NIDOE promotes Nigerian tourism in Vienna

Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) held a two-day event in Vienna in July to promote the Nigeria tourism sector. The event was declared open by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Austria, Gazing Dangtim, after a welcome address by the NIDOE Austria chair, Oluyemi Ogundele, who said: “Nigeria could generate foreign exchange, provide employment and accelerate rural urban integration by developing the tourism sector”.

Engr Ogundele explained that the main objective of the conference was to scout for investors for the tourism sector in Nigeria and to inform the potential investors of the expected benefits. “The potentials of this industry have remained untapped for many years.”

In his remarks, Mr Dangtim said Nigeria was naturally blessed with locations that could attract tourists from all over the globe. He mentioned the beaches along the country’s coast, waterfalls, games reserves, rock formations and rain forests. He emphasised that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari was actively seeking foreign investors and tourists. He also mentioned that the government had put adequate security in place to guaranty the safety of foreign visitors.

In her goodwill message to the event, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, thanked NIDOE for organising the event, describing it as a wonderful initiative to assist the Federal Government in its efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy. She listed the areas where the Diasporas could support the government. This includes investing at home, scouting for investors in their countries of residence and partnering with government to promote Nigeria as a safe tourist destination.

A Nigerian Cultural Festival rounded up the conference at which guests were treated to dances and cultural performances from different states of Nigeria

Oluyemi Ogundele