The Ministry of Tourism plans to provide training and support for women in local communities to help them make souvenirs.
This information was in a statement signed by Joesef Karim, the spokesperson for the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, on Sunday.
The government will start a new program called 'EcoGenesis Incubator' to train and empower women and young people in Nigeria's tourism communities.
The goal is to create a platform that encourages innovation and supports economic empowerment by helping participants develop their skills and tourism products.
The statement said this will help many people escape poverty by making use of the tourism opportunities in communities all over the country.
The first part of the 'EcoGenesis Incubator' program will train and empower women to make souvenirs for tourism, especially jewelry and rhinestone decoration.
The training will take place in Makurdi, Benue State, on March 14-15, 2024.
Karim explained that after completing the training, the women will receive starter-packs to start their souvenir businesses targeting visitors and tourists in Benue State.
On International Women’s Day, the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, encouraged women to use their entrepreneurial skills in the country’s development and to showcase their talents in the tourism sector.
The minister added that the 'EcoGenesis Incubator' is a special program for women and youths in tourist host communities.
This program aims to help local tourism businesses develop and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.
The ministry is determined to work with different groups like the private sector, state governments, and local communities to improve Nigeria's tourism and make it a top tourist destination.
The EcoGenesis Incubator series will give people job skills and help many escape poverty by using the tourism opportunities in tourist host communities.
In the next few weeks, the EcoGenesis Incubator programs will be carried out across all 36 States and the FCT, with more training and empowerment packages.
