Ekiti State’s Director General of the Bureau of Tourism Development, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, has commended the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) for its decisive stance on the controversial Motherland 2025 Initiative.
Reacting to FTAN’s letter addressed to the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, Ojo-Lanre noted that the federation’s concerns reflect the collective voice of Nigeria’s tourism stakeholders. He emphasized that duplicating an already established project, Motherland Beckons, could create unnecessary confusion within the sector, especially among the African diaspora and global tourism investors.
“I align with FTAN’s position in urging the Minister to consolidate efforts with existing projects rather than create a parallel initiative. Motherland Beckons—IPADA Celebration has already demonstrated its credibility and impact, garnering presidential backing and international recognition. A fragmented approach could tarnish Nigeria’s image and disrupt the progress made in promoting diaspora engagement through tourism,” he stated.
Ojo-Lanre further stressed that the tourism sector thrives on collaboration and consistency, urging the Ministry to engage with private sector players like Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, whose pioneering work with Motherland Beckons has significantly advanced Nigeria’s global tourism profile.
He called on all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, to prioritize synergy over rivalry, ensuring that Nigeria’s tourism agenda remains unified and strategically positioned for sustainable growth.
“Tourism development requires a collective and structured approach. We must protect the integrity of established initiatives while fostering innovation that complements, rather than competes with, ongoing efforts,” he added.
The Ekiti Tourism DG reaffirmed his commitment to working with FTAN and other tourism stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s cultural and economic tourism interests.
