The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has said that the administration is poised to reposition the area councils as thriving tourism and investment hubs.
The minister stated this at the maiden edition of the FCT area councils’ tourism and hospitality investment carnival and expo held at the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Garki.
Mahmoud, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Bunmi Olowookere, emphasised that the event is aimed at showcasing and promoting investment opportunities and 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 revitalize 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 Tinubu.
The minister revealed that the FCT administration under the leadership of 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 tourists 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 investments opportunities to drive these directives are domiciled in the area councils.
She, therefore, commended the tourism department of the FCT Social Development Secretariat for coming up with this initiative.
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The minister, however assured that the administration will continue to welcome ideas, support initiatives, engender collaborations and participate in exhibitions that would help to deepen and nurture the revitalization of the tourism and hospitality potential of the FCT as a preferred tourist and investment haven for visitors and investors in the continent.
Mandate Secretary FCT Social Development Secretariat, Aminu Ibrahim, said that the tourism sector has contributed to the Gross Domestic Product (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 that is opened for businesses and ripe with enormous opportunities waiting to be harnessed.
He affirmed that tourism and hospitality are unarguably one of 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 recognize the importance of arts, culture, and tourism in revenue generation, job creation, and urban regeneration.”
Ibrahim explained that the strategic location of Abuja, and the growing population makes the territory attractive destination for investors, businesses, and stakeholders.
