Nigeria’s former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, has been appointed as the special advisor to the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili.
Mohammed’s appointment was announced at the opening session of the 66th UNWTO Commission for Africa (CAF), which is currently being held in Mauritius.
The former minister is expected to assist the secretary-general in achieving his goal of elevating Africa through his “Agenda for Africa programme” to a significant region for the global tourist sector.
In his acceptance of the new appointment, Mohammed expressed his thanks, saying that he is honoured to be the first Nigerian to take up the role.
“I stand before you, deeply touched and inspired by your generous words of confidence and trust,” he said.
“With so much gratitude for the confidence placed in me by the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Mr. Zurab Pololikashivili and with an unswerving resolve to honour that trust, I humbly accept the appointment as the Special Advisor on Tourism to the Secretary General of this great Organization.
“I am deeply honoured to become the first Nigerian to serve in this capacity. Nigeria is dynamic and diverse in terms of natural and human resources in the areas of tourism, culture, creative industries, technology and other aspects of our national economy.
“Having come so far and rising still, the Nigeria and Africa region in general is living and shaping the full range of achievements and challenges of our current times.
“It is therefore inspiring to take on more responsibilities that will guide the development of tourism in a more responsible and sustainable manner.”
The Special Advisor’s role includes advising the UNWTO Secretary General on matters pertaining to information and culture as well as helping to build a plan for resuming a sustainable and secure tourist industry after COVID-19.
In accordance with UNWTO guidelines, Lai Mohammed is also required to write pertinent studies and research papers, accompany the Secretary General on his travels and provide advice, and suggest pertinent public relations initiatives in keeping with the organization’s top goals.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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