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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Wasiu Babalola: Tourism Major Contributor to National Development

From ThisDay · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo Babalola emphasizes tourism's significant role in national development for Nigeria.
  • He highlights ongoing efforts to bridge knowledge gaps in the hospitality industry through professional training and curriculum updates.
  • Babalola advocates for sustainable hospitality practices, balancing economic viability with environmental and social responsibility.

Professor Wasiu Adeyemo Babalola, Acting President of the Nigerian Hotel and Catering Institute, asserts that tourism is a crucial driver of national development. He points to significant efforts underway to address the knowledge gap within Nigeria's hospitality industry, involving collaborations between professional bodies, academic institutions, and industry practitioners.

Bridging the knowledge gap requires a collective effort from government, educational institutions, industry associations, and private sector operators.

— Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo BabalolaDiscussing the collaborative efforts needed to improve the hospitality sector's knowledge base.

These initiatives include capacity-building programs, certifications, and executive training designed to equip professionals with modern competencies. Babalola notes the integration of technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainability practices into hospitality education. However, he stresses the need for stronger links between academia and industry, urging employers to invest more in staff training and practical exposure.

On achieving sustainable hospitality, Babalola advocates for a balance between economic viability, environmental responsibility, and social inclusiveness. He cites the Ikogosi Spring Resort as a model for integrating these principles. Practices such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and supporting local communities through employment and sourcing are essential. Government incentives and regulatory frameworks are also vital to encourage sustainable investments.

Sustainable hospitality can be achieved through a deliberate balance of economic viability, environmental responsibility, and social inclusiveness.

— Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo BabalolaDefining the core principles of sustainable hospitality in Nigeria.

Babalola acknowledges that enforcing compliance with eco-friendly technologies in Nigerian hotels requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes regulation, incentives, awareness campaigns, and industry standards. He believes that professional bodies play a key role in setting and monitoring these standards, ensuring the industry moves towards more responsible practices.

So, you can see that it is already with us but we need more businesses to make conscious efforts in this direction.

— Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo BabalolaReferring to the Ikogosi Spring Resort as an example of sustainable practices already in place.
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Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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