The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, has appointed Lai Mohammed, the former Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Nigeria, to serve as a Special Advisor.
The opening session of the 66th UNWTO Commission for Africa (CAF) is presently ongoing in Mauritius, and during this event, the announcement of Lai Mohammed’s appointment as Special Advisor to UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, was made official.
Lai Mohammed’s consistent and influential contributions to the world tourism body over the last seven years have positioned him well for his new task, as affirmed by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), who believe his expertise will prove beneficial.
Lai Mohammed assumed a leadership role in arranging two noteworthy UNWTO events. Firstly, he oversaw the successful organisation of the 61st UNWTO Commission for Africa (CAF) Meetings in Nigeria in 2018.
Secondly, he played a pivotal role in hosting the inaugural UNWTO Global Conference on Linking Tourism, Culture, and Creative Industries in Lagos the following year.
Lai Mohammed is expected to support Zurab Pololikashvili in his pursuit of making Africa a pivotal region in the global tourism economy. He will also assist in advancing Pololikashvili’s Agenda for Africa program.
Upon accepting the new assignment, Lai Mohammed humbly expressed his gratitude to the Secretary-General for the opportunity, stating that the confidence reposed in him was both humbling and encouraging.
‘I stand before you, deeply touched and inspired by your generous words of confidence and trust. 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.’
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‘This would mark the first time that I would be attending a function of the UNWTO as a private individual having for the past seven (7) years, served as the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I wish to extend my deepest respect and appreciation to all the leaders of the member states, particularly those from the Africa region; for their support and friendship,’ he said.
Mohammed added that, ‘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.’
As the Special Advisor, Lai Mohammed’s responsibilities are multifaceted. A crucial aspect of his role involves collaborating on the formulation of a robust strategy to revive tourism in a sustainable and safe manner following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, he will offer his counsel and expertise to the UNWTO Secretary-General on issues pertaining to information and culture
In his capacity as the Special Advisor, Lai Mohammed will take on the responsibility of preparing essential reports and research documents that align with the UNWTO’s guiding principles.
He will also accompany the Secretary-General during his official visits, offering valuable advice and support. Additionally, he will suggest effective public relations approaches that are in line with the world tourism body’s top priorities.