Hospitality Watch lauds Lai Mohammed over non attendance of London Travel Market

The Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed has been commended on his decision that Nigeria will not attend this year’s London Travel Market which is scheduled for November 7 to 9, 2016 in London.

In a release made available to Tribune Tourism Magazine (TTM) by Hospitality Watch, the only Non Governmental Organisation in the tourism sector pointed out that “It is gratifying to see the Minister of Information and Culture living up to his avowed promise which he made that, he would not commit Nigeria into attending just any fair or foreign shows just because Nigeria should attend. This is a testimony of the fact that this present government is not in for mere showbiz, but earnestly in to save Nigerians  and Nigeria from economic perdition and destruction.”

In the release signed by its President, Prince Adeoye Martins Aderinwale. The group noted that “We are in harmony with the thought of the minister who has considered the this time in point when Nigeria needs all the fund at home in consolidating domestic tourism, short space of time for preparation and untimely release of fund which is occasioned by the economic recession not to embark upon what could be a show of shame in London.”

He described the decision of the minister as “Apt patriotically, sensible and reasonable. A decision which can be taken by only those who genuinely love the nation at heart.”

Prince Aderinwale said “ By this decision of not attending the London World Travel Market at this point in time  is a clear  indication that the present government of President Muhammadu  Buhari is not only sincere with the mandate of repositioning Nigeria for global advancement, but ready and willing to give the tourism sector a new face.”

He pointed out “this also showcases the seriousness and integrity of the present administration as a government which is not wasteful, vainglorious and one with distinctive clarity of purpose.”

“This is a clear departure from the practices of the past when ministers and their director – generals will just attend any fair or foreign exhibition shows without considering what will be the benefits to Nigeria and Nigerians. “Thus the minister deserves kudos for this patriotic decision and responsible thinking.

Prince Aderinwale said ‘We are not condemning attending foreign fairs or exhibition which of course we must do, but this must be done under the premise of the thinking of the minister which is based on, level of preparation, availability of fund , time of preparation, economic psyche of the nation and whether it will be beneficial to all . And without all these considerations rising to level of significance, attending any fair will amount to nothing but a stupendous jamboree which this nation cannot afford now. Thanks to the insightfulness and robust sense of patriotism of Alhaji Lai Mohammed.”