Lai Mohammed Elected Vice President of United Nations World Tourism Organization

Lai Mohammed Elected Vice President of United Nations World Tourism Organization

The Nigerian Minister for Culture and Information, Lai Mohammed has been elected as the Vice President, Africa, for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The election held at the ongoing 22nd General Assembly of the UNWTO in Chengdu, Sichuan Province of Southwest China, on Wednesday.

It was reported that  Lai Mohammed, who Nigeria’s delegation to the General Assembly assumed the seat on behalf of the country, for the next two years.

Cape Verde was also elected alongside Nigeria as Vice President, Africa, of the global body charged with the responsibility of ensuring sustainable tourism development.

Columbia and Mexico were elected to represent north and south America at the general assembly. Romania and Switzerland were elected as representatives for Europe while Iraq was elected from Middle East and Srilanka will represent the south of Asia.

The election which was done by acclamation by delegates present at the general assembly presided over by, Mr Li Jinzao, The Chairman of the UNWTO Executive Council.

Mr Lai Muhammed said the last time Nigeria occupied this position was 20 years ago, in 1997. he also expressed his delight at the development.

“I feel quite honoured and humbled to be called upon to serve as the Vice President of the General Assembly of the UNWTO and it is a very big honour to Nigeria.This has also been noticed by the global community and I feel highly gratified about it.” he said.

Mr. Mohammed stated that he would leverage on the new position to positively affect tourism and creativity in the country.

“You cannot be serving as a Vice President of the UNWTO General Assembly and allow tourism and creative industry to lag behind in your country because it will be like, physician heals thyself first. It also gives one a closer access to the world tourism organisation and the way it works and it will be a good leverage for Nigeria”.