The Minister of  Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke has described Nigeria as an attractive and fascinating country in spite of the current challenges of nation-building. The Minister made this remark in Abuja  while receiving tourists from Australia, Ireland, the United States of America and the United Kingdom.

The Minister expressed happiness at their decision to visit Nigeria and particularly Abuja, the Federal Capital City  and Calabar, a city which apart from its breathtaking tourist sites also has a special historical significance to the making of modern Nigeria.

He seized the opportunity to invite the tourists to the 2012 editions of  Abuja and Calabar Carnivals with a promise to treat them to what he described as ‘a special Nigerian hospitality’ during the two events. The Minister also enjoined them not to only enjoy the fascinating Nigerian tourism but to also explore the diverse investment opportunities in the country.

Responding on behalf of the tourists, Iby Raff, who is visiting from New York  described what they have so far seen in Nigeria as truly fascinating and miles away from what is usually said or written  about the country.

‘’ The people of Nigeria are fantastic, they are really hospitable. Young and old, they’ve been making us feel at home since we entered the country. Driving through Abeokuta, we saw people waving at us and beaming warm smiles. Your country is indeed fascinating and we cannot wait to see Calabar which we are told is a beauty to behold”

The tourists who took off from Morocco came through Ghana to Nigeria, decided to see the Federal Capital City and proceed to Calabar from where they would move to Cameroon, South Africa and Egypt before returning to their different countries.