Immediate past Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has gotten a new appointment as a special advisor to Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
His appointment was announced at the commencement of the 66th UNWTO Commission for Africa (CAF), which is presently taking place in Mauritius.
One of his mandate is to aid the secretary-general in accomplishing his aim of elevating Africa through his “Agenda for Africa programme” to a significant region for the global tourist sector.
Mohammed expressed gratitude in his acceptance speech, adding he is honored to be the first Nigerian to take on the post.
“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.”
Among his duties, is to conduct relevant research, accompany the Secretary General on his travels and public relations events in line with the organization’s key aims.
