The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has renewed its call for stronger government involvement in the preservation of Nigeria’s history, culture, and heritage, emphasizing their vital role in fostering national unity across ethnic and regional divides.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by Mr. Wilson Uche Ugwu, Deputy President II of ATPN, to the Curator of the Museum of National Unity, Enugu. The visit forms part of ATPN’s broader stakeholder engagement initiative, which aims to promote collaboration across the country’s tourism value chain.
Speaking on behalf of the National President, Prince Adetunji Femi Fadina, Mr. Ugwu underscored the association’s deep commitment to supporting tourism practitioners and driving national development through tourism as a viable non-oil economic sector.
“Culture is not just our identity—it is our unifier,” Mr. Ugwu declared. “We must encourage synergy among stakeholders and urge the federal government, especially through agencies like the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, to invest more in conserving our cultural assets.”
He noted that such investment is not only critical to tourism development but also key to a national reawakening of shared values that bind Nigerians together.
In response, Curator Mr. Duru expressed appreciation for ATPN’s visit, outlining current efforts by the Museum of National Unity to inform and inspire the public through exhibitions and cultural programs. He welcomed collaboration with ATPN to expand the museum’s reach and educational mission.
The ATPN delegation also toured the museum, led by Dr. Ijeoma Onyejekwe, who showcased various exhibits representing Nigeria’s diverse cultural expressions.
The association reaffirmed its readiness to partner with government bodies and cultural institutions to position tourism as a pillar of national development and social cohesion.
