The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has pledged to work closely with her predecessor, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, to enhance Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that during a handover ceremony held in Abuja, Musawa commended Mrs. Ade-John’s accomplishments, pledging to build upon her legacy to foster growth and awareness within the sector.
“In Honourable Minister Lola Ade-John, I found a sister and a friend,” Musawa shared, acknowledging the shared challenges they faced.
“We made a pact to work together because our ministries were very much integrated. It’s bittersweet for me — sweet to witness the progress in the industry, yet bitter to see someone who has worked so hard unable to complete the journey.”
Musawa assured her predecessor that she would continue the initiatives Ade-John had set in motion.
“All that you have done, you will take credit for. Everything that I will announce that you started, I will ensure everyone knows it’s your work.”
Mrs. Ade-John expressed her gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and praised the support of her team. She also expressed her commitment to support Musawa in her new role. “The tourism industry is massive, and I will work with her and others in the industry to aid its growth,” she said.
The ceremony was attended by key officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Patricia Ibiene Roberts, Directors-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, and other senior ministry staff.