In this interview, Mohammed Bougei Attah, Chief Executive Officer of Trans Atlantic Centre,speaks with PREMIUM NEWS on the country’s tourism industry and its prospects,the evolution of the Centre and how it’s rapidly changing the taste of tourists and lovers of nature.
Excerpts:
What is your take on the country’s tourism industry?
There are lots of untapped tourism opportunities in Nigeria. Apart from the natural spaces and locations that abound in the country,the landscape, ecosystem and reserves are in surplus that every state can generate adequate revenue from it like India.
Our culture and orientation over the years does not encourage tourism in the country. Most families will prefer Togo home only on Yuletide seasons rather than take time off their busy time to relax, discover and learn new things that enhances the body system.
How do you think the industry can be strengthened in order to add value to the country’s economy?
First, the Federal government should create an enabling environment for tourism. Security of lives and properties should be of utmost concern to the government, and this will encourage more free movement from one location to another. Take the case of Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi, it is almost abandoned due to security challenges. The tourism industry,like in Kenya, Zambia and in the Europe should be developed to have more professionals and expert tour guides. And on the part of the states,the government should make it a priority for investors to discover and invest in the industry. As I said earlier,every state in Nigeria has tourism potentials.
Can you share with our readers the idea behind Trans Atlantic Centre?
As someone that is privileged to have worked at the international level and travelled across the globe,I was challenged to bring something back and invest for the benefit of the people.
So,in one of my many tours overseas,I attended a World Peace Conference in Kaula Lumpur, Malaysia. I stayed in one of the most exotic and expensive hotels called Pyramid Hotel and Resort. Here the dream and prayer over the years gradually rise in me because what I saw there was a combination of nature, humanity, learning and wellness.
So on getting back to Nigeria,I began the journey of fulfilling the dream.
Why did you create the Centre, who are the co-drivers of the centre?
The Centre was created as part of my promise to bring back home to my people, something I have learned and gained while traversing the globe for over 10 years. It is like giving back to the society part of what I have gained over the years.
Who are your patrons?
What we have at the Centre are promoters. Though it is a not-for-profit entity, it does not operate like a full time NGO. It is a research, recreation and community development Initiative. So what we have are people, mostly local who are interested in similar initiative and want to support it annually or at all times.
For example, we have several sections that are named after prominent people in the area that have impacted in the community and are recognized as such.
Some of them include, Chief Joshua Omuya, an accountant and philanthropist, Dr. Abdulrahman Adeiza, former President of Ebira Peoples Association and Alh. Abubakar IMAM, a young, vibrant and pro-people philanthropist among others.
Are there other targeted patrons?
The Centre is a ten-year development plan, 10-DVP with the hope to expand and meet the needs of the community, the state and the international community in the long run. As we grow, we plan to recognize more people that are in support of our dream and aspiration.
What is the level of patronage of the host state, Kogi here?*
As I explained, it is a community initiative and we have enjoyed reasonable patronage from the low and might of the people from the area. Though this is more of an annual patronage, we are glad that the Centre has gotten the recognition it deserves within the few years of operations
Would you say the Center’s nearness to Abuja, the seat of power has impacted so much on its patronage?*
Yes, as you know, Kogi State share common boarder with Abuja, the federal capital territory among other six states. A large percentage of Kogi indigenes are known to live and work in Abuja, so on many occasions, especially during festive periods, the most suitable, serene spot to visit is the Trans Atlantic Centre in Okene.
You have hosted annual Family Funfair and Friends Connect Day at the Centre for over 8years. What are your experiences hosting events there?. What are the turnouts like?
The experiences have been overwhelming and good for us. Apart from having the rare opportunities of bringing who-is-who in Kogi Central together, the events have helped to add values to our existing ideas, brought about great networking among the citizens and others. And due to these seasonal events, people from far and near, like Lagos, Edo and Kaduna often join their families and friends to visit the place.
One surprising thing to many is that when they see the videos and photos of the Centre online they often dismiss the images as mere propaganda until they visit and realized the Centre has more spots,recreational activities and section that are made available.
For example,the Animal Colony and the Botanical Garden are there and rarely showcased.
What other things do you do at the Centre apart from hosting the annual carnival there?
A lot of activities goes on daily at the Centre. As a research, recreation and community development initiative, we mark by hosting some international and national events such May 27th Children’s Day Celebration, Valentine Day Picnics, Marriages, Mini Trade Fair and others. The Centre admits guests for research and recreation purposes.
All these include sightseeing by couples, individuals and nearby schools on excursion. We plan to improve on these programs and events in the coming years.
Looking back, would you say the Centre has been able to sustain itself and generate enough revenue for you to carry on?
This is one area tourism establishment are suffering from, especially in our part of the country. There are many investments there and little income and support from individuals that is helping us to move on,but not adequate to cater for the sustainance of the Centre.
It is,however,a long-term investment in the people and community, so the primary focus is not the returns but the sustainance as you asked.
Tell us the accomplishments of the Centre since its inception.
There are great accomplishments. For me, it is a great opportunity to connect with the grassroot, and in general, it is a spot that the high and mighty have identified with and in making comparison, people often say the Trans Atlantic Centre in Okene is better equipped that the Abuja Millennium Park. This is a reality if you have visited the two spots, and for me, this is an accomplishment.
It also gives me joy because it is a dream fulfilled and knowing and praying that the live beyond me to other generation
What challenges have you faced and how did you tackle them?
The challenges are enormous. People assume that someone with investments such as the Centre should have so much money and should do not need money and other resources to survive. People simply forget that salaries are paid monthly even when there are no income, maintenance of the space, animals and the green areas are cost-consuming.
So,what we do is to make use of the little we get from renting the spaces for event and the support we get from individuals some that I mentioned above to sustain the five.
What other innovations and services are you bringing to bear on the Centre?*
There have been great need for inhouse cruise and residency. So we are looking at investors and partners to develop charlets for visiting guests to stay in the accomodations for days to enable them enjoy the full scale amenities available at the Centre. Others include hosting regular educational and capacity building programs that will support the community youths and women especially.
We have had many of our friends from within and outside Nigeria asking to know if they can come and stay at the Center for some days or weeks to learn sight see and connect with the locals, but without the charlets, our hands are tight now to host such guests.
What are your expansion plans?
One of the expansion plans is the Charlets I mentioned above. Also we plan to collaborate with some organizations in future to have residency programs, bequeaths and tourism company for enlarge events.
Are we expecting collaboration with foreign institutions and like minds?
Yes,we have already contacted some international organizations for support, grants and partnership. At the local level, and as part of our mandate of community development Initiative, we are currently in partnership with some select few pioneer event creators and Promoters from Kogi Central.
The idea is to assist the community do a mapping and organize the entertainment industry in a more presentable and attractive one that will benefit the community. We aim to discourage overlaps, unhealthy rivalry and competition and others.
Organizations such as Ebira Mountaineering Project, Ebira Gentlemen’s Club, Dynamic Ebira Friend’s and Queen Enzy Channels among others are currently in partnership. All these are renowned event hosters and promoters from the area.
