By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
A new initiative, Nitorey, has been launched to change the narrative about Nigeria by showcasing the country’s positive stories and boosting tourism. The platform, owned by Honourable Adegboyega Ajibade, a legal consultant in the UK, aims to tell Nigerian stories through streaming and storytelling, with links to booking sites for visitors.
Ajibade stated that the idea was born out of the need to project Nigeria’s good image and attract investment. He partnered with an IT consultant in America to develop the platform, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to boost tourism ¹.
Nitorey will feature stories about Nigeria’s culture, heritage, and landscapes, and is expected to generate revenue and create jobs. The platform is open to collaboration and investment from stakeholders, and is seen as a dawn of a new beginning for Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The launch of Nitorey comes as the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) continues to explore innovative ways to promote tourism, including the recent launch of “Naija Flavour”, a cultural tourism initiative aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s heritage and empowering small businesses.
The launch of Nitourey has generated excitement among stakeholders, with the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in moving the industry forward.
“The whole world can come onto this platform and see what Nigeria has to offer,” she said, adding that the initiative aligns with the President’s mission to diversify the economy.
The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan, echoed this sentiment, saying “Nigeria is a proposition of stories” and that the platform will tell Nigerian narratives in the right perspective.
Awakan explained that Nitourey will feature stories from all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, and will include documentaries, animations, and movies.
The private sector is playing a key role in the initiative, with the NTDA working closely with investors, the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria, and other stakeholders to make the project a success.
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“We believe in them, and we know that together, we can make Nigeria better again,” Awakan said, highlighting the collaborative effort between government and private sector in driving the tourism industry forward.
The launch of Nitourey marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s tourism development, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and unique tourism offerings to the world. The platform is a strategic response to the need for Nigeria to tell its own story, in its own voice, using platforms that resonate globally.
Earlier in a remark, Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in moving the industry forward. She commended the Director General of NTDA, Mr. Ola Awakan, and his team for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to driving transformative initiatives within the sector.
Also in an address, the Director General of NTDA, Ola Awakan, noted that Nitourey is a bold and innovative response to the need for Nigeria to reposition itself as a premier global destination. He emphasized that the platform will showcase Nigeria’s diverse cultural assets and tourism destinations to both domestic and international audiences.
Nitourey will feature stories from all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The platform will include documentaries, animations, and movies, and is expected to revolutionize the tourism sector and boost the economy.
The private sector is playing a key role in the initiative, with the NTDA working closely with investors, the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria, and other stakeholders to make the project a success.
The launch of Nitourey is expected to create jobs, generate revenue, and promote cultural exchange and understanding, showcasing Nigeria’s diversity and hospitality to the world. The NTDA is calling on corporate organizations, well-meaning Nigerians, and captains of industry to invest in this important national initiative.
As Nigeria prepares to fully launch Nitourey by the last quarter of the year, stakeholders are urged to engage actively and carry the story forward, together repositioning Nigeria as a destination to experience, invest in, and celebrate.
