The director general of the Nigerian Tourism Development Council (NTDC), Chief Olusegun Runsewe, has offered scholarships to students to study tourism development overseas.

Speaking in his capacity as the chairman of the opening ceremony of the annual Ife Film Festival organised by the Department of Dramatic Arts of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Runsewe said the decision is hinged on the fact that the future of the country lies in tourism.

"Tourism is the only hope remaining for Africa and Nigeria inclusive. I am offering four outstanding students of this department, scholarships to attend any of the four best tourism schools in the world which are in Spain, United Kingdom, Germany and the UAE," he said.

According to him, his decision to attend the opening session of the festival is based on the need to stimulate the interest of young

Nigerians in tourism, being the largest employer of labour globally, saying film making, an integral part of culture, is a veritable tool for attaining such goals.

While lauding the department and the school for churning out excellent graduates whom he said have distinguished themselves globally through their achievements, he also expressed happiness over the way students of the institution have been conducting themselves in and outside the school.

Earlier, the head of department, Professor Foluke Ogunleye said the purpose of putting the film school and the festival in place was to sustain the quality of productions from the department's alumni.

"The purpose of the film school is to project movies shot by Africans and in Africa. It is the third outing for the film school and it is our hope that the efforts will continue to expand."

Ogunleye stated that the film festival will feature lectures, seminars and interactions between actors, producers, directors and students.