NIGERIANS, in practicalpursuance of their desires for an all-round change in the country, ensured the success of individuals whom they believed could provoke the desired change, in the just concluded April election.Now, winners have emerged, celebrations are ongoing, swearing-in ceremonies approaching and demands are high on the winners.TTH congratulates the winners, but reminds them of the fact that the real celebration of their victory at the polls lies in their successful tenure in office and the development they engineer in their various constituencies.One of the major sectors in the country that require urgent and preferential treatment is tourism. The economic benefits of tourism to individuals, states and countries necessitate that this revenue-yielding sector be given preferential treatment. But the paradox is that much of the tourism potentialities in the country are undeveloped and unexplored to enable the nation and its people to enjoy the goodies, which the sector has in stock.No doubt, an attempt to develop Nigerias tourism sector will compel government investment on security network; proper urban/rural road networking; considerably stable electricity supply and improvement of other infrastructure facilities in the country.The newly elected representatives at all levels of governance in the country, led by President Goodluck Jonathan, should make deliberate and sustained efforts to develop and promote Nigerias tourism industry. The appointment of the minister and commissioners of tourism should not be politicised; rather, expertise should prevail in the appointment, while more fund should be voted for the ministry.The Federal Government should also empower the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), among other tourism agencies, with the necessary apparatus to make them more functional; encourage and support tourism bodies; enhance public/private sector collaboration and practically encourage youth participation in tourism. State governments should ensure that the tourism boards in their respective states are functional.The governors of Kebbi, Abuja, Taraba, Lagos, Cross River, Ogun, and Oyo states should do more to ensure the survival and improvement of the festivals being celebrated in their states, which no doubt are fast becoming institutions in the world of tourism globally.Consequently, Governor Saidu Dakingari should ensure the rejuvenation of the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Kebbi State, which is on the brink of death. He should work on its packaging and preparations.More need to be done on the annual Abuja Carnival, which started in 2005, featuring remarkable sights and sounds of Nigeria and showcasing the creative spirit of the Nigerian people, hospitality and passion for festivity. The carnival is supposed to gain more weight, not to lose popularity.The Nwoyo Fishing Festival in Taraba State, which is fast gaining recognition in the tourism world should further be packaged and promoted to expose the state to the world.Cross River State governor has to make more efforts to electrify the hitherto soaring tourism profile of the state. The result of this will project Carnival Calabar and Obudu Cattle Ranch, among other giant tourism strides of the state on the world tourism map.The success of the 2010 Eyo Festival in Lagos State vividly displayed the states readiness to promote cultural tourism. While the Raji Fashola-led administration in the state plans to make this years edition more historic, it should also look into the promotion of beach tourism and develop other tourism potentialities in the state.The Ojude Oba, which has come to stay, enjoying the support of corporate organisations like the MTN, among other festivals being held in Ogun State, should be further promoted. The Senator Ibikunle Amosu-led administration should see to exposing, developing and promoting other tourist destinations in the state. The likes of Olumo Rock and the First Church in Nigeria, among others make the list of tourist attractions that seek attention from the in-coming administration in the state.Senator Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State should, for posterity sake, ensure the survival of the Oyo Festival, which had its debut last year, and meticulously overhaul the states tourism industry.The innumerable tourist sites in the Pacesetter State had for long been neglected. This had denied the state and the people the dividends of tourism industry. To revamp the states tourism, the ministry should be autonomous, with a versed tourism practitioner at the helms of affairs of the ministry, while the states tourism board should be given the well-deserved deliverance.It is high time the issue of the ministry which the Agodi Gardens belongs to is addressed. But considering the characteristics of the gardens, it is a tourist site and should be under the tourism ministry.The newly-elected representatives should not sow mediocrity in developing the countrys rich tourism industry and expect excellence. It is high time we got it right.
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