First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions by exploring its vast tourism potential as a means of driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities.
The First Lady made the call on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, while receiving the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Hassan Al-Hail, at the State House in Abuja.
She said Nigeria possesses enormous tourism assets that remain largely untapped, stressing that the sector has the capacity to generate substantial revenue and provide jobs for millions of citizens.
According to her, the country’s rich cuisine, cultural diversity and hospitable people make it an attractive destination for tourists from across the world.
“We have not really explored the nation optimally. Our tourism sector remains our strong point. It gives employment. Look at our food and culture. We are a friendly people,” she said.
Senator Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria faces several challenges but noted that such issues are not unique to the country. She expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to addressing them.
She said the President was working tirelessly to reposition the country, expressing optimism that Nigeria would overcome its challenges and achieve greater national development.
The First Lady also commended the Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, for her contributions to the development of African countries.
She appreciated the partnership between Nigeria and the Qatari government, particularly in the education sector, noting that ongoing collaboration has received positive feedback from the Federal Ministry of Education in efforts to tackle the challenge of out-of-school children.
Speaking during the visit, the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Hassan Al-Hail, said his perception of Nigeria had changed since arriving in the country.
He explained that before his posting, much of the information he received through social media painted a negative picture of Nigeria, but his personal experience had proved otherwise.
“Nigeria is not what we hear and see on social media. It is a beautiful country with wonderful people. I have been to Lagos and seen the beaches; it is a beautiful place,” the envoy said.
He pledged to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Qatar, saying he would continue to build bridges that would foster mutually beneficial cooperation between both countries.
During the visit, Ambassador Al-Hail presented a letter from the Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, to the First Lady.
