Former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, has called on the federal government and stakeholders in the tourism sector to prioritise continuity of programmes and policies to ensure sustainable development of culture and tourism in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview, Ogbuewu lamented that many impactful initiatives introduced in previous administrations, including the Abuja Carnival, were abandoned instead of being sustained and improved upon.
“Whenever you get an appointment, try to continue from where the other person stopped. Continuity is important. There is no reason why Abuja Carnival should die the way it did after all the work we put into it,” he said.
Ogbuewu, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Culture and Tourism between 2003 and 2006, noted that tourism remains the second-largest employer of labour globally after agriculture, yet Nigeria has failed to fully harness its potential to tackle unemployment.
He recalled how the Abuja Carnival created jobs and business opportunities across all strata of society, stressing that tourism can serve as a catalyst for economic growth if given proper attention.
States Should Drive Tourism Development
Reacting to the recent call by the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, for youth involvement in tourism, Ogbuewu said the responsibility does not rest solely on the federal government.
According to him, all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory possess unique tourism assets that should be developed and promoted.
“Every state and local government area has products with comparative advantage. If governors take tourism seriously and promote these products, the sector will expand tremendously and Nigeria will become a global discussion,” he stated.
He stressed that youth participation would grow naturally once state governments provide organised platforms and enabling environments.
Implementation, Not Just MoUs
On how to boost the tourism sector beyond policy declarations, Ogbuewu insisted that the ministry must focus on implementation rather than signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) without follow-through.
“What we need now is action. Implementation of those MoUs — that’s all,” he remarked.
Tourism and Technology
While acknowledging the global shift toward Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ogbuewu advised that Nigeria should first consolidate on its strengths in traditional tourism development before fully embracing digital innovations.
Award and Tribute to Obasanjo
Ogbuewu, who was recently honoured with the ‘Most Impactful Nigerian Minister of Culture and Tourism’ award by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), expressed gratitude for being remembered 18 years after leaving office.
He dedicated the award to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, crediting him for supporting the establishment of the Nigerian Council of Tourism and promoting the Abuja Carnival during his tenure.
Final Message
Ogbuewu reaffirmed his appeal to policymakers:
“Any good programme, let them continue with it whenever the person that introduced it leaves. Continuity is the key.”
