Nation

FTAN Assures On Collaborations With Govt, Stakeholders In 2023

Published

1 year ago

December 28, 2022

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has promised to redefine its approach, through seamless collaborations with government at all levels and tourism stakeholders, to upscale the industry in 2023.
Its National President, Mr Nkereuwem Onung, in his Christmas message to tourism stakeholders, weekend, said the concept was necessary.
Onung in a statement, said this was to strategically harmonise and project the tourism industry for better engagement among stakeholders in the public and private sectors.
He said right advocacy that would touch a broad spectrum of industry issues for a better understanding and engagement would be the focus of FTAN for 2023.
“We have all worked assiduously through our individual effort and support in 2022 to not only position the federation, but also proudly bring a new team spirit to the way things are done in FTAN.
“Going forward, we will continue to devise new ways that will engender mutual membership engagement and business collaborations that will promote unity among the diverse membership trend under the federation.
“In addition, we are going to consolidate on the FTAN’s TRIAC Mandate to draw a seamless engagement with government and work out a win-win approach towards harmonising and achieving different sustainable tourism goal for a public-private partnership bid,” he said.
Onung noted that in spite of the frictions the association witnessed in 2022 in actualising its vision for the year, plans were on top gear to ensure the industry made remarkable growth in 2023.
He congratulated everyone in all the zones and members of all association under FTAN for the understanding, support, solidarity and innovation during the challenges faced and conquered in 2022.
He said the federation would continue to reinvent new ways for membership engagement through right and timely planning to put the tourism industry on the right perspective for economic gains.
“The year 2022 came with some friction that destabilised some good plans, but we have been able to weather the storm through our practical approach and genuine programmes and events accomplished across the six zones.
FTAN has designated Vice Presidents and State coordinators in the zones.
“Together we are all champions of the Nigeria tourism industry because of our positive approaches throughout the year.
“No doubt, we have made a landmark achievement and we will continue to do more for members’ plights to be heard and be taken care of,” he said.
According to him, the association will not focus on unnecessary pitfalls that will draw the federation backward as there are more things to be done and to be achieved.
He, however, said the association would focus more on investing time and energy on things that would spur progress rather than things that would tear the industry apart.
“There are more to gain from speaking with one voice, as our mission and mandate is targeted at bringing a new dawn to the Nigerian tourism industry.
“We once more thank every association and members of associations under FTAN as well as every other stakeholders in the tourism industry and subsector for their support.

Nation

VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Nation

Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.