Residents want FG, State govts. to upgrade nation’s tourism sites
NAN-ELS-1
Vacation
By Justina David Auta
Abuja, Jan. 24, 2017 (NAN) Some FCT residents on Tuesday appealed to the Federal and State Governments to upgrade the country’s tourism sites to international standard, make it more attractive and economically viable.
Some of those who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja said this will reduce tourism flights among Nigerians and encourage more patronage to further boost revenue.
According to Mr Monday Daniel, a graduate of History, there was the need for governments at all levels to make local tourist sites more attractive to woo both local and foreign tourists.
He said this will generate massive wealth for the nation in lieu of the current economic recession.
Daniel said that the nation has so much historical sites that have been turned into tourist sites, which citizens can visit for holidays, know about their origin, as well as generate money for the country.
“ It’s so sad that people, especially some of our celebrities and public office holders prefer to visit other countries for vacation, thereby contributing more to the economy of such countries.
“ Virtually all the states have tourist sites, where historical artifacts are kept for people to come and see, but some Nigerians prefer to know about other people’s culture rather than respect and uphold the ones we have,’’ he said.
“ The nation is already suffering from over-reliance on oil, we need to look at other sectors, particularly tourism, which would generate a lot of wealth for us as a nation, create job opportunities as well as educate people on our culture.’’
Mrs Patience David, a teacher, lamented the rates at which some schools prefer to take their students out of the country for excursion, rather than take them to the available tourists’ sites available in the country.
“ It has become a thing of competition for some schools to take their students out of the country during summer break all in the name of excursion, but I see it rather as a way for them to extort money from gullible parents rather than impact more on their knowledge.
“ They will only flaunt it among peer groups or post pictures on social media it that they have visited such tourist sites outside the country, when we have several abandon sites in the country.’’
David, therefore called on the Nigerian government to strategise more and woo foreigners, especially students to also visit the abundant historical sites in the country to encourage Nigerian schools to visits the ones in the country rather than travel abroad.
On his own part, Mr Emmanuel Titus, a security officer stressed on the need for security to be put in place, particularly in local tourist sites to reassure tourist of their safety amidst the security challenges affecting some parts of the country.
“ There should be adequate security in tourist sites, recreational centres, zoos, parks and games reserve to reassure tourists, both local and foreign that their lives and properties are secured,’’ he said.
Also, Malam Isa Sabo called on the government to canvass ways that would encourage other countries to host world events, seminars and workshops in the country.
“ Our government also need to encourage other countries to come to Nigeria for their meetings, workshops, seminars and other functions, which would generate money for us, rather than we always going out of the country for such events.’’
Sabo also stressed the need for government officials to desist from travelling outside the country to seek medical attention and holidays, but rather empower the sectors responsible for it.
Miss Joy Sani, an undergraduate, also advised Nigerian celebrities to also inculcate the habit of spending their vacations, shopping and making musical and home videos within the country.
“ It is only when these celebrities wants to make money that they remember Nigeria, but when it is time to spend it, they prefer to travel to other countries like Dubai, US, and even South Africa for shopping, vacation and to shoot videos.’’
Sani, therefore appealed to Nigerian citizens, irrespective of their profession or financial status to contribute towards making the nation better and improving its economy by patronising Nigerian products and available resources. (NAN)
JAD/EAL/EAL
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
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