Former Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Nigeria, Lai Mohammed, has been named Special Advisor to Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
According to a statement provided to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Mohammed’s appointment was announced during the first session of the 66th UNWTO Commission for Africa (CAF), which is currently taking place in Mauritius.
Mr. Mohammed offers a wealth of expertise and experience to his new position as he has constantly contributed to the operations of the international tourism organization over the past seven years.
He oversaw the planning of the inaugural UNWTO Global Conference on Linking Tourism, Culture, and Creative Industries in Lagos last year as well as the 61st UNWTO CAF Meetings in Nigeria in 2018 and 2019.
He is anticipated to assist Mr. Pololikashvili in achieving his goal of using his Agenda for Africa program to make Africa a significant location for the global tourism sector.
In accepting the new position, Mr. Mohammed expressed his gratitude and said he was motivated by the secretary-general’s faith in him.
“Your kind words of assurance and faith have deeply moved and motivated me as I stand in front of you.
“I humbly accept the appointment as the Special Advisor on Tourism to the Secretary General of this great Organization with such gratitude for the confidence shown in me by Mr. Zurab Pololikashivili, Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and with an unwavering resolve to uphold that trust.
After serving as the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism for the last seven years, this will be my first time attending a UNWTO event as a private individual.
For their support and friendship, he stated, “I wish to extend my deepest respect and appreciation to all the leaders of the member states, particularly those from the Africa region.”
“I am deeply honored to serve in this capacity as the first Nigerian,” Mr. Mohammed continued.
“In terms of natural and human resources in the fields of tourism, culture, creative industries, technology, and other facets of our national economy, Nigeria is vibrant and diversified.
Nigeria, in particular, and the African continent in general are experiencing and forming the whole range of accomplishments and problems of our modern times after coming so far and continuing to rise.
As a result, it is motivating to take on additional duties that will direct the growth of tourism in a more responsible and sustainable manner.
The Special Advisor’s duties include advising the UNWTO secretary-general on matters pertaining to information and culture as well as helping to build a plan for resuming safe and responsible tourism following COVID-19.
In accordance with UNWTO guidelines, the former minister is also expected to prepare pertinent reports and research papers as well as travel with the secretary-general on official business.
During such visits, he is also expected to provide him guidance and suggest pertinent public relations initiatives in keeping with the aims of the international tourism organization.
When Bola Tinubu was governor of Lagos State, Mr. Mohammed served as his chief of staff. Before being named minister, he later worked as the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s spokesperson.
