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  • Kperogi, others to lead NIPSS’ national dialogue on youths today

    Kperogi, others to lead NIPSS’ national dialogue on youths today

    The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) will today hold discussions on the challenges facing the nation’s youths and other stakeholders.

    The discussions, which will be in three sessions, are meant to tackle urgent challenges confronting the Nigerian nation.

    A statement by the institute’s Head of Public Relations, Prof. Sola Adeyanju, reads: “The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, is organising a forum on its X spaces (formerly Twitter) for an inclusive and constructive dialogue on urgent challenges confronting the Nigerian nation.

    “The fact that everyone’s voice is needed to move the country forward is not in contention. Therefore, young people, students, women, civil societies organisations (SOs), public servants, government officials and other stakeholders are expected to be part of the spaces.

    “The forum is to serve as an objective platform to galvanise all ideas for progress and serve as an opportunity for the free expression of different opinions and expectations. It is also to ensure that all voices are heard, no matter the perspectives.

    Read Also: Otti hosts NIPSS participants, promises gender-friendly policies

    “The objectives of the forum are to create a platform for youth to express themselves; to understand the challenges facing young people and listen to their opinions on how to move the country forward, as well as to enable young people articulate their demands and expectations to government.

    “The forum is organised in three sessions, which will hold from 9 a.m to 11 a.m, 1 p.m to 3 p.m and 8 p.m to 10 p.m on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

    “The discussion sessions will be led by Dr. Chris Kwaja, Adebowale Olorunmola, Ene Obi, Dr. Tope Fasua, Abdul Haleem Ishaq Ringim, Tayo Olosunde, Samson Itodo and Prof. Farooq Kperogi.”

  • Otti hosts NIPSS participants, promises gender-friendly policies

    Otti hosts NIPSS participants, promises gender-friendly policies

    The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti has promised that his administration will persist in implementing gender-friendly policies and those that will impact young people.

    Otti pledged while receiving members of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies’ Senior Executive Course 46, 2024, Group 7, led by Brigadier General L.A. Jimoh.

    He charged the participants to apply their wealth of experience and knowledge from the course to solving the country’s problems.

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    The governor expressed confidence that the state would continue to implement youth transformation and gender-friendly policies, amongst others through efficient budgeting processes.

    One of the participants, Hon. Dimeji Belo, a Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun made a personal donation to the National Directorate of Employment, while visiting the branch of the Office in Umuahia, Abia State, to assist the agency in the course of its job.

    Belo affirmed that youth empowerment is a sustainable route towards building a prosperous business environment, saying the gesture was to support the actualization of the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria.

    Participants of this year’s Senior Executive Course are made up of high-ranking members of the Armed Forces, the Diplomatic Corp, Leaders in Civil Service, and the highest and brightest echelon of the organised private sector.

  • NIPSS, CSOs plan dialogue on unconstitutional change of government

    NIPSS, CSOs plan dialogue on unconstitutional change of government

    Arrangements have been concluded by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for the launch of a dialogue to address unconstitutional change of government in West Africa.

    The launch of “Regional Citizen’s Dialogue Programme (RCDP) for preventing and responding to unconstitutional changes of government in the African sub-region, has been scheduled for February 27 and 28 in Abuja, the letters sent to participants confirmed.

    Participants are expected to adopt a revised document and a comprehensive work plan for the initial phase of the programme, spanning from February to September.

    In the letter, the Director-General of the NIPSS, Kuru, Jos, Plateau State, Prof Ayo Omatayo, said: “Concerned with the recent wave of military coups across West Africa that threaten the future of democracy and political stability amidst persistent and growing economic hardship, poverty, and security crises induced by violent extremist organisations on the continent, the RCDP is a collaborative effort of a consortium of civil society and research think-tanks with leadership drawn from the NIPSS; the Regional Centre for Governance and Security Policy Initiative (RCGSPI) domicile in Freetown, Sierra Leone and the Dantiye Centre for Good Leadership and Journalism (DCLJ), Kano, with support from the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), based in Lisbon, Portugal.

    “The regional programme is designed to mobilse and organise civil society contributions towards the prevention, mitigation, and response to incidences of UCG in the West Africa sub- region.”

    RCGSPI Chairperson, who doubles as the Chairperson of the AU ECOSOCC Peace and Security Cluster, Dr. Jonathan Sandy, explained: “The rationale for the RCDP is to complement and support the implementation of the main recommendations from African Governance Report 2023, which focused on UCG in Africa, published by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM); and build synergies with existing initiatives and ongoing efforts such as the AU ECOSOCC Annual Citizen’s Dialogue Forum and the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), and for its implementation phase to serve as a platform for enhancing cooperation and complementarity between civil society organisations and ECOWAS  institutional mechanisms in response to UCGs in West Africa.”

    “The RCDP is also an attempt by CSOs to support efforts by the AU and its partners in the implementation of the main outcomes of the AU Accra Declaration on Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCG) in Africa (March 2022) and the Malabo Declaration on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa, adopted at the 16th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Head of States on

    May 22, 2022.”

    The Chairman of the DCLJ, Emeritus Professor Munzali Jibril, said: “In light of the current developments in the subregion, this intervention could not have come at a better time.

    “The Dantiye Centre is particularly excited that this

    regional initiative would strengthen the voice of civil society, especially the press, in our collective effort to make government and institutions more responsive and

    accountable.”

    Read Also: EFCC quizzes ex-Gov Ahmed over alleged diversion of N10bn

    KAICIID Senior Programme Manager for Africa, Agustin Nunez said: “With 80% of the world’s population adhering to a religion, faith communities represent a powerful driver for transformation and change. Religious leaders are uniquely placed in supporting good governance initiatives, as their approaches and perspectives derive from a value-based vision. Religion in its instituted form is part of the voluntary associations which make up civil society, these faith-based organisations have a unique point of view to contribute to the regional and global dialogue and engagements aimed at identifying solutions to the most pressing

    global challenges, including unconditional changes of government. Given the trust and access religious leaders have within their respective faith communities, engaging with religious leaders on a multi-faith basis and factoring their views and perspectives in interventions for peace and development, ensures the creation of more inclusive, stable and sustainably peaceful societies. It is therefore crucial to involve as a fundamental part of this RCDP.”

    The ultimate goal of the RCDP is to contribute towards safeguarding constitutional order, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, peace, security, stability and good governance, as pathways to the achievement of the vision and aspirations of the African Union Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030 initiative, the AU Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

    There have been seven military coups in Africa in the last three years, with West Africa recording the highest number.

    The incidents, including the threat of withdrawal by three member states – Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso – and the recent unexpected postponement of elections in

    Senegal, have topped the agenda of ECOWAS and the AU in recent times.

    Participants to the launch of the RCDP, a two-day programme at Reiz Hotel in Abuja, are expected from civil society groups in West Africa and other parts of the continent, including representatives of regional agencies and institutions in Europe.

  • NIPSS DG Omotayo canvasses national focus for Nigerians

    NIPSS DG Omotayo canvasses national focus for Nigerians

    The Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Ayo Omotayo, on Wednesday, October 18, said Nigeria needs a national focus to grow.

    He spoke at a retreat organised by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) for both the National Assembly and the State House of Assembly Service Commission in Abuja.

    According to Omotayo, any country that desires growth must have what he described as a national focus.

    He said that the lawmakers and the staff of the Assembly must work towards ensuring that whatever they do, is focused on the growth and development of the country.

    Omotayo said If Nigeria must be a better society, individuals must carry out personal responsibility geared towards National Focus.

    He said: “If we are going to have a better society, every individual in Nigeria must carry a personal responsibility and pursue a national focus. The president is not the government, the Senate President and the Speaker are not the government. We must play our roles as individuals.

    “If not, we will continue to blame ourselves. A nation works for anyone that plays his or her part. Everyone must think about the Nigeria we need. Have we reached that better society? In the case of Nigeria, the journey seems to be much longer. We have a sense of duty to turn the fortune of our country around.

    “It is supposed to be a change moment for us to change our country by changing our attitude towards our country. Wherever you go, whatever you do, always remember that Nigeria is a democratic state.

    “We must strengthen our governance so that rumours of things happening in other countries will not get here. So, we have a constitutional government, every right must be respected.”

    He said legislators cannot do much if the assembly service commissions did not give them a quality service.

    He said: “The staff of the service commissions must have passion for their work, work with integrity and high standards all the time.”

    Speaking, the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio said the 10th Assembly would give priority to staff welfare.

    Represented by Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central), Akpabio said he knows the welfare issues they are battling with but that the 10rh Assembly will address it

    He stated: “We know the welfare issues you are facing. Be rest assured that the 10th National Assembly has your back. Staff welfare will be supported by the assembly.

    “In classical theory, the main role of parliament is to make new laws and change or improve old laws, but inclusively, we will not only make laws, change or improve old laws, we will make people, we will empower people.

    “We will continue to support the training, retraining, and capacity building of our staff. Charity is expected to begin at home. So, let’s have a team spirit and make our country proud, let us invest our time and energy into providing the best support for our legislators so that hereafter, posterity will look back at the 10th National Assembly and state assemblies and say truly, this was a turning point in our lawmaking in our country.”

    The executive chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Ahmed Kadi Amshi, said they were concerned with the State Assembly Service Commissions that was why they considered their operations.

    Amshi said: “As usual, resolutions are expected to be agreed upon and a Communique will be presented but we have entered into a partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Consultancy Services in the organization of this Conference.

    Read Also: Promote democratic ideals, IBB, Abdulsalami tell NIPSS SEC 43 participants

    “Most of the State Assembly Service Commissions have been in contact and shared ideas with us, we acknowledge them on this and hope that the mutual relationship is sustained. The Governors and Speakers of respective States that sponsored you to attend this Conference are wholeheartedly acknowledged.”

    The clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambawal, who was represented by the deputy clerk, said no legislative arm of government can function effectively without a strong bureaucracy.

    He said excellent parliamentary service helps in good democracy adding that the present National Assembly Service Commission has been able to sanitize the system and introduce new conditions of service.

    Tambawal added: “The world is now moving into e-parliament. We must prepare for the future. That’s why we have such a conference.”

  • NGF congratulates Ag. IGP Adamu

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has congratulated the new Acting Inspector General of Police Mr. Adamu Abubakar Mohammed.

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat In a statement signed by Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, Head, Media and Public Affairs believes that the appointment is well deserved considering his personal accomplishments.

    Adamu Mohammed Lafia had occupied the office of the Director of Peace Keeping operations, led the Enugu Police Command as Police Commissioner and was AIG in charge of Zone 5.

    Until his appointment, he was at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) as a directing staff. Adamu Mohammed Lafia is reputed to be a man of impeccable character.

    Apart from heading Police formations at their most strategic levels in Nigeria, Adamu Mohammed Lafia had also risen to the apex of international policing in Lyon France, where he rose through the hierarchy of the organization to ascend the exalted position of the Vice President of INTERPOL, a position he held for years with distinction.

    Read Also: Buhari decorates new IGP Adamu

    According to the statement, the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mr. Asishana B Okauru said “I am absolutely sure that Adamu Mohammed Lafia would bring professionalism and true leadership to policing in our country”.

    Okauru, who had worked with several notable police officers during his time as the Director of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) further added that “I can attest to his solid pedigree and rich experience. He is arguably the most qualified serving police officer at this time, to occupy the very sensitive office of the Inspector General of Police”.

    The NGF sincerely hope that the new top cop would harness all his experiences from his previous offices, at home and abroad, with dexterity and a fervent drive to curb crime, ensure peace in the entire country and once again propound the policing principles that will lead Nigerians to believe that the police, “is your friend”.

  • Dokubo giving amnesty program strategic direction- NIPSS Director

    Director of Research at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, Prof.  Habu Galadima says the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Prof. Charles Dokubo, is providing the needed strategic leadership towards actualizing the objectives of the Presidential Amnesty Program.

    He expressed his conviction while delivering a keynote address at a four-day capacity building training for executive and senior management of the Amnesty Program themed, ‘Change and Organizational Renewal: Strategic Leadership and Employee Performance Development Program.’

    In a keynote address on ‘Transforming Regional Insecurity through Sustainable Social Integration Program for ex-agitators in the Niger Delta’, Prof. Galadima, who is also the Chief Operating Officer of the Political Parties Leadership and Policy Development Centre of NIPSS, lauded the achievements of the Amnesty Programme under Dokubo’s watch, but urged the Federal Government to see the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programme as a continuum.

    “Transformation can be deepened to enhance the reintegration process of Niger Delta ex-agitators; neglecting demobilized ex-agitators can lead to social unrest and national insecurity,” Galadima emphasized.

    “The Amnesty Program must be seen as a continuum.”

    While expressing dismay that the human security factors that triggered the armed struggle by the ex-agitators are yet to be addressed in the Niger Delta, he said no amount of funds is too much for the Amnesty Program to maintain peace and security in the hitherto restive region: “Without security in the Niger Delta, there cannot be security in Nigeria.”

    In his opening remarks, Special Adviser to the President and Coordinator, Amnesty Program, Prof. Charles Dokubo, expressed President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to ensure that the narrative of the Niger Delta is turned around.

    He said the Presidential Amnesty Program was set up basically for the maintenance of peace and security as well as development of the Niger Delta area.

    “The Amnesty Programme was set up as a necessity and so far, it has done well. The Programme is a vehicle to be driven to achieve the two key objectives.

    “Slowly but surely, we shall overcome the challenges we are facing. I believe the people I am working with are passionate and have the same vision and drive to make the Niger Delta people proud”.

    Dokubo said the Amnesty Program vocational training centres at Agadagba, Ondo State, and Kaiama, Bayelsa State, are ready to come on stream and would be commissioned in the next two weeks for the training of beneficiaries of the Program awaiting deployment, while work is ongoing to complete three other centres.

    “We are opening the Ondo vocational training centre; it will be opened in the next two weeks. It will be a shining light of the Amnesty Program.

    “After this training, the participants will have a better focus to tell the story of Amnesty; if they address issues objectively, I believe we are on the way to higher heights.”

  • NIPSS:  effective polices on internal security underway

    The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) is working with its 2018 course participants and others to proffer viable policy options on national security.

    Director General of the apex policy institute Jonathan Mela-Juma said: “The security challenges in our country like Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, the incessant clashes between sedentary farmers and nomadic herders as well as the intensification of violent crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery, mass killings and cross border banditry among others constitute a great source of concern to government and citizens”

    He spoke at the round table retreat for traditional rulers across the country at the auditorium of the institute in Jos yesterday.

    Mela-Juma said: “As one of the measures to find durable solutions to this menace, President Muhammadu Buhari tasked the national institute with the very important responsibility of conducting a study on a theme: “Strengthening Internal Security Framework and Community Policing in Nigeria: Models, Policy, Options and Strategies”

    “The study is being undertaken as primary focus by participants of Senior Executive Course 40, 2018 of the institute.

    “In pursuit of this assignment, the national institute has organised various workshops, round table talks, lectures, interactive sessions and panel discussions with critical stakeholders in the country and law enforcement community. The current participants has also undertaken study tours to various states in Nigeria as well as to some countries within and outside Africa to gain some insight into internal security frameworks and community policing practices in other jurisdictions.

    “This panel discussion is therefore part of the critical engagements with various stakeholders in the Nigerian project to enable the institute propose lasting solutions to Nigeria internal security challenges.

    “Your Highnesses and Majesties, in view of your unique positions, knowledge, unquantifiable wealth of wisdom and experience, we are very optimistic that this panel discussion will help us to reflect deeply on the role of traditional rulers in strengthening internal security through community policing.

    “The discussion will also hopefully help to clarify issues and challenges associated with the involvement of the traditional rulers in the security architecture of Nigeria. The outcome of this event will no doubt form part of the policy recommendations which will be presented at the annual parley with Mr. President and members of his cabinet in November this year.

    “As Nigeria’s apex policy institution, the institute is driven by a commitment to the development of innovative and viable policies to address various political, social, economic, security, scientific, technological, cultural and other problems facing our nation.

    “We therefore wish to invite your Royal Highnesses to partner with us in this important endeavor as part of your contribution towards the realization of our national development aspirations.

    In his keynote address, Dr. Jimam Lar of the Department of History and International Studies, University of Jos, described security as freedom from wants and freedom from fears in which if these two freedoms are lacking, there is bound to be security problems. He recommended that traditional rulers should be given wider space to play major role in internal security of the country.

    The round table was attended by Sultan of Sokoto Dr. Saad Abubakar III, Gbong Gwom Jos, Gbon Gwon Jos DJacob Gyang Buba, Obi of Onitsha Igwe Alfred Achebe, Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu, Ooni of Ife ObaEnitan Ogunwusi, and Shehu of Borno Dr. El Kanemi and SEC 40, 2018 participants.

  • NIPSS hails Aregbesola for transforming Osun

    The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has hailed the Rauf Aregbesola administration in Osun State for its social protection intervention initiatives as a demonstration of good governance.

    The institute also lauded Governor Aregbesola for redefining the art of good governance with the provision of socio-economic and infrastructural development.

    Also, the governor called for the decentralisation of the policing structure in Nigeria, saying overhauling the police structure would bring effectiveness and strengthen security across the country.

    The NIPSS Director of Research, Prof Habu Galadima, spoke at a get-together organised by the state government for participants of this year’s Senior Executive Course 40 of NIPSS at the Osun State Government House in Osogbo, the state capital.

    Galadima, who led the NIPSS delegation to Osun on a week of study, hailed Aregbesola for running an all-inclusive government where people are directly involved in decision-making and implementation of government policies and programmes.

    The NIPSS director described Osun social protection programmes as unparalleled and one of the best in the world.

    He praised the state for setting the pace in good governance in the country.

    The NIPSS Director of Research applauded Aregbesola for focusing on repositioning and stimulating the state’s economy for the betterment of all and sundry.

    Galadima said: “We came to Osun with lots of assumptions and we have validated those assumptions through the good works of Governor Aregbesola that we have been exposed to.

    “We have benefited hugely from our interactions, and through this we have seen the beauty of Osun social protection programmes that had transformed the lives of many households in the state.

    “Our exposure to Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, popularly called OYES alone, indeed shows that Osun has got it right in mobilising its youths for future leadership and challenges.

    “We have seen that the OYES scheme and other people-oriented programmes of the state are not only designed to alleviate poverty or make life more abundant but also put together to secure a virile future for the people of the state.

    “We are indeed happy to be in Osun because we have seen the governor’s giant strides in every stratum of the economy. In fact, he has written his name in the sand of time. I am very sure that the history of Osun, when written, will reserve a better page for his name.

    “You have made remarkable transformation. We saw good roads, we saw bridges that are well constructed, we saw ultra-modern schools erected across the nooks and crannies of the state, pointing that you are a true engineer who understands the best international practices in infrastructure.

    “You have injected the spirit of inclusiveness in your decision-making, as being seen in the huge success which your administration recorded in all your social protection initiatives.

    “These are factual virtues which your administration has achieved. It shows that the masses’ interest always takes the centre stage of your administration, just as the people are directly involved in the process and implementation of your administration’s policies, programmes and actions.

    “So, what we need to do is draw a lesson from the practices in Osun and make reasonable recommendations for Mr President on the success story of Osun social protection programmes.”

    Aregbesola called for the overhauling of the police structure to strengthen internal security in Nigeria.

    He said Nigeria needs to decentralise its police system for effective, efficient and quality service delivery, if the nation is truly desirous of strengthening security.

    The governor noted that what the country requires is beyond the procurement of security apparatuses but effective management of conventional security outfits.

    Aregbesola urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly and other relevant agencies to enact laws that would strengthen zonal commands of the police.

    The governor said the initiative would reduce the burden on the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

    According to him, it is uncivilised for the commissioner of police to be reporting directly to the IGP, whereas there is a zonal command headed by an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG).

    He added: “There is need for the police system in the country to be decentralised and federalised for effective and efficient management because that is the only way to go if we truly want to strengthen our internal security.”

  • German to fund Masters Programme at National Film Institute

    The German Government is set to fund a Master’s Degree Programme in Archival Studies as the course is introduced at the National Film Institute (NFI), the training arm of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC).

    Dr Chidia Maduekwe, Managing Director of the NFC, disclosed this in an interview with News men on Tuesday night, on the sideline of a reception dinner in Abuja.

    The reception ceremony was organised in honour of Maduekwe, as he was on March 20 inaugurated, along other members, into the board of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies ( NIPSS ) Kuru, Jos.

    Maduekwe said that in view of this, NFI will begin a post-graduate programme in its 2019 academic session in Archival Studies, the study and theory of building and curating archives, which are collections of recordings and data storage devices.

    He explained that the German Government, in line with its cordial relationship with Nigeria, has indicated interest and commitment to fund the programme within the first four years of its introduction in the film institute.

    ” In line with the existing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Germany, and as part of technical collaboration between NFI and similar Germany institute, this programmed will be fully sponsored by the German Government.

    “This is part of our efforts at the NFC to attract international collaborations, especially in capacity building for Nigerian filmmakers,’’ he said.

    The NFC boss noted that the German Government had earlier sought to restore and digitised a Nigerian film ‘Shehu Umaru’, in line with modern technological advancement, using the expertise of the Arsenal Institute of Film and Video Archives Berlin.

    Read Also: German government invests 50m euros to train Nigerians in five years

    He explained that the film was successfully digitised and presented for screening at the 68th annual Berlin International Film Festival which held in Feb.

    “The German Embassy’s interest in the film stemmed from its story line, the rich Nigerian culture it portrays in addition to the dexterity and creativity of its production.

    “If there was no quality in that production, it would not be globally celebrated, as we are about to witness in Germany.”

    He added that plans were also in place between the Berlin Film Institute and NFI for capacity building programmes for young and established Nigerian filmmakers in line with the mandate of the Nigerian Film Corporation.

    Maduekwe noted that since Nollywood stakeholders, especially actors and filmmakers were spread across Nigeria, NFC was making arrangement to have functional offices across the six geo-political zones.

    “We have just established an office in the North East and South East, and plans are under way to establish south -south office, in addition to existing ones in Lagos and other parts.

    “This is part of efforts to bring capacity building to the people, because that is what we represent.

    “There are a lot of talented young people that can be developed to explore the creative sector.

    “When we capture and expose these young Nigerians, we are exposing them to the exponential deliverable of their capacities towards contributing to our GDP,’’ he added.

    NAN

  • NIPSS: Osun tourist sites possess huge potential

    NIPSS: Osun tourist sites possess huge potential

    The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at Kuru in Jos, Plateau State capital, has identified tourist locations with huge potential to build the state economy.

    The institute said Osun State has over 12 internationally-recognised tourist centres, which could build the state economy.

    The institute sent a team to some tourist centres in the state to develop a strategic framework for transforming the state into a top tourism destination in Africa.

    The team, last week, visited some tourist sites, including the Oluminrin Waterfalls at Erin-Ijesa, Kiriji War site at Imesi-Ile and Ayinkunnugba Waterfalls at Oke-Ila.

    Addressing reporters, leader of the team Mr. Asipita Umar said: “We are here to form a corporation with the state government on ways and means to improve the tourism development situation on the natural occurring tourist attractions in the state.

    “Osun State is blessed with more than a dozen world-recognised tourist centres and sites, all internationally known. But as it is, the state government has not taken the full advantage of the potential in terms of economic activities and cultural promotion that the tourism sites in Osun State can offer.

    “The NIPSS is the apex Nigerian institution that concentrates on analysing and looking at policy and strategy with relation to critical development issues in Nigeria. Tourism is the second largest contributor to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the second largest employer of labour worldwide.

    “If Osun State has these potential and we have not taken advantage of exploring them to highest possibilities, NIPSS feels like giving the current trend of diversifying the economy. We have to start looking at areas that have potential for generating employment, foreign exchange earnings and many other things.

    “Also, culture is a people. The more you can promote your culture, the more it gives you comparative advantage in terms of interaction with other people of the world. Our purpose here is mainly explorative. After this, we will sit down, have a discussion and come up with what we can do together to attract proper investment to develop these sites to world-class places for tourist lovers.”

    Umar said NIPSS would design a strategic policy framework for the Federal Government for the development of tourism in Osun and other parts of the country.

    Also, a member of the team, Mrs. Zandra Agbor, who is also a chief consultant in the institute, said: “What we have seen so far is quite interesting. If we did not come to this place, we would not know what Osun has on the ground.

    “It is an eye opener to us. I know that if proper investment is done, I am so sure this will open up Osun State and it will generate revenue and serve as great potential for the state.”

    The Chairman of Osun State Tourism Board, Abimbola Daniyan, who took the team round some, said: “This is our single largest opportunity for economic expansion and diversification of our revenue sources.

    “These places give unpaid publicity for Nigeria and Osun State. Go anywhere on the net and you will find Olumirin Waterfalls, Ayinkunugba Waterfalls, Kiriji War sites and others. It is our duty to ride on the mileage and leverage on it.

    “We can do that by driving marketing in more systematic and promotional manner, by improving facilities to enhance the ecstatic value of these assets and by providing support services and product, which can turn this place to a destination.”

    Daniyan hailed Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his administration’s efforts at promoting tourism.

    He added that the governor’s plan for tourism development was affected by the paucity of fund.

    A member of the team, Prof. Sola Adeyanju said: “There are lots of sites in Osun that should actually be used to build the economy of the state and that of the country. Tourism is a sure way to boost and diversify our economy.”