Showcasing Nigerian hospitality and fulfilling its promise to give maximum support to the military in its effort towards hosting the 39th World Conference on Military Medicine, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation hosted over 30 countries to an interactive reception at the tourism village, Abuja.The event provided a platform for citizens of all different nations to interact and was attended by representatives from countries like, Brazil, Cameroun, United States, Australia, Vietnam, Senegal, Sweden, Zambia, Eritrea, the United Kingdom and many more. Also present were wives of Defence officers led by the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs Appolonia Petinrin, who doubles as the president of Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association (DEPOWA).Welcoming guests and spouses of delegates from around the world to the reception, Mrs. Petinrin noted that when she learnt from the organisers of the world congress that spouses and family members of delegates would also be coming, she felt obliged to welcome them in a most hospitable way, and that this informed bringing them to the NTDC.Speaking at the reception, Mrs. Petinrin said, 'In collaboration with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation and the Nigerian National Parks, we have organised two programmes to show you some of the rich cultures of our great nation and they include the Beautiful Abuja Cultural Fashion Show, which will take place here and now and the Beautiful Abuja Tree Planting Programme which will come up on Thursday, 24 November 2011.''I wish to point out that these two events are specifically designed for the visiting spouses of delegates. Due to the diversity of nationals participating at this conference, we thought it wise to also partner with wives of your ambassadors and defence advisers to welcome you to Nigeria.'In his remarks, the Director General of NTDC and host of the reception, Chief Olusegun Runsewe, expressed delight at receiving the spouses of the delegates in the apex hospitality outfit in Nigeria, stating it was the corporation's forte to host visitors to the best in entertainment and culinary delight that Nigeria has to offer. He further observed that the qualities of women were innumerable, saying 'If you want a thing discussed, consult a man, but if you want a thing done, tell a woman.'The NTDC helmsman promised to, in collaboration with the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs. Appolonia Petinrin, subsequently host the visitors to three outings every year, saying that each outing will boast more unique and interesting features.Chief Runsewe used the opportunity to reiterate his position on the controversial issue of same sex marriage saying it was demonic and satanic, as it negate the tenets of both Christianity and Islam. He admonished the women to constantly look out for their wards, especially those in school, narrating how he heard a story of a young man who never entered class to receive lectures for five years but had his parents believe he was in school.The interactive reception featured thrilling drama and music presentations. The first was an inspiring tribute sung to Nigeria by Lady Inspirologos, cultural and fashion shows featuring distinct apparels from the six geo-political zones in Nigeria and a special NTDC presentation on how to tie gele (head gear).Other activities at the reception include presentation of an NTDC-branded gift items and souvenirs by Chief Runsewe and Mrs. Petinrin to all the visitors after which the foreigners were treated to a buffet-style dinner where they savoured the very best of Nigerian delicacies.
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