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Oyo State Partners with Nigeria Domestic Tourism Club to Boost Local Tourism and Youth Empowerment
The Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism recently hosted representatives from the Nigeria Domestic Tourism Club (NDTC), also known as Capricorn Concierge Tourism Services Limited, alongside their collaborator, The Polytechnic Ibadan Consult. The meeting centered on a pioneering initiative titled “The Business of Domestic Tourism Promotion and Empowerment Programme.”
Introducing Nigeria’s First Domestic Tourism Club for Students
Mr. Ibitayo Araoye, CEO of Capricorn Concierge Tourism Services Limited, highlighted that NDTC is the world’s inaugural domestic tourism club dedicated to immersing Nigerian students in the country’s diverse cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and tourist destinations. This innovative platform aims to transform how young Nigerians engage with their nation’s rich legacy beyond traditional classroom learning.
“Our vision is to cultivate a generation of young patriots who not only appreciate Nigeria’s cultural wealth but actively promote it,” Araoye explained. “Domestic tourism here means exploring the hidden gems across Nigeria’s 36 states and six geopolitical zones. Oyo State has been selected as the pilot location for this transformative programme.”
Programme Structure and Empowerment Opportunities
The initiative is structured into two main empowerment phases. The first phase focuses on recruiting Domestic Tourism Promoters, while the second phase involves onboarding Facilitators who will guide and mentor club members. The programme is primarily targeted at recent graduates from tertiary institutions, offering them meaningful employment opportunities.
Participants benefit from a comprehensive package that includes steady income, paid training sessions, access to cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) tours valued at millions of naira, career advancement prospects, and official certification upon completion. Araoye outlined the four key stages of the programme: awareness and onboarding, enrolment and training, appointment and business engagement, and finally, rewards and graduation.
“By equipping young Nigerians with immersive knowledge and practical skills, we aim to nurture ambassadors who will proudly showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential both locally and internationally,” he added.
Government Endorsement and Collaborative Support
Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Oyo State, praised the NDTC team for their innovative approach to cultural promotion. He pledged the ministry’s technical support to refine and implement the programme effectively, urging the team to incorporate recent developments within the state into their proposal.
Mr. S.A. Agboola, General Manager of the Council for Arts and Culture, emphasized the importance of the NDTC as key partners in advancing the ministry’s goals, especially as the government intensifies efforts to develop skilled tourism personnel across Oyo State.
Educational Integration and Volunteer Engagement
Addressing inquiries about curriculum alignment and participant age groups, Mrs. O.T. Osundara, Director of Administration and Supplies, alongside Dr. Florence Oyebamiji from The Polytechnic Ibadan Consult, clarified that the programme employs a backward integration model. This approach involves graduates returning to secondary schools to teach both theoretical and practical aspects of tourism, thereby fostering early interest and knowledge among younger students.
“Our goal is to embed tourism education from secondary school through to higher education, using graduates as facilitators. This ensures that students become familiar with local tourist attractions early on, making tourism a natural part of their academic journey,” Dr. Oyebamiji explained.
Funding and Inclusivity for Public and Private Schools
In response to concerns about financing and the inclusion of public schools, raised by Mrs. B.A. Ajoje, Director of Finance and Accounts at the ministry, Mr. Araoye confirmed that the programme is designed to encompass both public and private educational institutions. He noted a growing trend of alumni associations stepping up to sponsor similar educational and cultural initiatives, enhancing sustainability and community involvement.
Looking Ahead: Empowering Youth Through Domestic Tourism
With Nigeria’s domestic tourism sector showing promising growth-contributing over 10% to the national GDP in recent years-programmes like NDTC’s are vital for harnessing this potential. By equipping young Nigerians with the tools and knowledge to explore and promote their country, the initiative aligns with broader national goals of economic diversification and cultural preservation.
As the pilot phase unfolds in Oyo State, stakeholders remain optimistic that this model can be replicated nationwide, inspiring a new wave of tourism enthusiasts and cultural ambassadors across Nigeria.
