By Fortune Eromosele, Abuja

The Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John has launched the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR, mobile training kitchen.

In her remarks, Ade-John said the mobile training kitchen will significantly contribute to the advancement of trade and catering services in communities where NIHOTOUR campuses are not yet established.

She added that it signifies the commencement of a series of transformative initiatives within the hospitality sector.

According to her, “This innovative project underscores the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and highlights the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering growth, empowerment, and culinary excellence within our great nation.

“Nigeria’s cultural diversity and culinary heritage have long been a source of pride for our people, both within the country, diaspora, and among the global consumer. Our cuisine mirrors the vibrancy of our communities, showcasing unique flavours that define us.

“Today’s unveiling of the Mobile Training Kitchen marks a pivotal moment in our journey to further elevate our culinary skills, promote tourism, and empower our citizens worldwide, establishing Nigeria as a recognised centre of excellence.

“The Mobile Training Kitchen transcends its role as a mere vehicle; it stands as a symbol of inspiration and opportunity for communities across the nation. This mobile unit will be one of many to traverse urban and rural areas, delivering hands-on culinary training to aspiring local cooks, food enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs.

“The initiative aligns seamlessly with our vision to leverage the potential of our rich culinary heritage, cultivating skilled professionals who can significantly contribute to the growth of the tourism sector.

“Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the mobile kitchen ensures that our trainees receive top-notch education and practical experience. The curriculum encompasses a wide array of training that will enhance the culinary skills of traditional Nigerian dishes, catering to the diverse tastes within Nigeria and a global audience.”

On his part, the Director-General, NIHOTOUR, Nura Sani Kangiwa, said the launch of thr mobile training kitchen aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goal for job creation.

He said, “Hon. Minister, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen youth unemployment remains the socio-economic concern. It poses a lot of challenges to the social, political and economic development of all countries around the world, and Nigeria is no exception. It is no wonder that job creation is one of the key areas in which Mr. President’s administration hopes to leave an indelible mark.

“Tourism and Hospitality has the vibrancy and potency to help the government achieve this goal. There are a lot of entrepreneurial skills people can acquire in the subsectors of tourism and hospitality such as tour guiding, tour operation, travel agency operation, event management, hospitality management, pastry and cookery practice, etc.

“In a world of unemployment, these skills will translate into gainful employment, employer of labour, self-reliance, wealth creation for our youths and above all, end the restlessness which is usually associated with poverty.”

Kangiwa noted that the Institute will will also continue to promote professionalism of the sector, through training and re-training and certification of personnel in the industry.

“One of the pre-requisites for tourism and hospitality industry to develop and play the desired role in the socio-economic life of a nation is availability of well trained personnel. Indeed, no amount of investments in either infrastructure or in expanding tourism capacity in Nigeria that will ever be successful UNLESS the necessary manpower in the required numbers and at the required levels of knowledge and skills are provided to manage the sector.

“NIHOTOUR the apex Institute saddled with the responsibility of training and developing human capacity in the Hospitality and Tourism industry will continue to play a significant role in this direction. More importantly, NIHOTOUR will also continue to promote professionalism of the sector, through training and re-training and certification of personnel in the industry” he added.