By Sarah NEGEDU
The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has declared its readiness to reposition the six area councils as thriving hubs for tourism and investment, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, stated this at the maiden edition of the FCT Area Councils’ Tourism and Hospitality Investment Carnival and Expo, held at the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, Bunmi Olowookere, Dr. Mahmoud said the event was aimed at “showcasing and promoting investment opportunities and economic growth potential inherent in the various area councils of the FCT.”
A statement by the Media Adviser to the Minister, Austine Elemue, quoted the minister saying that, “Through the celebration of indigenous culture, business and innovation, the administration is poised to ignite and revitalize the economy, foster inclusive community development and create pathways for sustainable wealth generation in the FCT, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Mahmoud revealed that the FCTA, under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike, had received a mandate from the President to “develop and open up the culture, tourism, and hospitality hubs of the FCT in order to compete favourably with other tourists and hospitality destinations across the world.”
She described the area councils as “critical and strategic stakeholders,” stressing that “most of the potential and investment opportunities to drive these directives are domiciled in the area councils.”
The minister commended the Tourism Department of the Social Development Secretariat for initiating the expo, and assured that the FCTA “would continue to welcome ideas, support initiatives, engender collaborations and participate in exhibitions that would help to deepen and nurture the revitalization of the tourism and hospitality potential of the FCT as a preferred tourist and investment haven for visitors and investors in the continent.”
Also speaking, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Social Development Secretariat, Hon. Aminu Ibrahim, emphasised the economic value of tourism, saying the sector “has contributed to the GDP of most countries that have invested in the sector.”
Represented by the Director of Administration and Finance, Dr. Nasiru Shidali, he said, “Abuja remains one of the fastest growing and developing cities that is opened for businesses and ripe with enormous opportunities waiting to be harnessed.”
He added: “It is in line with the above objectives that the FCT Administration, in tandem with the federal government Renewed Hope Agenda mantra, is anxious in creating an investment-friendly environment. And this expo exemplifies our dedication to fostering the growth and development of the sector in the FCT.”
“We recognize the importance of arts, culture, and tourism in revenue generation, job creation, and urban regeneration,” he stated.
According to Ibrahim, the FCT’s strategic location and rapidly expanding population make it an increasingly attractive destination for investors, businesses, and tourism stakeholders.
