AT ITB 2014, MBANEFO FACILITATES MULTI–BILLION INVESTMENTS TO NIGERIA HONOURED BY A NIGERIAN IN DIASPORA
Nigerian Tribune 12.Mar.2014
By Wale Ojo-Lanre who was in Berlin , Germany
Mr Ayo Olumoko, CEO, inFOGEM, Mr Boniface Eboka, Alhaji Kabir Mallam, Mrs Sally Mbanefo, Director-General, NTDC, Mr Dayo Babalola, (Babson Zotto) Mr. O. Funebi and Fibi Ikilama with the art work presented to honour Sally at ITB Berlin. The Director–General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo proved her mettle as a thorough marketer from the private sector at the 2014 ITB Berlin, travel fair held in Germany between March 5 and 9 by deploying her wits not only to sell Nigeria tourism potentialities to the European market but garnering goodwill and multi-billion dollars investments for Nigeria.
Mrs Mbanefo who was not present at the opening ceremony of the fair as she was busy defending her corporation’s budget at the National Assembly in Nigeria where she was commended by the Senators and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives for her strides so far stormed the global tourism fair with a sizeable proactive delegates from Nigeria on Thursday 6, March and swiftly embarked on massive selling of Nigeria tourism potentialities utilizing her experience in the banking to convince world Europeans on the potentialities inherent in domestic tourism in Nigeria.
Mrs Mbanefo’s aura and gut by dressing in Nigeria’s national colour of the green–white–green jersey of the Nigeria Football Association, (NFA), and lacing up with Nigeria’s flag -like head gear, a style which has become her niche and identity endeared her to all and opened floodgate of goodwill and better appreciation of Nigeria at ITB Berlin 2014.
Leading a potent and vibrant powerful Nigeria delegation which include Alhaji Kabir Mallan, a board member of the corporation who was an ex–Vice President, Federation of Tourism Associations in Nigeria, (FTAN) and a successful tour practitioner, Mr Ayo Olumoko, CEO, Infogem Consults the promoter of Osun Osogbo International Festival and Vice–president, FTAN Lagos Zone, and four other staff of NTDC who are specialists in promotion and marketing, Mrs Mbanefo caused a stir at the European section where they recited Nigeria’s national anthem to the delight of all.
She revealed that, her delegation was making the European section the first port of call because “at WTM London, we made Africa our sign post.
We won the hearts of our fellow regional counterparts and we have been working steady on many integrative tourism networking – a process I initiated in November last year in London. We are in ITB Berlin, Germany this time around , it is our duty to utilize this opportunity to the fullness by braking into the European market. And this is one of the reasons I am here with this notable tourism practitioners from the private sector and this is why I am going to focus on Europe at this fair.”
She said that “gone were the days when Nigeria would be attending fair for attending sake or mounting a stand for mounting sake without achieving any concrete goals. Not again. For every fair or tourism market we henceforth attend, there must be a measurable goal and an assessment of the objective at the end of the day. Every penny spent on a trade fair or tourism market must worth the salt. Hence, our goal here is to conquer Europe and link Nigeria with their market. We need the European as visitors, tourists and investors. The European market is essential to us and we will visit them one after the other.”
Mrs Mbanefo resourcefully turned the fact that Nigeria had no stand at 2014 into an enviable advantage as she and the delegation promptly made a successful and rewarding tour of Spain,Italy, France , Belgium, Greece Russia, Andorra, Hungary Austria Iceland , Azerbaijan, ·Ireland Scotland and Poland where the head of delegation begged her to have a treat of massage .
At each of these stands, Mrs Mbanefo expressed deep conviction of the gospel according to Nigerian domestic tourism in convincing the head of delegates of these countries into opening constructive and development engagement with NTDC.
From one stand to the other, it was admiration of her message, carriage, acknowledgment of Nigeria domestic tourism and recognition of the fact that Nigeria is at last getting through to Europe.
Engaging the Spanish head of delegation, Mrs Mbanefo said “Nigeria has a population of over 160 million friendly and most happiest people on earth. There is no business that cannot thrive in Nigeria. It is a country immensely blessed by God and stocked with numerous tourism potentialities some of which have been developed while some are still in their pristine stage waiting to be developed. We are here not only to sell our country to you as a tourism sites, but most importantly as an investment haven.”
She marshaled to Nigeria’s domestic tourism at the Spanish stand eloquently that the head of the delegation had to commend her for projecting Nigeria properly as a bride.
“Madam, you made me feel like jumping into the next flight enroute Nigeria. This is great. I know that Nigeria is a great country and I am glad to hear from you that President Goodluck Jonathan is doing great and that good people are now at the helms of affairs. At least Madam, you are good.”
Mrs Mbanefo was also given a rousing reception at the French’s stand where she interacted with various exhibitors.
She was particularly excited by the champagne tourism which the French national were so proud of. She discussed extensively and posed questions on the modality of the Champagne tourism and informed the French delegation of her plan of hoisting palm wine tourism in Nigeria as well.
Mrs Sally Mbanefo addressing a press conference at ITB BerlinMrs Mbanefo added value of pride to Nigeria at the French’s stand when she revealed herself as an artist. This actuated the French delegation in facilitating a meeting between her and Henry Matisse, the French famous artist and sculptor who was honoured at the stand that day.
Mr Matisse too who was excited and impressed by Mrs Mbanefo’s expose on development in contemporary art world revealed that African art and sculptures inspired and urged him to greatness.
He disclosed that his visit to Nigeria and Africa some years ago helped in no small measure to horn his artistic prowess and sculptural versatility, added that he was willing and ready to collaborate and facilitate whatever development initiatives which could add value to Mrs Mbanefo’s stride.
If Mrs Mbanefo’s carriage, and conduct had attracted goodwill to Nigeria at the Spanish, Polish, French Italian stands, her savvy, mien and expression did wonders for Nigeria at the Turkish stand.
Her recent signing of Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU), with the Turkish – Nigeria Chambers of Commerce and Industry added value of great importance to her exploit at the ITB Berlin.
The WIDC boss’ tourism strides in Nigeria must have filtered into the Turkish stand as the Nigerian delegation was accorded a red carpet treatment.
Addressing the line of investors, Mrs Mbanefo exposed the business opportunity which abound in Nigeria and explained in details the various concessions and incentives being offered by President Jonathan to any genuine investor.
“Nigeria is investors’ haven. We have the people. We have the love and abundance hospitality of no equal measure in Africa. The resources are there. To cap it all, we have a President who has a rare passion for investors and ready to protect investment.”
She revealed further that “desirous of attracting and hosting investors, the Nigerian government has piled up stack of generous incentives and concessions aimed at ensuring stability and enhancing profitability.”
Impressed and convinced by Mrs Mbanefo’s delivery and advocacy on investment in Nigeria, the General Manager, Vera Mare resort, Antalya, Turkey, Mr Tamer Onaldi stood up. said: “You are a good representative of your country. Our company, Vera Mare Resorts is interested in your country.”
Mr Onaldi revealed that his company, Vera Mare which parades eight exotic five star hotels in Turkey has been contemplating spreading its tentacles overseas.
“In our effort and desire to expand overseas, we have been considering Morocco and Egypt. But because of your conviction and powerful presentation about business opportunities in Nigeria, we are assuring you of our interest in your country and desire to do business with you, Mrs.
DG , we are willing to build a five – star hotel in Nigeria.”
Consequently, Mrs Mbanefo promptly set up a business meeting with Mr Onaldi where many issues relating to the mutually beneficial relationship between NTDC and the Vera Mare were discussed.
March 7, Friday was another exciting and glorious day for the Nigerian delegation headed by Mrs Mbanefo at ITB Berlin 2014.
Mr Tamer Onaldi GM, Vera Mare ResortIt was a day a journalist described as befitting and one of the finest days for Nigeria at home and in the Diaspora.
It was the day that one of the finest Nigerians, a famous artist and the only Nigerian recognised jeans designer in Belgium, Mr Dayo Babalola with the designer’s Babson Zotto drove from Belgium to Messe Berlin to honour and commend Mrs Mbanefo for her strides at emancipating domestic tourism in Nigeria and encouraging the blacks in Diaspora to come back and contribute meaningfully to their roots.
Mr Zotto who has been living in Belgium in the last 24 years said that “ I have been keeping my eyes on Mrs Mbnaefo’s activities since her appointment. You seem to be the first DG of NTDC who really has a concrete programme for Nigeria in Diaspora in terms of culture and tourism. I have read your testament of mission and vision particularly and I am fascinated by your desire to pull us back home. And in order to show that some of us in Diaspora are in agreement with your vision and have many things to offer, I had to look for your photograph on the net to demonstrate and showcase one of the areas in which we excelled here and could be useful at home.”
Mr Zotto disclosed that “I have to go all the eight hours of motion from Belgium to Berlin, which to me is not too much a risk for a lady artist, lawyer and an accomplished technocrat who is doing well as the DG, NTDC and making Nigeria proud wherever she goes.
“What I am presenting to her is not an enlarged picture of her, rather it is what we called hairbrush on canvass which only few Nigerians know how to do. It took me seven days to accomplish this and to tell the emotional part of it, I was on this work when I heard of the death of my mother, but I have to continue not only to honour Mrs Mbanefo who is a lady of valour doing well for Nigeria, but to also remember my mum too who was a mother in need and deed.”
Mrs Mbanefo in her response condoled with Mr Zotto on the death of his mother and commended him for being altruistic in his patriotism.
“I salute your altruism in patriotism. When I was notified yesterday that a famous Nigeria born Belgian Based jean designer who has stayed in Belgium for 24 years had a message for me. I thought it was just an ordinary message to a friend. I was shocked on arrival here today to see that you are honoring me with a beautiful work of art which I value so much.”
Mrs Mbanefo lauded Mr Zotto for doing the country proud with his handiwork and for distinguishing himself in his chosen profession.
“As an artist, I understand, appreciate and value this portrait of mine. That it is my picture on the canvass has not removed the message and purpose of your act . It is not only patriotic, but a signal that if those of you in Diaspora can identify and see the genuineness and seriousness of purpose in a programme and the person driving it, Nigerians in Diaspora will respond positively.”
She called on other Nigerians in Diaspora not only to emulate Mr Zotto, but also let their experience and exposition rub – off well on Nigeria at this time when “ we have a visionary President who is working earnestly at making sure that Nigeria has a place of pride in the comity of nations.”
The achievements, goodwill, solid contacts, commitment to investment proposals, systematic selling of Nigeria to the European market,signing of MoUs and the luring of investors to Nigeria which Mrs Mbanefo and the Nigerian delegation accomplished at the ITB Berlin 2014 vindicated the saying that you don’t necessary need a big and costly stand to make an impact and achieve success in travel fairs particularly when there is paucity of fund and logistic constraints. It is just a matter of vision, focus, resourcefulness and aggressive determination to achieve success and make the world see what you have to offer.
This is what Mrs Mbanefo and the Nigerian delegation have proved to the world in a remarkable and commendable stride at 2014 ITB Berlin. — with Idowu Dada Omolabake Adetunberu and41 others.
Nigerian Tribune 12.Mar.2014
By Wale Ojo-Lanre who was in Berlin , Germany
Mr Ayo Olumoko, CEO, inFOGEM, Mr Boniface Eboka, Alhaji Kabir Mallam, Mrs Sally Mbanefo, Director-General, NTDC, Mr Dayo Babalola, (Babson Zotto) Mr. O. Funebi and Fibi Ikilama with the art work presented to honour Sally at ITB Berlin. The Director–General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo proved her mettle as a thorough marketer from the private sector at the 2014 ITB Berlin, travel fair held in Germany between March 5 and 9 by deploying her wits not only to sell Nigeria tourism potentialities to the European market but garnering goodwill and multi-billion dollars investments for Nigeria.
Mrs Mbanefo who was not present at the opening ceremony of the fair as she was busy defending her corporation’s budget at the National Assembly in Nigeria where she was commended by the Senators and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives for her strides so far stormed the global tourism fair with a sizeable proactive delegates from Nigeria on Thursday 6, March and swiftly embarked on massive selling of Nigeria tourism potentialities utilizing her experience in the banking to convince world Europeans on the potentialities inherent in domestic tourism in Nigeria.
Mrs Mbanefo’s aura and gut by dressing in Nigeria’s national colour of the green–white–green jersey of the Nigeria Football Association, (NFA), and lacing up with Nigeria’s flag -like head gear, a style which has become her niche and identity endeared her to all and opened floodgate of goodwill and better appreciation of Nigeria at ITB Berlin 2014.
Leading a potent and vibrant powerful Nigeria delegation which include Alhaji Kabir Mallan, a board member of the corporation who was an ex–Vice President, Federation of Tourism Associations in Nigeria, (FTAN) and a successful tour practitioner, Mr Ayo Olumoko, CEO, Infogem Consults the promoter of Osun Osogbo International Festival and Vice–president, FTAN Lagos Zone, and four other staff of NTDC who are specialists in promotion and marketing, Mrs Mbanefo caused a stir at the European section where they recited Nigeria’s national anthem to the delight of all.
She revealed that, her delegation was making the European section the first port of call because “at WTM London, we made Africa our sign post.
We won the hearts of our fellow regional counterparts and we have been working steady on many integrative tourism networking – a process I initiated in November last year in London. We are in ITB Berlin, Germany this time around , it is our duty to utilize this opportunity to the fullness by braking into the European market. And this is one of the reasons I am here with this notable tourism practitioners from the private sector and this is why I am going to focus on Europe at this fair.”
She said that “gone were the days when Nigeria would be attending fair for attending sake or mounting a stand for mounting sake without achieving any concrete goals. Not again. For every fair or tourism market we henceforth attend, there must be a measurable goal and an assessment of the objective at the end of the day. Every penny spent on a trade fair or tourism market must worth the salt. Hence, our goal here is to conquer Europe and link Nigeria with their market. We need the European as visitors, tourists and investors. The European market is essential to us and we will visit them one after the other.”
Mrs Mbanefo resourcefully turned the fact that Nigeria had no stand at 2014 into an enviable advantage as she and the delegation promptly made a successful and rewarding tour of Spain,Italy, France , Belgium, Greece Russia, Andorra, Hungary Austria Iceland , Azerbaijan, ·Ireland Scotland and Poland where the head of delegation begged her to have a treat of massage .
At each of these stands, Mrs Mbanefo expressed deep conviction of the gospel according to Nigerian domestic tourism in convincing the head of delegates of these countries into opening constructive and development engagement with NTDC.
From one stand to the other, it was admiration of her message, carriage, acknowledgment of Nigeria domestic tourism and recognition of the fact that Nigeria is at last getting through to Europe.
Engaging the Spanish head of delegation, Mrs Mbanefo said “Nigeria has a population of over 160 million friendly and most happiest people on earth. There is no business that cannot thrive in Nigeria. It is a country immensely blessed by God and stocked with numerous tourism potentialities some of which have been developed while some are still in their pristine stage waiting to be developed. We are here not only to sell our country to you as a tourism sites, but most importantly as an investment haven.”
She marshaled to Nigeria’s domestic tourism at the Spanish stand eloquently that the head of the delegation had to commend her for projecting Nigeria properly as a bride.
“Madam, you made me feel like jumping into the next flight enroute Nigeria. This is great. I know that Nigeria is a great country and I am glad to hear from you that President Goodluck Jonathan is doing great and that good people are now at the helms of affairs. At least Madam, you are good.”
Mrs Mbanefo was also given a rousing reception at the French’s stand where she interacted with various exhibitors.
She was particularly excited by the champagne tourism which the French national were so proud of. She discussed extensively and posed questions on the modality of the Champagne tourism and informed the French delegation of her plan of hoisting palm wine tourism in Nigeria as well.
Mrs Sally Mbanefo addressing a press conference at ITB BerlinMrs Mbanefo added value of pride to Nigeria at the French’s stand when she revealed herself as an artist. This actuated the French delegation in facilitating a meeting between her and Henry Matisse, the French famous artist and sculptor who was honoured at the stand that day.
Mr Matisse too who was excited and impressed by Mrs Mbanefo’s expose on development in contemporary art world revealed that African art and sculptures inspired and urged him to greatness.
He disclosed that his visit to Nigeria and Africa some years ago helped in no small measure to horn his artistic prowess and sculptural versatility, added that he was willing and ready to collaborate and facilitate whatever development initiatives which could add value to Mrs Mbanefo’s stride.
If Mrs Mbanefo’s carriage, and conduct had attracted goodwill to Nigeria at the Spanish, Polish, French Italian stands, her savvy, mien and expression did wonders for Nigeria at the Turkish stand.
Her recent signing of Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU), with the Turkish – Nigeria Chambers of Commerce and Industry added value of great importance to her exploit at the ITB Berlin.
The WIDC boss’ tourism strides in Nigeria must have filtered into the Turkish stand as the Nigerian delegation was accorded a red carpet treatment.
Addressing the line of investors, Mrs Mbanefo exposed the business opportunity which abound in Nigeria and explained in details the various concessions and incentives being offered by President Jonathan to any genuine investor.
“Nigeria is investors’ haven. We have the people. We have the love and abundance hospitality of no equal measure in Africa. The resources are there. To cap it all, we have a President who has a rare passion for investors and ready to protect investment.”
She revealed further that “desirous of attracting and hosting investors, the Nigerian government has piled up stack of generous incentives and concessions aimed at ensuring stability and enhancing profitability.”
Impressed and convinced by Mrs Mbanefo’s delivery and advocacy on investment in Nigeria, the General Manager, Vera Mare resort, Antalya, Turkey, Mr Tamer Onaldi stood up. said: “You are a good representative of your country. Our company, Vera Mare Resorts is interested in your country.”
Mr Onaldi revealed that his company, Vera Mare which parades eight exotic five star hotels in Turkey has been contemplating spreading its tentacles overseas.
“In our effort and desire to expand overseas, we have been considering Morocco and Egypt. But because of your conviction and powerful presentation about business opportunities in Nigeria, we are assuring you of our interest in your country and desire to do business with you, Mrs.
DG , we are willing to build a five – star hotel in Nigeria.”
Consequently, Mrs Mbanefo promptly set up a business meeting with Mr Onaldi where many issues relating to the mutually beneficial relationship between NTDC and the Vera Mare were discussed.
March 7, Friday was another exciting and glorious day for the Nigerian delegation headed by Mrs Mbanefo at ITB Berlin 2014.
Mr Tamer Onaldi GM, Vera Mare ResortIt was a day a journalist described as befitting and one of the finest days for Nigeria at home and in the Diaspora.
It was the day that one of the finest Nigerians, a famous artist and the only Nigerian recognised jeans designer in Belgium, Mr Dayo Babalola with the designer’s Babson Zotto drove from Belgium to Messe Berlin to honour and commend Mrs Mbanefo for her strides at emancipating domestic tourism in Nigeria and encouraging the blacks in Diaspora to come back and contribute meaningfully to their roots.
Mr Zotto who has been living in Belgium in the last 24 years said that “ I have been keeping my eyes on Mrs Mbnaefo’s activities since her appointment. You seem to be the first DG of NTDC who really has a concrete programme for Nigeria in Diaspora in terms of culture and tourism. I have read your testament of mission and vision particularly and I am fascinated by your desire to pull us back home. And in order to show that some of us in Diaspora are in agreement with your vision and have many things to offer, I had to look for your photograph on the net to demonstrate and showcase one of the areas in which we excelled here and could be useful at home.”
Mr Zotto disclosed that “I have to go all the eight hours of motion from Belgium to Berlin, which to me is not too much a risk for a lady artist, lawyer and an accomplished technocrat who is doing well as the DG, NTDC and making Nigeria proud wherever she goes.
“What I am presenting to her is not an enlarged picture of her, rather it is what we called hairbrush on canvass which only few Nigerians know how to do. It took me seven days to accomplish this and to tell the emotional part of it, I was on this work when I heard of the death of my mother, but I have to continue not only to honour Mrs Mbanefo who is a lady of valour doing well for Nigeria, but to also remember my mum too who was a mother in need and deed.”
Mrs Mbanefo in her response condoled with Mr Zotto on the death of his mother and commended him for being altruistic in his patriotism.
“I salute your altruism in patriotism. When I was notified yesterday that a famous Nigeria born Belgian Based jean designer who has stayed in Belgium for 24 years had a message for me. I thought it was just an ordinary message to a friend. I was shocked on arrival here today to see that you are honoring me with a beautiful work of art which I value so much.”
Mrs Mbanefo lauded Mr Zotto for doing the country proud with his handiwork and for distinguishing himself in his chosen profession.
“As an artist, I understand, appreciate and value this portrait of mine. That it is my picture on the canvass has not removed the message and purpose of your act . It is not only patriotic, but a signal that if those of you in Diaspora can identify and see the genuineness and seriousness of purpose in a programme and the person driving it, Nigerians in Diaspora will respond positively.”
She called on other Nigerians in Diaspora not only to emulate Mr Zotto, but also let their experience and exposition rub – off well on Nigeria at this time when “ we have a visionary President who is working earnestly at making sure that Nigeria has a place of pride in the comity of nations.”
The achievements, goodwill, solid contacts, commitment to investment proposals, systematic selling of Nigeria to the European market,signing of MoUs and the luring of investors to Nigeria which Mrs Mbanefo and the Nigerian delegation accomplished at the ITB Berlin 2014 vindicated the saying that you don’t necessary need a big and costly stand to make an impact and achieve success in travel fairs particularly when there is paucity of fund and logistic constraints. It is just a matter of vision, focus, resourcefulness and aggressive determination to achieve success and make the world see what you have to offer.
This is what Mrs Mbanefo and the Nigerian delegation have proved to the world in a remarkable and commendable stride at 2014 ITB Berlin. — with Idowu Dada Omolabake Adetunberu and41 others.
