Boko Haram rubs off negatively on Nigeria’s image – Runsewe

By Daniel Eteghe

The Director General,Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has decried the negative image Nigeria is getting from the Boko Haram issue and the kidnapping in some parts of the country.

He spoke with journalists yesterday on the pre-independence  anniversary musical concert being packaged by the corporation.

The concert, billed for Area 10 in Abuja , according to him, is to portray Nigeria’s image in good light , stressing that the outside world now sees the country from the angle of Boko Haram, kidnapping and  the Jos crisis.

He added that the concert is to foster the spirit of patriotism and unity amongst Nigerians citizenry. “The idea of hosting this event is to bring ourselves together. It is all about tourism or entertainment. It is a day of giving gifts to the ordinary Nigerians. It is about opening up a new way of interacting within ourselves in unity and love as a country”, he said.

While noting that the country cannot develop without peace, Runsewe said: “Everybody believe that there is crisis in Nigeria, so we want to use this event to change their perception about Nigeria and show them that Nigeria is a peaceful place and safe place to live in or for tourism”

The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), he  said, has taken it upon itself to celebrate the forth-coming independent anniversary with the common Nigerians on the streets.