The Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has received a delegation from the Nigeria Domestic Tourism Club (NDTC), also known as Capricorn Concierge Tourism Services Limited, alongside its partner, The Polytechnic Ibadan Consult, to discuss their proposed project titled “The Business of Domestic Tourism Promotion and Empowerment Programme.”
Speaking during the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of Capricorn Concierge Tourism Services Limited, Mr. Ibitayo Araoye, explained that the initiative is the first and only domestic tourism club in the world designed to bring Nigeria’s rich destinations, culture, heritage and history to life for students across schools nationwide.
According to him, the programme aims to raise a new generation of young Nigerians who will serve as patriotic ambassadors of the nation through knowledge, appreciation and active participation in domestic tourism.
“When we talk about domestic tourism, we mean discovering local destinations across the 36 states and the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Oyo State is the first place where we want to pilot the programme. NDTC gives young Nigerians the opportunity to explore their country, not just through textbooks, but through virtual experiences that feel real,” Araoye said.
He further explained that the Business of Domestic Tourism Promotion and Empowerment Programme has two empowerment stages and several programme phases. The first stage focuses on the recruitment of Domestic Tourism Promoters, while the second stage involves the engagement of Facilitators for the Nigeria Domestic Tourism Club.
Mr. Araoye noted that the initiative targets graduates of higher institutions, adding that the programme benefits include guaranteed responsible jobs, regular income, earning opportunities during training, empowerment through Virtual Reality Tours valued at millions of naira, career opportunities, gifts and incentives, as well as certification.
He listed the four programme phases as awareness and onboarding; enrolment and training; appointment and business engagement; and rewards and completion. “Through this initiative, we look forward to raising a generation that knows Nigeria, loves Nigeria and proudly promotes Nigeria to the world,” he added.
Responding, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, commended the team for bringing a unique perspective to the promotion of the state’s cultural heritage through the proposed programme. He assured the delegation that the technical team of the tourism board would work with them on the proposal to ensure its successful implementation.
The Commissioner also advised the team to make necessary adjustments to their proposal to reflect current and recent developments in the state.
In his remarks, the General Manager, Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. S.A. Agboola, described the NDTC team as critical stakeholders in advancing the ministry’s mandate, especially as the government continues to strengthen tourism personnel across the state.
Responding to questions on curriculum integration and the age bracket of volunteers and participants, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mrs. O.T. Osundara, Dr. Florence Oyebamiji of The Polytechnic Ibadan, Consult to provided clarified that the programme adopts a backward integration approach, where graduates from higher institutions return to secondary schools to teach both the practical and theoretical aspects of tourism.
“This initiative is aimed at promoting culture and tourism from secondary school to higher institution level, using graduates as the medium. As we kick-start the programme in Oyo State, every student will gain knowledge of tourist attractions within the state. Once students are introduced to tourism at the secondary school level, it will no longer be strange to them when they advance to higher institutions,” she said.
In response to questions on funding and school participation especially public schools, raised by the Director of Finance and Accounts of the ministry, Mrs. B.A. Ajoje, the CEO of Capricorn Concierge Tourism Services Limited stated that the initiative covers both public and private schools, noting that alumni associations are increasingly taking responsibility for sponsoring similar educational initiatives.