ‘Digital Technology’.
In an interview with Voice of Nigeria, Omorogiuwa famous that “Nigeria is blessed with lots of tourism potentials and these tourist sites are generating income to the nation’s economy”.
She disclosed that Edo State has employed the usage of Digital Technology in selling the tourism business thereby utilizing the social media to showcase the wealthy tradition of Nigerian individuals.
Iryn Omorogiuwa additionally defined that the Edo State, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, in partnership with numerous communities within the State have created a platform the place all artifacts within the state are displayed.
“We have created platforms that all our artifacts and art works are there for the world to see. The aim is for tourists to log in there to see the various tourist sites in Edo State.”
She referred to as on the federal authorities to undertake and assist the brand new drive which she mentioned will boost the tourism sector.
In the identical vein, King Amanate Journey Turner of Olobiri Kingdom in Bayelsa referred to as on the federal authorities to present sufficient safety in all of the vacationer websites throughout the 36 states of Nigeria, so as to deliver extra vacationers to the nation.
“The federal government should develop the various tourist sites in the country and also develop the transportation sector. If the transportation sector is in order, it will be easier for tourists to access various tourist sites in the country,” he added.
On his half, Dr. Felix Tuodolo, a former Commissioner in Bayelsa State lamented that a number of vacationer websites in Nigeria are beneath developed and want to be explored.
“One of such tourist centres is the Oil Museum at Olobiri… The Religious tourism in Nigeria has not been developed. Lots of people travel to Israel for Religious tourism, but in Nigeria, we have similar tourist centres such as the Redeem Camp located in Ogun State, TB Joshua camp situated in Lagos State and the church at Warri, Delta State, popularly known as Owomowomo.”
According to Professor Barclays Ayakoroma, former Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), he mentioned “for tourists to enjoy their trip to Nigeria, the traditional rulers should be involved because they know the in and out of their localities for the security of tourists.”
He additionally suggested the federal authorities to enhanceTourism centres within the rural areas.
“Tourism usually improve the local economy because people will take taxis, drink water, soft drinks, buy local delicacies, and also buy local fabrics,” he defined.
Professor Emmy Idegu, a lecturer on the University of Calabar urged the federal government to encourage continuity of tasks and appoint professionals to take up tasks so as to boost the tourism business.
