The Bayelsa State government has started the construction of an International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality to train both middle and senior level manpower in the sector within and outside the country.
The Governor of the State, Mr Seriake Dickson, called on all regulatory agencies and other stakeholders in the Tourism sector to collaborate with the management of the institute to actualise the goals for which it was established.
He made the call while commissioning the institute along Elebele/AIT road in Yenagoa on Saturday, describing the facility as the first ever International Tourism and Hospitality Institute in Nigeria.
According to him, the completion of the institute, which will issue certificates in line with international standards, underlies government’s determination to develop the tourism industry.
“It is part of efforts geared toward the diversification of the state’s economy and creation of job opportunities for Bayelsans to enable them contribute their quota to the economy,” he said.
The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Orientation, Mr Edem Duke, commended the state government for championing the development of the culture and tourism sector in preparation for an economy beyond oil and gas.
The Rector of the International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, Professor Prince Efere, said the institute, when operational, would be self-funding towards generating revenue for the state.
Dignitaries who witnessed the ceremony were the High Commissioners of Trinidad and Tobagor, Nyahuma Obika, Vice President of the World Fashion Organisation, Europe, Mr Borgogelli Percario, Patron of the Africa Fashion Organization Africa, Mrs. Merit Gordon Obua and top government functionaries.