Chigozie Daniel
Thursday, May 14, offered yet another profound insight into the frailty of man and the imperfections that often define human conduct. It was a moment to reflect on how bitterness and malice can be elevated into an art form, defended through the prisms of ignorance, ego, and the absence of humility.
It was also a day that revealed silence as a powerful instrument of peace, a selfless willingness to suppress ego, bury vindictiveness, and even bear the weight of unjust accusations, all in pursuit of meekness, gentleness, integrity, and harmony.
For close to ten months, the once vibrant and promising cultural tourism environment in Nigeria has descended into toxicity. What should have been a thriving ecosystem of collaboration became a theatre of manipulation, malicious narratives, and intolerant attacks directed at individuals and ideas perceived not to align with certain vested interests.
Within this atmosphere, the industry suffered deep institutional and reputational divisions. Friendships and alliances were deliberately fractured, while falsehoods and mischief gained dangerous legitimacy. A disturbing culture of intimidation emerged, championed by forces determined to dominate the sector through fear, influence, and divisive tendencies.
Gradually, the industry appeared split into two ideological camps, those expected to bow to the dictates of entrenched interests, and those guided by independent thought, conscience, and conviction.
It became a vicious battle, not just professional but deeply personal and spiritual, one that has negatively impacted individual growth and institutional development alike. Turning policy disagreements into campaigns of personal hostility can never be mistaken for visionary leadership. Such conduct is vain, immature, opaque, and dangerously destructive, like Humpty Dumpty placed recklessly behind the wheel, determined to crash into everything within sight.
Yet, on this significant day, seated within the office of the Honourable Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, were men and a woman considered worthy enough to pursue the elusive peace the sector has desperately lacked over the past several months.
At the centre of this peace initiative stood a young and emerging industry leader who believes sincerely that peace remains the greatest catalyst for progress. Yinka Folami, a persuasive and thoughtful voice of his generation, demonstrated courage where many so-called elders hesitated. It was he, not the highly celebrated but conveniently absent “elders”, who convened the meeting.
Working closely with him was Kabir Masanawa, Director General of the Katsina History and Culture Bureau, former leader within the Tourism Federation, and an unwavering advocate for peace and reconciliation.
As Pope Leo XIV recently observed, peace cannot simply be decreed; it must be embraced, nurtured, and lived. It is a gift from God that unfolds through patience, sincerity, and collective commitment.
Gathered in agreement to listen, engage, and seek common ground were Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa; Permanent Secretary Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim; Nkereweum Onung; Samson Aturu; Badaki Aliyu; Mustapha Mohammed; and Elder Abiodun Odunsanwo. None of us present were strangers to the challenges confronting the industry.
Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa appeared optimistic and deeply reflective. Though her remarks were brief, they carried remarkable clarity. She spoke passionately about the need for a peaceful industry where dialogue must be driven by truth, responsibility, and national interest rather than division and hostility.
She encouraged open interventions, and Yinka Folami laid a firm intellectual and moral foundation for reconciliation within the sector. Carefully and thoughtfully, he outlined the dangers of a private sector body remaining perpetually at war with government institutions. He argued that the ongoing disagreement surrounding the regulatory initiatives of National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism should not be reduced to personality conflicts or emotional confrontations.
Government, he stressed, should be constructively engaged and supported. Where grey areas exist, they should be addressed through dialogue aimed at preserving peace and advancing the growth of the industry.
During introductions, the Minister encouraged me to speak frankly, perhaps inspired by my name. I appreciated the opportunity to emphasize the importance of objective and fearless reportage within the sector. I reflected on my long-standing reportorial journey covering ministers appointed under both military and democratic administrations since 1999. It would, indeed, amount to a painful stain on that legacy if stakeholders failed to sit together and resolve their differences through dialogue.
Nkereweum Onung offered a rich historical perspective on the value of peaceful engagement with government during his tenure, advocating the need to sustain that culture of mature collaboration.
Samson Aturu also spoke strongly in favour of peace, while Elder Abiodun Odunsanwo echoed similar sentiments. Mustapha Mohammed immersed himself fully in the engagement, evidently aligning with the conciliatory spirit championed by his president, Yinka Folami.
The President of FTAN spoke extensively, outlining grievances and perceived shortcomings concerning the leadership of NIHOTOUR. However, he was repeatedly reminded to focus on issues rather than personalities.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged awareness of the tensions within the sector and admitted that, as someone relatively new within the system, he would work diligently toward achieving lasting reconciliation.
In her concluding remarks, the Honourable Minister delivered perhaps the most touching message of the day. She reminded everyone that those entrusted with public service deserve support and encouragement. Where disagreements arise, she insisted, the national interest must always prevail above personal sentiments.
Her appeal for reconciliation carried genuine sincerity capable of softening even the hardest of hearts, especially among those who sincerely desire the growth and global relevance of Nigeria’s cultural tourism sector.
I left that meeting deeply appreciative of Yinka Folami, who travelled to Abuja simply to advocate for peace. I also left with renewed respect for Hannatu Musa Musawa, a latter-day apostle of reconciliation within the industry, and for everyone who came to the table genuinely seeking a new beginning rooted in sincerity, patriotism, and the fear of God rather than the fear of men.
In my own little corner, I remain committed to building a coalition of peacemakers, a place where even the most difficult and unforgiving souls may yet discover restoration, healing, and peace of mind.
Nigeria is greater than the forces of mischief and malicious manipulation.
Nigeria’s cultural tourism economy must survive.