Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s immediate past Minister of Communication, has been named as special adviser to UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) secretary general Pololikashvili.
Mohammed’s appointment was disclosed at the 66th UNWTO Commission for Africa (CAF), which is taking place in Mauritius, according to a release on Tuesday.
Mohammed is anticipated to assist the secretary-general in achieving his goal of elevating Africa through his “Agenda for Africa programme” to a significant region for the world tourism economy.
According to a report, the former minister expressed his honor at being the first Nigerian to assume the position.
“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.”