The attention of the organiser of the annual International Transport and Tourism Summit in Abuja, Nigeria has been drawn to a publication by an American based online travel and tourism outfit with the above headline.
The publication titled, Nigeria Tourism and Transportation Summit: An even of Death is not only misleading, but malicious is posted on its website today Tuesday 17th of March 2020.
Quoting the former Zimbabwean Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Dr. Walter Mzembi, now in exile in South Africa said that Industry and Governments now more than before need disruptive thinking, counselling, and experience to glide through the Coronavirus Pandemic.
‘’It’s disturbing to see, that the organizer of The Tourism Transportation Summit and Expo still have big plans and are attracting participants to their event at the International Conference Centre in Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja’’, Nzembi is quoted as saying.
Responding to the article, the Lead organiser of the Tourism and Transportation Summit, Chief Abiodun, Odusanwo by www.eturbonews.com, said, ‘’the sensational nature of the news article is uncalled for as Nigeria, unlike worst-hit nations has only recorded three incidents’, he said.
Odusanwo stressed further that Nigerian is relatively a safer country considering what is, unfortunately, happening in some parts of the world.
‘’ I ‘m deeply saddened about this development as I hold dual citizenship of being an African and European; coupled with the fact that, as an internationally travelled technocrat with families in Europe and the United States, the current Coronavirus pandemic is an unpleasant situation with global ramifications and implications that calls for the collective resolve of all’’.
He stated that the Nigerian government’s response, proactiveness, preparedness and the manner in which the cases identified have been treated were top notch.
Though, he acknowledged the danger and the havoc that the COVID-19 is causing around the world; but noted that the organiser would continue to follow the directives of the Nigerian Government and health officials both at the federal and the Federal Capital Territory [FCT] levels.
Odusanwo thanked www.eturbonews.com for their concern, but also noted that until the authority here says otherwise, preparations for the summit next month from April 27th and 28th, 2020 will continue.
According to Odusanwo, the call for the cancellation or postponement will be made when the time comes; should there be a need to so and only on the directive of the federal government of Nigeria, and credible national/international organisations.
By Chief Abiodun Odusanwo [Lead Organiser, Tourism and Transportation Summit, Abuja, Nigeria].