FG trains youths in Epe as tour guides
By Mohammed Adekola
The Federal Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism trained about 40 youths in Epe, as tour guides and operators.
The Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, during the graduation held in Epe, said the training known as EcoGenesis Incubator Series, was meant to support tourism development.
The three-day training started on Friday, April 13 and ended April 15. Each of the beneficiaries was given certificates and starter kits.
She said the Epe edition was the 4th in the series, adding that similar trainings were also held in Badagry, Makurdi and Ekiti.
She, however, urged the beneficiaries to practise all they learnt, be accommodating of tourists, relay beautiful and interesting stories of Epe and always remain polite.
She said, “This marks a pivotal moment where we embark on a journey of empowerment and growth for our local tourism industry. As the minister of tourism, I am deeply committed to fostering sustainable development and promoting the immense potential of our beautiful Epe region through community engagements.
“The EcoGenesis Incubator Series represents a significant milestone in our effort to elevate tourism, by providing training and guidance to our aspiring and established tourist operators and guides. We are investing in the future of our people and unlocking new opportunities for economic prosperity. Tourism is not merely about visiting attractions, it is about creating unforgettable experiences that leave lasting impact on visitors and locals alike.
“Through this initiative, we aim to equip our tourism professionals with knowledge, skills, and passion, to showcase the unique beauty and cultural heritage of Epe to the world,” she said.
“This tourism service of tour guiding for tourists across Nigeria and the globe has contributed to the creation of more than 118 million jobs. This translated to 3.8 per cent global employment as reported by the World Travel and Tourism Council. Records also have it that for every 30 new tourists, one new job is created in every industry of the sector.
One of the beneficiaries of the training, Aminat Lawal, who is an undergraduate of Allied Sciences at the Ogun State Polytechnic, said she enrolled in the programme because of her love for tourism. The final year student described the training session as educating and enlightening.
She said, “This is a great privilege for me. I appreciate NIHOTOUR and all the facilitators. I look forward to practising as a tour guide.”
Chairman, Epe Local Government Area, Surah Amimashaun, expressed gratitude to the minister and NIHOTOUR, for training Epe youths, stressing that the problem of unemployment had been addressed.
