Seminar on "Youth: Future of China-Nigeria Tourism Exchanges" Held in Abuja

The China Cultural Center in Nigeria (CCCNIG), in collaboration with the Youth Tourism Development Organization (YTDO), hosted the Seminar on "Youth: Future of China-Nigeria Tourism Exchanges" on 29^th February 2024.

Poster of the Seminar

The event kicked off with the National Anthems of both Nations, In attendance were Mr Li Xuda (Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of CCCNIG), Her Excellency Hajiya Fatima Dikko Radda (Wife of the Governor of Katsina State), Dr. Kabir Ali Masanawa (Vice President North West Zone Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria), Mr. Sam Agbi (Representative for Otunba Segun Runsewe, Former DG of NCAC), Mr. Muhammed Suleiman (President of China Alumni Association of Nigeria & President of the Society of Nigerian Artists), Commrade Okon Emmanuel (President of YTDO), Chief Mike Yousuf Ugwu (Vice chairman of Nigeria-China Business Council) among others.

Counsellor Li delivered welcome speech（Photo by Mrs. Chen Huiling of CCCNIG）

During the welcome address at the Seminar, Mr. Li Xuda, the Cultural Counselor, extended a warm welcome to all attendees on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and CCCNIG. He expressed his belief that the attendees would add value to the discussion and contribute to the success of the event. Mr. Li Xuda emphasized that young people are energetic, diligent, ready to accept new things, and dare to innovate. He further explained that young people represent vitality and the future, and they are a new force in promoting social development and international cooperation.

He added that the relationship between the two countries is based on the affection between the civilizations of the two countries, and tourism exchange can help to strengthen this relationship. In closing, Mr. Xuda expressed his sincere thanks to Comrade OKON Emmanuel, president of YTDO, and his team, for their tireless efforts in making the Seminar possible. He also thanked the lecturers for sharing their wisdom and initiative.

Comrade Okon Emmunauel gave his remark（Photo by Mrs. Chen Huiling of CCCNIG）

An introductory video presentation of YTDO was displayed to the audience to give better explanation about the inception of YTDO and the President of YTDO Comrade Okon Emmunauel gave brief speech on the impact of youth in Tourism and Cultural Promotion, He talked about few topics; Youth Tourist spending more money, Youth stays longer at destination, youths travellers returns to destination in the future, youth market is ,more resilient, young traveller’s are more tech savvy. He further talked about YTDO Waste to Creativity project, he said the project is soliciting for the Nigerian and other countries government agencies, National and International donors organisations and spirited individuals, financial, morals, materials and expertise supports.

Mr. Sam gave his speech（Photo by Mrs. Chen Huiling of CCCNIG）

Opening speech was given by Sam Agbi JP who represented the Former DG NCAC Otunba Segun Runsewe; He talked on government’s support for tourism and thanked VIP’s present. The president China Alumni Associations; Mohammed Suleiman gave lectures on Historic tourism sites in Abuja and he talked extensively on ways to harness the potentials in the tourism sector in Nigeria.

Awarding Ceremony（Photo by Mrs. Chen Huiling of CCCNIG）

The wife of the Governor of Kastina State Her Excellency Hajiya Fatima Dikko Radda gave her Goodwill message. Awards and Certificates of Honour were presented and Vote of thanks was given by the Secretary of YTDO and the event came to an end with interview by the press.

By Mr. Salim Ahmed Shuaib, Project Manager of CCCNIG