Lola Ade John! Minister of Tourism meets expectations. By Wale Ojo-Lanre

I cannot help but acknowledge the exceptional performance of Mrs. Lola Ade-John, the Minister of Tourism in Nigeria, in the last four months of her appointment. Despite being on her period for eight weeks, she has proven to be a visionary and committed leader who is passionate about driving the growth of tourism in the country.

First and foremost, Minister Lola Ade-John has made history as the first minister of an independent Ministry of Tourism in Nigeria. This demonstrates its commitment to increasing the importance of tourism and its enormous potential to contribute to economic development and job creation.

One of her notable achievements is her adoption of community-based tourism. By recognizing the value and impact of involving local communities in tourism initiatives, she has paved the way for sustainable development and empowerment at the grassroots level. This approach not only preserves Nigeria’s cultural heritage but also ensures that the benefits of tourism are shared among the people.

Notably, Minister Ade-John has been traveling tirelessly across the country to spread President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tourism gospel. In just eight weeks, she visited more than a dozen states to promote Nigeria’s rich and diverse tourism offering. This bold and proactive approach has helped showcase the country’s unique appeal to both domestic and international visitors, ultimately boosting the tourism industry.

In addition to her extensive travels, the Minister has initiated and supported several policies in the field of sustainable tourism. Key to this is the introduction of the Eco-Genesis Incubator Program, which encourages environmentally friendly tourism practices. Additionally, the Mobile Culinary Event and Community Tourism initiatives have revitalized the sector, enticing visitors with immersive experiences and promoting economic growth in local communities.

Minister Ade-John’s commitment to collaboration and inclusivity in the tourism sector is evident in her revival of the National Assembly of Tourism Ministers and Tourism Commissioners. By re-establishing this platform for dialogue, she has enabled effective communication and synergy among key stakeholders, ultimately leading to more coordinated efforts for the development of the tourism sector.

Furthermore, the Minister has demonstrated her commitment to long-term planning and strategic vision by establishing a committee to review the National Tourism Master Plan. This progressive approach ensures that Nigeria’s tourism policy is in line with world best practices and tailored to the country’s specific needs and ambitions.

In addition, Minister Ade-John has held fruitful dialogues with strategic stakeholders and private tourism associations. Her ability to network and collaborate with different actors in the tourism sector has fostered partnerships that drive innovation, investment and job creation. In addition, it has actively sought to integrate the tourism sector with other financial institutions in the country, further strengthening the foundation for sustainable growth.

In just four months, Minister Lola Ade-John has demonstrated remarkable leadership, implementing transformative policies and initiatives that have already begun to yield positive results. Her impressive achievements have endorsed and justified her appointment by President Tinubu, who recognized her exceptional qualifications and expertise in the field of tourism.

I express my sincere gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Minister Lola Ade-John and recognizing the need for the right peg in the right hole.
Her competence and passion for advancing the tourism sector make her a perfect fit for the role. Under her able leadership, I am confident that the Nigerian tourism industry will flourish and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the country.

Minister Lola Ade-John is a real asset to the Nigerian tourism industry, and her dedication and achievements in the first few months of her appointment are a testament to her professionalism and commitment.