Stakeholders have voiced their support for the active engagement of young people in advancing tourism and cultural interactions between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.
They made the call during a one-day tourism and culture seminar organized by the Youth Tourism Development Organization (YTDO Nigeria) in partnership with the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria.
Themed “Youth: The Future of China-Nigeria Tourism and Cultural Exchanges,” the event was hosted at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. The seminar brought together key figures from both countries to deliberate on the significance of youth involvement in shaping the future of tourism between China and Nigeria.
In his opening address, Li Xuda, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, underscored the pivotal role of the tourism sector in national development and its potential for fostering growth in both nations. He emphasized the importance of harnessing the energy, diligence, and innovative spirit of young people to foster future collaborations and partnerships in the tourism industry.
Li Xuda remarked, “Both China and Nigeria possess invaluable resources such as beautiful natural landscapes, rich traditional cultures, and talented young individuals, which serve as a solid foundation and driving force for our future tourism endeavours. Young people are a beacon of vitality and promise for future exchanges and cooperation between our nations in the field of tourism.”
Other speakers at the event, including Muhammad Sulaiman, National President of the Society of Nigerian Artists; Fatima Dikko Radda, Wife of the Katsina State Governor; and Comrade Okon Emmanuel, President Emeritus of YTDO Nigeria, highlighted the immense tourism potential inherent in both countries. They emphasized the necessity of nurturing the sector through effective government policies and by actively involving youth in decision-making processes.
The seminar concluded with a ceremony honouring individuals who have made notable contributions to humanity, the tourism sector, and the promotion of cultural harmony between Nigeria and China. The event served as a platform to recognize and celebrate those dedicated to fostering positive relations and collaborations between the two nations.
This gathering not only underscored the importance of youth engagement in driving tourism initiatives but also highlighted the shared commitment of stakeholders from Nigeria and China to strengthen cultural ties and promote mutual understanding through tourism.
