The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mbanefo

  • Mbanefo sponsors 20 students, bags award

    Mbanefo sponsors 20 students, bags award

    The former Director-General Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mrs Sally Mbanefo was at the weekend honoured with an Award of Excellence for her contributions to youth empowerment, support for sacred music education, and scholarship sponsorship at the St. Gregory Diploma School of Pastoral Music, Lagos.

    The award was presented during the Pentecost Concert and Award of Benefactors, hosted by the school under the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos and affiliated with Augustine University. The event held at Our Lady Mother of Perpetual Help Parish Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos. Mbanefo, whose service to humanity has long transcended the boardroom and public office,  said that she served for nearly 10 years as First Vice Chairman of Holy Cross Cathedral, which she described as the “traditional church of the Yorubas.”

    Further affirming her commitment to liturgical education, she sponsored 20 students on full scholarships for a two year diploma programme in pastoral music.

    One of the highlights of the event was the angelic choral and orchestral performances by the school’s final year students. Their renditions of sacred pieces drew applause from a visibly moved audience.

    The concert also celebrated the birthday of the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale-Martins, who turned a year older in early June. He was presented with a birthday cake and a special award. Other benefactors and clergy were similarly honoured for their service and support. Archbishop Martins expressed gratitude for the success of the day.

    Read Also: Eight countries with efficient visa pathways for students

    “This is indeed a significant day, and we have God to thank for His goodness. We also commend Rev. Fr. Peter Osuntope for his zeal and initiative in making this happen.”

    Reflecting on the performances, he said: “As I watched the choristers and orchestras, it struck me that these are not just talents they are skills, honed through education and practice. We thank God for the facility that allows them to nurture and turn these skills into something meaningful.”

    He commended the honourees, saying: “Many thanks to all of you for what you have done, what you’re doing, and what you will continue to do. Your generosity is helping to build something greater.”

    The event reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to musical development and the power of gratitude, leaving guests inspired and hopeful for the future.

  • Mbanefo gets humanitarian service award

    Former Director-General Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and Anambra State Commissioner for   Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artwork, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo will on Saturday, be honoured with Outstanding Personality in Humanitarian Services 2018 award.

    The event will hold at Best Western Meloch Hotel, Awka, the Anambra State capital.

    The award, organised by a Canadian leading Christian magazine, Miles Magazine and Media Inc., published by Bishop Don Ifepe, is in appreciation of Mrs Uwechue-Mbanefo’s selfless service to the poor.

    Last September, she received the African Women of Excellence Award at the African Union Diaspora Africa Forum (AUDAF), in Johannesburg in South Africa.

    Mrs Uwechue-Mbanefo is passionate about Charity and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and has received several awards for charity work done over the years, including Touching Lives Award from Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Award of Excellence by World Union of Catholic Women Organisation for women empowerment and preservation of the dignity of womanhood, Senior Advocate of Youth Award from the Holy Cross Cathedral Youths, Lagos, to name a few, as well as many awards for tourism leadership. She received commendation letters from NTDC Staff Union in 2015 and 2016 for her commitment to staff welfare. She is a prolific artist who loves horses, reading, travelling, working with the youth and is a Prayer Coach.

    Mrs Uwechue-Mbanefo  is a 1986 Law graduate from the University of Lagos with over 30 years corporate professional experience, having spent 21 years in Banking, three years in Oil & Gas sectors, two years in manufacturing, all at Executive Director levels and five years in Public Service.

    She was appointed NTDC chief executive in 2013. At the expiration of her tenure, she left for the Information Communications Technology (ICT) sector until she was invited last year by  Anambra State Governor Chief Willie Obiano to serve as Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artwork, Culture and Tourism.

    She began her career in 1987, as a pioneer staff member in the Treasury department of Abacus Merchant Bank Limited (one of the first indigenous banks in Nigeria). In 1989, she joined International Merchant Bank Limited (former First National Bank of Chicago, where she spent 17 years in the Treasury Department, International Trade Department, Operations Department, Loan Recovery Department, Capital Markets Department, managed Shareholder/Investor Relations, handled human capital management, and General Administration.

    She was the Chief Foreign Exchange Dealer of the bank before her appointment as the Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, the youngest at the time for a publicly-quoted company.

    Mrs Uwechue-Mbanefo managed two public offers for the bank that later became IMB Plc and now FCMB Plc. She led three restructurings for the bank and propelled its conversion from merchant banking to commercial banking, while managing its relationships with the CBN, NSE, SEC and other regulatory authorities.

    Having built strong contacts in government agencies, and regulatory authorities, she rose through the ranks to become Director (ED), Business Development in 2002 in IMB Plc. and a non-ED of IMB Morgan Plc, as well as the Company Secretary/Legal Adviser. She was instrumental to resolving a major shareholder crisis in IMB in 2003.

    In 2004, Mrs Uwechue-Mbanefo was headhunted by Lafarge Africa Plc as the Company Secretary/Legal and Head of Support  Services, the most senior female executive in Africa then. She led a change management exercise called ‘New Dawn’ and supervisined the Communications, Government Affairs, Community Affairs, Legal, Board Secretariat and Administration departments.

    She managed Shareholder/Investor Relations, successfully resolved shareholders’ versus Management discontent and calmed community agitations for Lafarge Africa Plc whilst stabilizing the operations at the Cement manufacturing plants.

    Mbanefo  subsequently managed a Public Offer for Lafarge Africa Plc before being invited to Coca-Cola Africa as the Public Affairs and Communication Director for ten countries in Africa.

    At Coca Cola Africa, she led the team for the FIFA World Cup trophy tour to Nigeria and worked closely with the Government to secure top level approvals for the Company’s Tariffs and Excise Duties for Raw Material Imports and Product Launch Initiatives of the Company. Sally was also a Director of the American Business Council, a private sector consortium of American-owned companies that proffered solutions to public sector challenges faced by private sector operators.

    She also managed Coca Cola Africa’s relationships with NAFDAC, SON (Standard Organization of Nigeria) and the Presidency.

    In 2006, Sally was invited to Allied Energy Limited, an upstream oil & gas company, as Group Executive Director, Finance and Administration, a company in a Joint Venture with Nigeria Agip Exploration and Oando Plc. Her scope of work covered the restructuring of the Group of Companies, in which she streamlined operations, initiated business process re-engineering, and handled strategic planning for the Group. She was a Director in Arc Oil & Gas Ltd, Alliance Oil Producing Ltd, and Oceanic Consultants Ltd.

    Mbanefo also managed the Allied Energy Group’s relationships with the DPR (Department of Petroleum Resources), NNPC, PPMC, Oando and Petroleum Ministers of Oil Producing West African countries. She was also the Chairman of the Agip/NAOC/Allied Financial Committee (FINCOM).

    Sally arranged an IPO (Initial Public Offering) for Allied Energy in 2008.

    In 2009 Sally began to run her own group of companies (TSM Microfinance Bank Limited & TSM Professional Services- a tax audit firm) whilst veering into Social Entrepreneurship through ‘‘The Sally Mbanefo’’ (TSM) Foundation which she set up in 2007 on HIV/AIDS Awareness, Youth Education and Empowerment, supporting over 20 schools to date.

    In 2011, she was appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria to Keystone Bank Ltd as Executive Director, Commercial Banking South South, South East, and Mid-West to be part of a team to restructure the bank and bring it back to profitability. She later became Executive Director Commercial Banking, covering the North and South Bank, and acting MD at intervals until her appointment as the Director General of The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in 2013. At the expiration of her tenure, Sally began to run an Information Technology Company until her appointment in 2018 as a cabinet member of Anambra State Government to manage the ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism.

    She is a member of The Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, a member of The Institute of Directors (IoD), an Honorary Senior Member of The Chartered Institute of Bankers, Past Director, American Business Council, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, member and fellow of the Academy for Entrepreneurial Studies- AES Excellence club.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Mbanefo seeks end to Nigeria’s challenges at Vanguard Awards

    NIGERIA’S former Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Chief Arthur Mbanefo has sought for an end to Nigeria’s  challenging as the country heads into the general elections in a few weeks.

    He spoke during the Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards 2018 in Lagos at the weekend.

    Some of Nigeria’s leading personalities got deserved recognition at the awards.

    Mbanefo, who was the chairman on the occasion, lamented that the  country seemed to be rapidly losing the developmental gains it made  since independence and after the civil war.

    He lamented that the country  is facing serious challenges, which in most cases have been threatening the foundation of the previously balanced federation.

    “There is no doubt that our dear country Nigeria is facing a welter of challenges, particularly now that we are heading into the general elections in a few weeks’ time. Some of our difficulties have been pushed to the forefront, particularly by politicians seeking office.

    “Our political economy is hardly working; our education system is obviously not meeting its objectives; our healthcare delivery system is deplorable; our neglected water and food security threaten our future as a people; our physical infrastructure is broken; in short, Nigeria is not working.

    “The rest of the world has called us corrupt. They have described us as a people lacking focus and unclear as to what our needs as a nation are or should be.

    “Nigerians are basically not corrupt. They just lack the basic quality of integrity; inability to speak the truth always, no matter what and be willing to accept genuine and constructive criticism instead of operating constantly in a state of self-denial,” he said.

    To the awardees, Mbanefo said they are being honoured for the significant contributions they have made so far, urging them all to  do more to make a difference.

    “It is in our hands to amend the brokenness of Nigeria and make it work again, because, to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

    Editor-In-Chief of Vanguard Mr. Gbenga Adefaye welcomed the dignitaries on behalf of Vanguard Publisher, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu.

    Among those honoured for life time achievements were Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, the Barkin Ladi, Plateau State based Imam, who saved hundreds of Christians during an attack by herdsmen last year; hotelier, activist and first female television producer, Mrs. Rita Lori-Ogbebor; former military governor of Lagos State Rear Admiral Ndubisi Kanu and Erelu Abiola Dosunmu.

    Also honoured yesterday for their life time achievements were first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, first Senior Advocate from Northern Nigeria and Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Razaq. Lawyer, nurse and educationist, Chief Leila Fowler, soldier turned right activist, Gen. Alani Akinrinade were also among the Lifetime Achievement recipients at the award ceremony.

    The Vanguard Personality of the Year, 2018 award was received by Mr. Tony Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings, United Bank of Africa, Transcorp and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

  • Diaspora African Forum honours Mbanefo

    Anambra State Commissioner for Indigenous Artworks, Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism Dr Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo, has been selected as recipient of this year’s African Women of Excellence Awards by African Union and the Diaspora African Forum.

    The awards will hold on September 29 and 30 at Michelangelo Hotel, Sandton City, Johannesburg, South Africa.

    The event has as theme: ‘’I am my sister’s keeper’’.

    According to a letter from the forum’s Dr. Erieka Bennett, the honour is in appreciation of the  contributions she has made to culture and tourism, diaspora affairs, among others, in Nigeria.

    By the honour, Mrs Uwechue-Mbanefo has joined past recipients “Mama” Winnie Madikizela Mandela and Joy Ogwu.

    The notification letter reads: “On behalf of the African Women of Excellence Awards (AWEA) Committee, I have the pleasure and honor to notify you of your selection to receive this year’s Women of Excellence Awards. The Award was conceived as a platform to recognise, honour and appreciate Women of Africa and the Diaspora who have significantly contributed to the struggle for Political, Social and Economic independence at various levels with Excellence. You were selected for the many outstanding contributions you have made to promote Culture and Tourism, Diaspora Affairs and many other reputable pursuits in Nigeria.

    ‘The African Women of Excellence Awards Dinner Gala is hosted by the African Union and the Diaspora African Forum, which will be held during its fourth awards celebration September 29-30.This year’s overarching theme is a tribute to one of our first iconic recipients of the Living Legends Award, “Mama” Winnie Madikizela Mandela.

    ‘’This promises to be a premiere event and your presence will be greatly appreciated, thus we respectfully request that you include our invitation in your busy schedule and grace us with the pleasure of your company during this memorable celebration.’’

    Mrs Uwechue-Mbanefo, a lawyer,  is a former director-general Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

  • Mbanefo lauds Drums Festival initiative

    Mbanefo lauds Drums Festival initiative

    DIRECTOR General Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo has described the Nigerian Drums Festival as a big boost for tourism in Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.

    Mbanefo said the Yoruba has a lot to showcase to the world in terms of cultural heritage and tourist destinations both natural and man-made.

    She spoke at the opening of the Nigerian Drums Festival last week organised by the Ogun State government and held at June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.

    She said: “Africa has come to standstill today because of Ogun State. The state is the centre of action with this well-packaged event. The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, came with many African Ambassadors to this event. That shows the importance of Yoruba heritage and culture in Nigeria.

    “Most of the African Ambassadors are here today because of tourism. All the Ambassadors have come here to support the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the people of Ogun and the Egbaland in particular. We want to unify from within: the Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba and African countries at large.

    “The success of the Drums Festival 2016 is a clear indication that if cultural tourism is well-developed and promoted in Nigeria, we will have labyrinth of tourists’ footfalls, which will greatly boost the nation’s economy, create huge employment and empowerment in the communities where the tourist sites and cultural festivals are located. It will interest you that the crowd-pulling carnivals in Nigeria are so much that you cannot finish writing about them.

    The NTDC boss, however, decried the adverse effects of  civilisation on the culture and heritage of the Nigerian people, saying “civilisation has made us forget our culture and heritage. We must know that a country that forgets its culture and heritage has lost its essence. Thus, we need to appreciate and be proud of our culture and heritage and give good attention to the promotion of our cultural heritage.

    “I made the traditional rulers my first point of call wherever I go because they are the rightful custodians of our culture and heritage. To practically promote our cultural heritage, we must work together with the traditional rulers.”

    Describing the importance of drums, Mrs Mbanefo said drumming is a good form of communication and a fantastic means of entertainment.

    “We are happy to be here today. We are here to celebrate the unity of the Nigerian people,” she added.

     

  • ‘Mbanefo’s visit is a boost to Adamawa tourism’

    ‘Mbanefo’s visit is a boost to Adamawa tourism’

    Despite the state of security in Adamawa State, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Director-General Mrs. Sally Mbanefo visited Bachama Kingdom to promote its tourism, Assistant Editor (Arts) Ozolua Uhakheme reports.

    The Hama Bachama of Bachama Kingdom in Adamawa State, Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen (Kwire Mana, Kpafrato II) has commended the Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, for promoting domestic tourism in the country.

    The monarch praised Mbanefo for promoting the cultural heritage, history and tourism in the kingdom.

    The monarch spoke during the visit by the NTDC boss to the kingdom.

    He said: ‘’The people of Adamawa are happy to host Sally Mbanefo who has brought the Federal Government’s presence to Numan Kingdom.’’

    “Sally Mbanefo is so courageous to have come to pay visit and honour the Bachama Kingdom, and the Adamawa people at large. She came to Bachama Kingdom when people are afraid of Adamawa State because of insecurity. No director-general of NTDC has ever visited the kingdom. In fact, the immediate past boss of the corporation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe who is my good friend never honoured any invitations sent to him.

    “This kingdom and Adamawa at large are peaceful. In Bachama Kingdom, every tribe coexists peacefully. In fact, we have Igbo as political office holders and appointees in the state. And there is a good level of security; no insurgence whatsoever in Adamawa State. Bachama Kingdom has innumerable rich tourism potentials with enviable cultural heritage and history which are worth promoting and developing,” he said.

    The Hama Bachama of the Bachama Kingdom commended Mbanefo on her efforts at promoting tourism and culture in Nigeria, describing her visit as a hope for the development and promotion of the great tourism potentials, cultural heritage and history of the kingdom.

    The Kwire Mana, Kpafrato II urged the Federal Government to tap the tourism potentials of every state, particularly Adamawa whose rich culture is unique.

    Mbanefo described the Adamawa people as hospitable and very intelligent with rich cultural heritage and history, which are great tourism potential, if developed and promoted will not only create job opportunities in the kingdom and the state at large but will also strengthen unity among the people.

    “Tourism is a value chain, which cut across every sector. That is why NTDC under my administration will not relent on its efforts at promoting domestic tourism in Nigeria to create more jobs, promote unity among the Nigerian people, reduce urban migration and reduce crime rates in the country,” Mbanefo said.

    The NTDC boss, who was in the state to support the tourism efforts of the Hama Bachama of the Numan Kingdom, described the cultural heritage of the kingdom as unique and worthy of being exported globally just like the Sango festival in the Oyo town in Oyo State.

    “Sango festival has been exported to over 40 countries. This Kwete festival, among other festivals and the cultural heritage of Numan Kingdom are so fantastic that they will be well accepted and celebrated if developed, promoted and exported. And this will not only put the Numan Kingdom on the global tourism map, but it will also make Nigeria stand tall in the comity of tourism nations,” she added.

    Mbanefo promised to partner the Hama Bachama of the Numan Kingdom and the state government to develop and promote the great cultural heritage and tourism potentials in the kingdom and the state at large, while charging the community to continue their supports for the monarch.

    Adamawa State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mattias Ngaro also lauded Mbanefo’s visit to the kingdom, which is with a view to collaborating with the relevant authorities in the state to develop the rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials.

    “It is in my plan to bring the NTDC boss Mrs. Sally Mbanefo to Adamawa State to appreciate our rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials. But till now, I could not achieve this. Thank God that His Royal Highness, Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen (Kwire Mana, Kpafrato II), finally made this possible. The Adamawa State government will cooperate and partner with NTDC to ensure that our rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials are well developed and promoted for national and international acceptance,” Ngaro said.

    There were performances by various traditional dance troupes at the monarch’s house where the reception was held. The troupes included Wuro Kadwe from Lamurde, Jabin Imburu, Wuro Wajale from Lamurde, Igbo dancers and Mbowo Gra Njiya from Numan.

    After the reception, Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen, and the NTDC chief toured over seven tourism locations and attractions in the neighbouring villages where dance and warrior troupes entertained the visitor.

    The tourism locations and attractions include the fantastic big lakes, which are bigger than what is celebrated in America as the “big lakes,” and Women Exhibition Centre, Sangha and Lamurde Local Government.

     

     

  • ‘Mbanefo’s visit is a boost to Adamawa tourism’

    ‘Mbanefo’s visit is a boost to Adamawa tourism’

    In spite of the insecurity in Adamawa State, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Director-General Mrs. Sally Mbanefo has visited Bachama Kingdom to promote its tourism, Assistant Editor (Arts) Ozolua Uhakheme reports.

    The Hama Bachama of Bachama Kingdom in Adamawa State, Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen (Kwire Mana, Kpafrato II) has commended the Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, for promoting domestic tourism in the country.

    The monarch praised Mbanefo for promoting the cultural heritage, history and tourism in the kingdom.

    The monarch spoke during the visit by the NTDC boss to the kingdom.

    He said: ‘’The people of Adamawa are happy to host Sally Mbanefo who has brought the Federal Government’s presence to Numan Kingdom.’’

    “Sally Mbanefo is so courageous to have come to pay visit and honour the Bachama Kingdom, and the Adamawa people at large. She came to Bachama Kingdom when people are afraid of Adamawa State because of insecurity. No director-general of NTDC has ever visited the kingdom. In fact, the immediate past boss of the corporation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe who is my good friend never honoured any invitations sent to him.

    “This kingdom and Adamawa at large are peaceful. In Bachama Kingdom, every tribe coexists peacefully. In fact, we have Igbo as political office holders and appointees in the state. And there is a good level of security; no insurgence whatsoever in Adamawa State. Bachama Kingdom has innumerable rich tourism potentials with enviable cultural heritage and history which are worth promoting and developing,” he said.

    The Hama Bachama of the Bachama Kingdom commended Mbanefo on her efforts at promoting tourism and culture in Nigeria, describing her visit as a hope for the development and promotion of the great tourism potentials, cultural heritage and history of the kingdom.

    The Kwire Mana, Kpafrato II urged the Federal Government to tap the tourism potentials of every state, particularly Adamawa whose rich culture is unique.

    Mbanefo described the Adamawa people as hospitable and very intelligent with rich cultural heritage and history, which are great tourism potential, if developed and promoted will not only create job opportunities in the kingdom and the state at large but will also strengthen unity among the people.

    “Tourism is a value chain, which cut across every sector. That is why NTDC under my administration will not relent on its efforts at promoting domestic tourism in Nigeria to create more jobs, promote unity among the Nigerian people, reduce urban migration and reduce crime rates in the country,” Mbanefo said.

    The NTDC boss, who was in the state to support the tourism efforts of the Hama Bachama of the Numan Kingdom, described the cultural heritage of the kingdom as unique and worthy of being exported globally just like the Sango festival in the Oyo town in Oyo State.

    “Sango festival has been exported to over 40 countries. This Kwete festival, among other festivals and the cultural heritage of Numan Kingdom are so fantastic that they will be well accepted and celebrated if developed, promoted and exported. And this will not only put the Numan Kingdom on the global tourism map, but it will also make Nigeria stand tall in the comity of tourism nations,” she added.

    Mbanefo promised to partner the Hama Bachama of the Numan Kingdom and the state government to develop and promote the great cultural heritage and tourism potentials in the kingdom and the state at large, while charging the community to continue their supports for the monarch.

    Adamawa State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mattias Ngaro also lauded Mbanefo’s visit to the kingdom, which is with a view to collaborating with the relevant authorities in the state to develop the rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials.

    “It is in my plan to bring the NTDC boss Mrs. Sally Mbanefo to Adamawa State to appreciate our rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials. But till now, I could not achieve this. Thank God that His Royal Highness, Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen (Kwire Mana, Kpafrato II), finally made this possible. The Adamawa State government will cooperate and partner with NTDC to ensure that our rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials are well developed and promoted for national and international acceptance,” Ngaro said.

    There were performances by various traditional dance troupes at the monarch’s house where the reception was held. The troupes included Wuro Kadwe from Lamurde, Jabin Imburu, Wuro Wajale from Lamurde, Igbo dancers and Mbowo Gra Njiya from Numan.

    After the reception, Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen, and the NTDC chief toured over seven tourism locations and attractions in the neighbouring villages where dance and warrior troupes entertained the visitor.

    The tourism locations and attractions include the fantastic big lakes, which are bigger than what is celebrated in America as the “big lakes,” and Women Exhibition Centre, Sangha and Lamurde Local Government.

     

     

  • Mbanefo reiterates commitment to tourism promotion

    Mbanefo reiterates commitment to tourism promotion

    The Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, has reiterated her commitment to the partnership with Kano State government in promoting tourism.

    Mbanefo, who spoke during a courtesy visit by a four-man delegation from Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to the corporation, said Kano State is one of the tourism friendly states and a major tourism hub and gateway in Nigeria.

    “This is why NTDC found it strategically important to establish the tourism information desk and travel portal at the Aminu Kano International Airport. The centre would facilitate travel businesses and promote hospitality and tourism services in Kano and Nigeria at large,” she said.

    Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Abdullahi H. Kwaru, who led the delegation acknowledged the role NTDC has been playing in projecting the image of Nigeria to the globe. He said the purpose of the visit was to seek collaboration with NTDC in the area of domestic tourism, especially the Jiga Dam Project, women and youth empowerment, including other attractions in the state.

    Spokesman of the delegation, Civil Service Commissioner in the state, Engr. Bello Mohammed said: “NTDC is a reputable organisation that is capable of branding Kano State as a tourism friendly state. We are very happy with the Director General, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, who has visited Kano state to open the NTDC Tourism Information Desk at the Aminu Kano International Airport. We are proud of her passion for promoting domestic tourism even in the face of challenges in our country. We are pledging to support the efforts of the corporation in our capacity while soliciting for collaboration with NTDC,” he said.

    The delegates also commended the efforts of the corporation under the leadership of Mrs. Mbanefo particularly her official visit to the state, which afforded her the opportunity to identify major attractions in the state. They assured that Kano State government has provided the enabling environment to attract investors to the state and for tourism activities to thrive.

    Mrs. Mbanefo noted that Kano State and NTDC have come a long way as partners in tourism development. “I have embarked on domestic tourism tour within Kano metropolis to visit and identify major tourist attractions and the Jiga Dam is one of the very strong potentials in the state. I must say that lots of people are trooping into Kano. It is ideal for business/conference tourism. The tourism bond which will build structures around tourist sites to service the needs of the site will quickly come to bear in Kano State.

    “I visited the Governor of Kano State and the Emir of Kano as well. It is clear that the Governor is focusing a lot of attention to tourism and security in the State and Kano is indeed very safe for tourists,” she added.

    She stressed that tourism remains the largest employer of labour and “one of the enablers behind the country’s developmental programmes of job creation and as people travel within Nigeria, it will create unity and peaceful harmony”.

  • Mbanefo in the eye of the storm

    Mbanefo in the eye of the storm

    These are not easy times for the Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo,  as she contends with  media criticisms, which the DG blames on detractors.  KENNETH AZAHAN looks at the issues at stake.

    For Director General, Nigerian Tourism development Corporation, NTDC Mrs. Sally Mbanefo she may be paying the price for the changes she brought to bear in the management of the corporation as she is bombarded by media criticisms. No doubt, change is always resisted whether positive or negative and perhaps, that might be the driving principle of the head of the apex body responsible for tourism development as she declares that opposition she is receiving is engineered by outsiders who are jealous of the feat she has attained in less than two years on the mantle of leadership.  A cursory look at the NTDC headquarters in Abuja and the Lagos offices will reveal that indeed transformation has taken place there as the structures wear new looks befitting of tourism management organ. Also, vehicles are seeing ferrying staff of the corporation amongst other positive changes that close observers of the tourism sector could notice. In spite of these changes, the corporation is often in the news most times for the wrong reasons.

    Most recent is a publication that went viral purportedly written by the various unions in the corporation accusing the management of corruption and highhandedness. But curiously, copies of such allegations obtained were not signed nor contained names of any leaders of the three unions existing in the corporation.   Apparently, worried by the development, the DG in conjunction with the NTDC board recently addressed the press to put the records straight. For her part, Mrs Mbanefo said allegations of corruption and highhandedness being speculated in the media against her is the handiwork of those who are against the transformation she has brought in management of the corporation in less than two years. According to the DG the briefing was on the instance of the NTDC board to intimate members of the public on some of the developmental stride she has taken to booster the tourism sector as an alternative to over dependence on oil revenue.

    She also denied reports that she was having a frosty relationship with the union members. ”There is no friction between me and my unions. We were in my office for long hours with some members of my board discussing with union leaders before I came here for this meeting with you”, Mrs Mbanefo stated. However, the NTDC boss admitted that the corporation had issues of staff promotions and conversion which she said her team and the board was working to resolve. While highlighting some of the achievements she has recorded, she said it was proper to clear the air that the achievements were not based on moneys that accrued to the corporation from the federation’s account but her ingenuity in galvanizing support from the private sector. ”On assumption of office I made sure I reinvented the corporation, people/structure, grew tourism value chain and reinvented tourism value chain. Also, I have taken premium on staff welfare that are to drive the vision.” She said in spite of the inroads she has made it was curious that some persons outside the corporation were bent on thwarting the progress by publishing malicious stories using the names of trade unions. ”Let me quote from the handover note I got from my predecessor, in 2007, NTDC received N2.5b, 2008, 1.7b, 2009, 1.5b, 2010, 1.4b, 2011, 1.5b, 2012, 1.2b, 2013, 1.0b.” She explained that in 2014, 1.3b was appropriated but only 958m was released, adding that her performance has surpassed her predecessors who were collecting revenue from hotel registration which has since been stopped by Supreme Court judgment.

    The DG alleged that those behind the attacks on her were persons who were bent on arm-twisting her to use government money to pay them for contracts they did

    which are unsubstantiated.  ”Since assumption of office, I have had several persons coming here to demand for payments for jobs they claim to have done for NTDC and when we asked for documentation they simply say my predecessor gave them contracts by word of mouth. ”I inherited N143, 594,649 both local debts and N198,880, 000, foreign debts which we are still paying till date. From the date I assumed office to date we are paying staff N50 million debts incurred for foreign trips and these are things that were budgeted for in the years the trip were made”. The DG vowed not to bow to any blackmail to use government funds to pay debts that are not verifiable.

    Also speaking, representative of the Controller General of Customs who is a director on the board, Wale Adeniyi, assured that the board would support the DG to deliver on her laudable ideas to drive the tourism sector. He stressed that the DG was committed to driving tourism to become an alternative source of income for the nation and needed the corporation of all stakeholders to making her vision a reality. On the issue of promotion, he emphasized that there were laid down rules which are not only guided by merit but there must be vacancies for such promotions to be made.

    Most contracts were awarded by word of mouth and cannot be verified, about N75,664,837 million was left as IGR (Internal Generated Revenue) which she cannot touch and they want her to make such payment. Also the domestic and foreign debts as stated in the handover note is N163,482,649.

    Therefore, the DG vowed not to bow at any blackmail to use government funds to pay debts that are not verifiable.

    Also, speaking, representative of the Comptroller General of Customs and also a director of the governing board, Mr. Wale Adeniyi assured that the board would support the DG to deliver on her laudable ideas to drive the tourism sector.

    On the issue of promotion, Mr. Adeniyi explained that there were laid down rules which are not only guided by merit but there must be vacancies for such promotions to be made.

     

     

  • Mbanefo slams oil firms over Oloibiriiri

    Mbanefo slams oil firms over Oloibiriiri

    The Director–General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, Mrs. Sally Uwechue–Mbanefo, has slammed oil and gas companies in  Nigeria for their gross neglect and abuse of Oloibiri – the first community where oil was struck in Nigeria, as observed from her recent domestic tourism asset authentication visit to Yenagoa, Bayesla State.

    Mrs. Mbanefo who was a special guest at the public presentation of Memories of the Niger Delta Slave Routes, a book published by Centre for Promotion of Peace , Tourism , Arts and Culture (CEPTAC)  in association with River  State Ministry of Culture and Tourism at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt,  said: “This  major beneficiaries of the largesse of tourism activities have deliberately or otherwise refused to contribute to the development of tourism in Nigeria.”

    She noted that it is sad that none of the oil majors, which make and declare billions of dollars profits every year in Nigeria has thought it right to consider the enhancement of Oloibiri into a befitting site where tourists and historians will love to visit.

    “It is a crime on the part of the oil companies against Nigeria and the tourism sector to have forsaken and abandoned the very source, origin and beginning of their lucrative business. I felt very bad at the parlous state of Oloibiri with its weather beaten old hand rig, which is supposed to be kept, preserved and conserved for this generation and generations yet unborn.

    The oil companies have been unfair to the tourism sector which daily facilitates, lubricates and ensure that they are in business  by keeping the major types of transportation busy through patronages and servicing,” she added.

    She wondered ‘how will the oil majors continue to make big profit every year if the tourism sector decides to shut down activities or slow down in its fast tempo of posturing? How will the oil companies make good business if many people stay at their areas of domicile without patronising those units which consume oil for operation?  Can‘t we all appreciate the import of tourism as a symbiotic appendage to oil sector? Can we see how prices drop whenever there is crisis or chaos on the global scene?

    She said time has come for the oil companies to make a bold statement in the tourism sector by enhancing the status of Oloibiri where the first oil was struck in Yenagoa.

    Mrs. Mbanefo assured the stakeholders at the forum that the NTDC has re-positioned itself properly to address the inequalities and maladjustment that have been inflicting the sector. “We have determined this time around at ensuring the enlisting and engaging of all necessary hands on deck at making domestic tourism thrive, grow  and blossom for the benefits  of Nigeria. The oil companies will not be excluded.”

    Mrs Mbanefo, who was among those honoured by CEPTAC, was described by Chief Mike Amachree, President of CEPTAC  as ‘an epitome of humility and a lady who within a few months in the saddle has been able to rescue the private tourism sector from the abyss of relegation, which her predecessor had consigned us.’

    Chief Amachree said: “Within these few months, this lady has demonstrated her robust sense of understanding of the sector and showed that tourism development is not about making the whole noise on the pages of newspapers, but building the sector through the domestic angle with the stakeholders being carried along.”