Adebiyi Adedapo in Abuja
The federal government declared on Thursday that diversification of the nation’s economy through a robust agricultural sector and profitable tourism activities would stimulate rapid economic growth.
The government also said that expanding the culture and tourism sector will serve as vital tools for employment generation.
President Muhammadu Buhari who spoke at the ongoing National Summit on Culture and Tourism noted that his administration would provide the required enabling environment for arts, culture and tourism to thrive and develop through the massive upgrading of infrastructure and the provision of security.
The President who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Okechukwu Enelamah, promised to encourage public and private sector participation and partnership in all the desired areas including transportation as well as beach and resort development.
This according to the President, is a deliberate effort to develop tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and diversification of the economy.
“As a result of the combination of various factors such as the sharp drop in the price of oil, combined breakdown of protectionist policies and changes in social relations, countries are compelled to look for alternative sources of revenue and employment.
“Tourism therefore, is a resource of development and means of providing an additional opportunity for a non-industrialised country like ours, to diversify its economic base for the betterment of all,” he said.
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