Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Development
Following the uproar generated by his letter requesting for a N13.12 million loan from the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said that the letter was in order.
He explained that the loan was to cover travelling expenses of his five-man delegation to China.
The position of the minister was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by Mr. Peter Dama, the Director, Public Relations and Protocol in the Ministry.
The statement recalled that the letter to the NBC requesting for a loan of N13.12 million was mischievously leaked to the social media by staff of the commission.
The statement clarified that the loan was to cover tickets and travel expenses of a five-member delegation being led by the Minister to Beijing, China, for a Conference on Tourism for Development.
“The loan being requested for is for the Ministry to meet up its obligations to enable the Minister and members of his delegation attend the all important Conference.
“The loan is not meant for the minister alone as personal expenses, but for the expenses of all members of the delegation.
“The Conference is being organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in conjunction with the Government of the People’s Republic of China, under the overall theme “Tourism for Peace and Development.
“It will feature amongst others, discussions on major issues for sustainable development including the contribution of Tourism to poverty reduction and peace.
“The Conference is a veritable platform to develop synergy and partnership with players in the global Tourism Industry which will go a long way in boosting our drive to diversify the Nigerian economy,” it stated.
The statement said that on the sideline of the conference, the delegation would have discussion in China with Set Top Box Manufacturers.
It stated …Read More
Source:: PM Newspaper
