7th October 2024
A PRESS CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY CHINA TOURISM PROMOTERS IN COLLABORATION WITH TOURISM VOLUNTEERS NETWORK COALITION OF ROAD SAFETY ORGANIZATIONS OF NIGERIA CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE to appreciate the Chinese government on their Nigeria-China Development Partnerships through FOCAC and BRI Funding &MOU.
The event which was organised by the China Tourism promoters in collaboration with Tourism Volunteers Network, RAPNEC, COILLASION OF ROAD SAFETY NGOS OF NIGERIA AND CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE was attended by major media houses in Nigeria , VIPs from various organizations including the representative of the ministry of Tourism.
The convener Amb.Phil Roberts had this to say as he read his speech.
Welcome everyone here today as history will continue to be made, I therefore greet all Nigerians seated here today, the chinese President and our Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria and also welcome the Cultural Ambassador who is in charge of culture and tourism in The chinese embassy here in Nigeria, the newly appointed DR of the Nigeria-China partnership commission Dr Joseph Tegbe and of course The president of the most populous black nation in Africa President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
we also thank our Chinese partners and global citizens watching from around the world. I am honored to address you today on behalf of this Collation gathered here today.
We are a coalition of various organizations with an interest in promoting the China Tourism space in Nigeria which in turn will birth tourism development in Nigeria as we are driven by patriotism and volunteerism, dedicated to safeguarding Nigeria’s future through transparent, efficient, and sustainable development practices. In a world where international partnerships are key to driving progress, Nigeria has entered a new phase of cooperation with the people’s Republic of China.
The purpose of this press conference is not only to highlight the importance of the agreements signed between Nigeria and China and how it will help grow the tourism industry but to also thank the Chinese government for their continuous support to our country and Africa through various initiatives like the FOCAC AND BRI which was also highlighted on the MOU signed by Mr president in China.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Chinese government for its steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s development. The agreements reached through the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing are not merely transactions between nations; they are promises—promises of roads, railways, energy, and the digital infrastructure needed to unlock the potential of millions of Nigerians which will help our tourism industry.
We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold leadership and the prompt actions taken to secure these partnerships. Under his direction, Nigeria is entering a new era of growth and development, and it is a step we all applaud. We as a team will continue working with the Chinese government to make sure these relationships are sustained.
We represent a group of dedicated civil society organizations working together to promote tourism in both China and Nigeria as we belive in the various initiatives that the Chinese government has designed for Africa and as a team we are committed in making sure that the Chinese tourism promotion will be successfully achieved in Africa.
A Future of Accountability and Progress is what we are asking as we are calling on Mr president to inaugurate our coalition as a monitoring partner in achieving these various projects attached in the MOU to make sure it is achieved.
As I close, let us remember this: development without accountability is not development at all. It is our collective duty to ensure that the dreams of a better Nigeria, powered by this strategic partnership with the chinese government, do not remain dreams but become reality.
This coalition stands ready to make this vision a reality, Together, we can ensure that this new relationship between the chinese government and our country Nigeria lead to a future where Nigeria’s growth is driven by transparency, efficiency, and the shared determination to succeed as this will help drive tourism in our various states and communities.
I once again thank our partners in China for their commitment, President Tinubu for his leadership, and Mr. Tegbe Joseph for his critical role in this partnership , members of the Chinese Tourism promoters team, Tourism Volunteers Network, all members of this coalision . Now is the time for action. Let’s work together to build a great China-Nigeria relationship that the world will admire for its integrity, development, and progress through this new relationship with our Chinese government.
Thank you.
Amb.Phil Roberts.FCISM
Leader of the Coalition