The Federal Ministry of Tourism is introducing a sustainable tourism entrepreneurship programme called ‘EcoGenesis Incubator’ to train and empower women and youth.
The programme targets the training and empowerment of women and youths in Nigeria’s tourism host communities across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
A statement by Joesef Karim, Public Relations Officer of the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) on Sunday said that the objective is to offer a dynamic platform that will catalyze innovation and drive economic empowerment by helping the participants to develop, articulate, and refine their skills and tourism products.
The statement added that the programme would lift many Nigerians out of poverty by leveraging on the abundant tourism opportunities inherent in our communities across the Nation.
He said that the first series of the ‘EcoGenesis Incubator’ programme would be held in Makurdi, Benue State, on 14 and 15 March 2024 where women and youth would be trained and empowered on tourism souvenirs production, specifically jewellery making and rhinestone embellishment.
The programmes would be delivered in a series across the 36 States and the FCT and would be executed in partnership with the NIHOTOUR.
Upon completion, the trainees will be given tourism entrepreneurial starter packs to enable them to start their personal jewellery-making and rhinestone embellishment businesses targeting visitors and tourists in Benue State.
The Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, who only last week on International Women’s Day said, “The EcoGenesis Incubator is a tailored Nigerian tourism enterprise development program designed specifically for women and youth residing in the heart of tourist host communities.
“Through targeted training and empowerment initiatives conducted in rural areas across Nigeria, this program aims to facilitate the emergence of local tourism businesses and service offerings, fostering sustainable development in the country.
“We are dedicated to forging partnerships with key stakeholders, including the private sector, state governments, and local communities, to cultivate distinctive Nigerian tourism offerings and elevate Nigeria as a premier tourism destination.
“As evidenced by the transformative economic impact of tourism, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria, the sector’s multiplier effects can significantly enhance the quality of life in host communities while fostering revenue generation for investors, operators, and governmental entities alike.”
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