Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians, especially young people, to explore and maximise the country’s vast tourism potential, describing the sector as a major avenue for job creation, economic growth and national development.
The First Lady made the call on Tuesday when she received the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Hassan Al-Hail, at the State House, Abuja.
Senator Tinubu said Nigeria’s diverse culture, rich heritage, traditional cuisines, natural landscapes and the warmth of its people provide enormous opportunities that can be developed into a thriving tourism industry.
She stressed that the country has not fully taken advantage of its tourism resources despite the benefits the sector offers.
“We have not really explored the nation optimally. Our tourism sector remains our strong point. It gives employment. Look at our food, culture,” the First Lady said.
“We are a friendly people.”
She noted that tourism has the capacity to create opportunities for millions of Nigerians, particularly youths, if properly harnessed.
The First Lady encouraged Nigerians to appreciate the beauty of their country and promote the positive stories that reflect Nigeria’s potential.
“We need to begin to look inward and appreciate what we have as a nation,” she said.
“We have so much to offer the world, from our culture and traditions to our hospitality and natural attractions.”
Senator Tinubu added that exposing more Nigerians to the country’s tourism destinations would help strengthen national pride and create economic opportunities.
“We have a beautiful country. We have different cultures, different foods and different experiences that people can enjoy,” she said.
While acknowledging the challenges confronting the nation, the First Lady expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its difficulties through commitment and collective effort.
She said the challenges facing Nigeria are not peculiar to the country and assured that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing them.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing all he can. We are undaunted and indeed the nation will be great again,” she said.
She called for continued support and partnership from stakeholders as efforts continue towards building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
The First Lady also expressed appreciation to the Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, for her commitment to supporting education, science and community development initiatives across Africa.
She praised the role of the Qatar Foundation in promoting human development and creating opportunities for communities.
“Her Highness has done so much, not only for Qatar but also for African nations,” Senator Tinubu said.
She thanked the Qatari government for its partnership with Nigeria, particularly in areas focused on improving education and addressing the challenge of out-of-school children.
According to her, the collaboration has continued to receive positive feedback from the Federal Ministry of Education of Nigeria.
“The feedback we are getting from the Ministry of Education has been encouraging, and we appreciate the support and partnership,” she said.
The First Lady said partnerships between both countries demonstrate the importance of cooperation in tackling shared challenges and improving the lives of citizens.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Hassan Al-Hail, said his experience in Nigeria had changed the impression he initially had about the country.
The ambassador said he arrived in Nigeria with concerns shaped by information he had seen on social media but discovered that many of those reports did not reflect the reality on ground.
“Though I arrived in Nigeria under a cloud of fear because of what I saw and heard on social media, I have discovered that they are not true,” Al-Hail said.
“Nigeria is not what we hear and see on the social media. It is a beautiful country with wonderful people.”
He said his visits to different locations had exposed him to the country’s beauty and hospitality.
“I have been to Lagos, I have seen the beaches, it is a beautiful place,” he said.
The ambassador praised Nigerians for their friendliness and expressed confidence in the potential of stronger relations between Nigeria and Qatar.
He assured that he would continue to promote cooperation and understanding between both nations.
“I will do all I can to build bridges between the two countries to the benefit of both,” Al-Hail said.
He added that strengthening diplomatic and economic ties would create opportunities for citizens of both countries.
During the meeting, Ambassador Al-Hail presented a letter from Sheikha Moza bint Nasser to the First Lady, further highlighting the continued engagement between Nigeria and Qatar.
The visit reinforced discussions around education, development cooperation and the promotion of stronger bilateral relations between the two countries.