The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has partnered with the Chinese government to empower Nigerian youth on innovative tourism skills.

Chief Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General, NCAC, disclosed this in a statement made available to reporters on Saturday in Lagos.

Mr Runsewe said the agreement was reached at the just-concluded International Culture Tourism Reform for Developing Nations, held In Beijing, China.

The event was organised by the Chinese government and Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO).

He said the training would not only be limited to the pure cultural tourism economy but would also promote technological breakthroughs and innovations.

“The meeting is strategic and eye opener to how our youths can benefit from training by the Chinese, who are ready to partner and support us.

“It will bring about 3,000 young Nigerians at first instance to undergo diverse areas of training.

“They will be trained in areas like manufacturing of chips and even on electrical car production, which can be used in the tourism space,” he said.

Mr Runsewe added that the training would be a new beginning for the young, noting that it would bear verifiable gains for the future in cultural tourism and technology ecosystems.

Mr Runsewe disclosed that the Chinese training would engage about 100 young persons nationwide to help reduce crime and unemployment.

“I am excited about this opportunity for our young persons in Nigeria. It is no elephant project, and we know how committed the Chinese are to promises to us as a nation.

“On their return to Nigeria, we shall put up strategies to actualise the milestones,” he said.

(NAN)