In a significant diplomatic engagement, the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, met with the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Stefano De Leo, to discuss advancing community-based tourism, cultural exchange, and infrastructure development between Nigeria and Italy. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in deepening the bilateral relationship between the two nations, with a focus on leveraging Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage for economic growth.
Ambassador De Leo underscored the immense potential of Nigeria’s cultural diversity in driving sustainable economic development. He highlighted community-based tourism as a critical sector for fostering job creation and economic inclusion, particularly at the grassroots level. “Tourism, especially when rooted in local communities, serves as a powerful tool for social and economic upliftment,” De Leo stated.
Minister Lola Ade-John reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to harnessing the potential of community-based tourism as a cornerstone of economic diversification, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She emphasized that empowering women and youth in local communities is a strategic priority, ensuring that Nigeria’s unique cultural and natural assets are showcased to the world. “Our focus is on creating inclusive opportunities that allow local communities to thrive while promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage,” the Minister remarked.
The discussions also delved into the integration of tourism into educational curricula, aiming to cultivate future professionals in the tourism sector. The promotion of Nigeria’s culinary diversity on international platforms, such as Italy’s annual Cuisine Week, was also a key topic of conversation, highlighting the global appeal of Nigerian cuisine.
Additionally, the dialogue addressed the importance of streamlining visa procedures to enhance international accessibility for tourists and investors alike. The Minister and the Ambassador discussed President Tinubu’s coastal road project, which is expected to significantly boost regional connectivity and open new tourism corridors across Nigeria.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing a strong commitment to future collaborations. Ambassador De Leo conveyed Italy’s readiness to partner with Nigeria in initiatives that will mutually benefit and elevate the tourism sectors of both countries. “We look forward to a fruitful partnership that will not only enhance our tourism industries but also foster greater cultural understanding and exchange between our nations,” Ambassador De Leo said.
This strategic alliance between Nigeria and Italy signals a promising future for the development of community-based tourism, infrastructure, and cultural exchange, paving the way for sustained economic growth and deeper bilateral ties.
