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Stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry have urged the government and corporate organisations to leverage the peace and harmony in Kwara State to attract increased financial investment. Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the planned one-day Hospitality Impact and Tourism Conference (HITC 2.0) 2025, the convener of the programme, Mrs Folashade Folayan, said the North Central geopolitical zone is not all about insecurity, stressing the need to change that narrative. Folayan, who also called for collaboration among stakeholders to rebrand Nigeria’s image globally and counter stereotypical perceptions, noted that there are vast financial opportunities in the hospitality business. She described Kwara State as a symbol of cultural harmony, historical depth, and untapped tourism potential in the North Central region. According to her, hosting the second edition of HITC in Ilorin is a deliberate effort to decentralise tourism conversations and demonstrate that growth and opportunity exist beyond traditional hubs like Lagos and Abuja. “The conference is very relevant today,” she said. “In a time when the global economy is shifting, tourism has proven to be one of the most resilient sectors worldwide, a source of jobs, entrepreneurship, and hope. “For us in Nigeria, the opportunity is clear: every state has stories, culture, and destinations waiting to be harnessed. But this growth requires vision, coordination, and partnerships, which is exactly what HITC 2.0 stands for.” ALSO READ: FG screens 170 foreigners for Nigerian citizenship She explained that the conference provides a national platform bringing together government officials, tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives to discuss, innovate, and collaborate on the future of Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry. “It’s not just a conference, it’s a movement to position Nigeria as a global tourism destination driven by creativity, policy, and people,” she added. Themed “Tourism Transformed: Empowering People, Shaping Policy, Driving Prosperity,” Folayan said the one-day meeting will hold on Sunday, December 7, 2025. “The goal is to empower people, shape policy, and drive prosperity through tourism and hospitality,” she explained. “The meeting seeks to highlight how innovation, professional development, and strategic partnerships can transform the sector into a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy. “The conference will showcase Kwara’s cultural and tourism potential, strengthen collaboration between public and private sectors, inspire youth participation in hospitality careers, and create visibility and investment opportunities for local businesses. It is intentionally impact-driven, focused on practical solutions, policy collaboration, and local-to-global storytelling. It bridges the gap between culture and commerce, celebrating Nigerian excellence while preparing our people and systems for a global audience.” NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
