By Taiye Olayemi

The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, on Wednesday urged African youths to embrace the transformative power of tourism to foster unity and progress in the continent.

Ade-John made the call at the maiden edition of the Africa Youth Tourism Festival (AYTF), ongoing at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The five-day festival is organised by Mr Ayo Omotosho, a tourism promoter.

The minister said that tourism promotes unity by bridging differences and fostering understanding among people.

She said tourism should not be seen as just sightseeing, adding that it was also about building connections and breaking barriers.

“Let us seize the power of tourism to showcase Africa’s beauty, Nigeria’s uniqueness, celebrate our shared humanity, and strengthen friendships across borders.

“Our continent is home to diverse ethnicities, languages, and customs and it is through tourism that we discover the common threads that bind us together as Africans.

“When individuals from different corners of our continent converge to explore heritage sites, partake in festivals, and immerse themselves in local communities, they are not merely tourists but ambassadors of unity.

“Africa’s rich cultures, traditions, and natural wonders are treasures that can and will propel us forward,” she said.

The minister explained that tourism drives sustainable development by creating jobs, alleviating poverty, supporting local businesses and protecting the environment.

She assured Africans of the Nigerian government’s support in ensuring adequate investments in people and infrastructure.

She said there would also be support in the promotion of entrepreneurship and safeguarding Nigeria’s natural environments.

“With this, we can unlock the full potential of tourism as a catalyst for socio-economic advancement.

“By embracing sustainable practices and responsible tourism initiatives, we can ensure that the benefits derived from tourism are equitably distributed, empowering local communities and preserving our cultural and ecological heritage for generations to come.

“This event highlights the vibrant spirit of our continent and the importance of tourism in bringing us together for unity and sustainable development of the tourism sector,” she said.

Earlier, Gorapetswe Lebang, General Manager, Planet Bamboo Lodge, Botswana, urged African youths to promote unity in the tourism space to build a formidable economy for the continent.

She said that African youths had huge responsibility in preserving the fauna and floral endowments within the continent, to generate wealth.

“Promoting Africa should be our collective responsibility as youths,” she said.

Also, Dr Ifeoluwa Akinsola of the Department of Arts and Social Science Education, University of Ibadan, called for the use of the social media in marketing Africa’s cultural heritages.

Akinsola urged African governments to organise periodic orientation for the youth on various means through which African cultural virtues could be commercialised.

The highlight of the festival was the exhibition of Nigeria’s culinary heritage by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).

Local cal cuisines like Moimoi, Abacha, Yam Porridge, Tuwo Shinkafa, Mia Taushe, Tuwo Masara, Masa, Afang soup, Bitter leave soup and many more were showcased.

Also on display were local beverages like Ginger, Zobo drink, Palm Wine, Fura De Nunu among others.

In his remarks, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Director-General of NIHOTOUR, who was represented by Mr Philip Maga, Director, Special Duties in the institute, said the exhibition was to expose African youths to the business aspect of culinary tourism.

Kangiwa said, “This is an easy occupational trade the youth can get engaged in to reduce poverty, address youth restiveness and eradicate unemployment.

“The institute is open for all to be trained in all areas of hospitality management and culinary expertise.” (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

Morocco, Rwanda, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda have indicated interest to attend the forthcoming maiden edition of the Africa Travel Market.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event will be organised by the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA).

Mrs Susan Akporiaye, National President of NANTA, disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.

She said that the Africa Travel Market would create a veritable platform to promote intra-Africa trade and open up Nigeria for tourism.

According to her, the event is part of activities for the association’s 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will hold from April 23 to April 27 in Lagos.

“To give a remarkable vent to our futuristic dream for our members and to Nigerians, we will be unveiling an Intra Africa Tourism Trade Exhibition during the AGM.

“We consider it an ambitious and legacy project that we can sustainably grow as a window to connect Africa and Nigeria with the world.

“This AGM is birthing a travel show for Africa travel market, we have Magical Kenya, Indaba in South Africa but Nigeria does not have such.

So, we are trying to ensure we create an Africa travel market for Nigeria.

“Going forward, the hosting of the travel market will be done every two years,” she said.

Akporiaye, who is currently serving the association in her second term said that in the course of the AGM, the association would hold its elections for new set of executives to take over.

Akporiaye said she had successfully delivered on her four-point agenda, based on training and professionalism; unifying NANTA; diversification in business and maintaining a financially bouyant association.

Commenting on her most scary moment as the President, Akporiaye said, “The COVID-19 pandemic era was my most scary moment, with job losses and our members not sure of what else to do.

“Today, we stand to be counted because we pulled our strength and knowledge together. We survived because we believed in quality leadership and encouraged it.

“NANTA under my watch, we broke ceilings, trained our members, and opened doors of opportunities.

“We innovated Africa to Africa Tourism initiative, stormed Johannesburg University with the support of South Africa Tourism, and left a message.

“Twice, NANTA headlined Nigeria’s participation at the World Travel Market, London, a huge sacrifice to which our members thronged out in their numbers to identify.

Also, Mrs Adelola Adewole, NANTA’s Publicity Secretary, noted that the 48th AGM would be a purposeful event.

Adewole said that the theme of the AGM is ” Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potentials: Travel and Tourism as Catalyst for Intra Africa Business Investment and Trade”.

“April 23 is arrival day, for 24, we will have a familiarisation tour to Badagry along with our foreign visitors, this is a way to open up Lagos to the world.

“For April 25, we will have three keynote speakers who will be enlightening members on diverse topics and on April 26, we will have a town hall meeting as an association, the election and a gala night while April 27 is the departure.

“The gala night is tagged “Eko for Show” and over N21 million has been budgeted for it.

This is to showcase Lagos state as a preferred tourist destination,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, on Friday urged Nigerians to work unanimously in preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.

Ade-John made the call during her visit to La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ikegun, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

The minister was received by the Founder of the beach resort, Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, who led her and her entourage on a tour of the vast 65 acres of the resort.

“Through initiatives like La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, we harness tourism’s power to showcase Nigeria’s beauty and diversity while fostering economic growth and sustainable development.

“I urge all stakeholders present to continue supporting endeavours that celebrate our Nigerian identity and promote our cultural heritage, ensuring places like La Campagne Tropicana serve as beacons of pride and inspiration.”

The minister said she would be deeply committed to promoting and preserving the Nigerian heritage for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

She described the tourism asset as a beacon of creativity and ingenuity.

She appreciated Akinboboye for allowing her team to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of the Nigerian culture and heritage visible everywhere at the resort.

She also expressed her appreciation to the management of the beach resort for its unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to showcasing the best of Nigeria.

She expressed optimism that her visit would mark the beginning of a new era, a renaissance of Nigerian culture and heritage shining brightly for generations to come.

“La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort is a beacon of creativity and ingenuity, a testament to Nigeria’s richness and diversity.

“Through its intricate presentation of architecture, cultural practices, cuisine, and entertainment, the resort encapsulates the essence of our unique identity, inviting visitors to discover and appreciate our heritage.

“As we gather amidst the breathtaking beauty of this resort, let’s reflect on the significance of our shared cultural heritage.

“Nigeria, with its myriad traditions, languages, and customs, is a treasure trove of diversity, a mosaic of experiences waiting to be explored and celebrated.

“This resort serves as more than a destination for leisure it is a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue, a space where people from all walks of life can come together to learn, share, and celebrate what makes us uniquely Nigerian.”

The Minister went on a boat cruise; inspected the holiday homes at the resort; and the Bolekaja bar- a heritage of transport scenario of the nation in the 60s, preserved at the resort for future generations.

She also went on tour to the founder’s camp, where Akinboboye first landed at age 26, to begin the actualisation of his dreams.

Then a tour of the houses with live trees strutting out of their roofs as well as the Oja Africa where all African nations have a stand, to sell their artefacts, arts and culture, and many other locations around the resort.

Ade-John also had the opportunity to witness a rare performance of Ara Thunder, one of the major stars of Atunda Entertainment, also founded by Akinboboye.

Earlier, Akinboboye appreciated the Minister for her visit.

He emphasised that tourism was not just about sites and destinations but also about the culture and traditions of the people. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

Mrs Oriyomi Otuka, the Curator of National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, said that no fewer than 5,020 visitors visited the museum in the first quarter of the year.

Otuka who said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ibadan, said that the number of visitors received in the first quarter was not impressive.

She said that out of the number of visitors received, 11 were foreigners, while 4,008 were Nigerian students.

According to her, the museum received 1,195 visitors in January, while in February it received 1,306 and in March 2,519.

She said although the numbers were not what they would have wanted; they were however impressed that it kept increasing monthly.

“Looking at the figures from January to March, you will agree with me that it keeps getting better each month, and we are impressed.

“If we keep reaching out to the people, we are sure we are going to double the total of the first quarter, God willing.

“Usually everyone sees January as a dull period for business, and the Museum is not left out; that’s why we had just a little above 1,000 visitors.

“In February and March, the total number of visitors, especially the school children, increased. We are expecting many more school children and adults in the next quarter,” she said.

The Curator added that plans were ongoing to create more awareness for the museum.

“We are making museum visits interactive. We are attracting tourists both within and outside Ibadan with an online events calendar. We are promoting local attractions and local events,” she said.

Otuka said that hosting a festival to attract tourists and art lovers all over Nigeria was also in the pipeline.

NAN reports that Museums are institutions that acquire, preserve, interpret, and exhibit artifacts of artistic, cultural, scientific, and historical importance. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Joseph Edeh

By Taiye Olayemi

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture on Wednesday celebrated the cosmopolitan nature of the state with display of various theatrical performances, dances and music, in commemoration of the 2024 World Theatre Day.

The theme for this year’s commemoration of the Day is “Theatre and Culture of Peace”.

The event held at Alliance Française in lkoyi, featured performances cutting across different ethnic groups represented in the state.

The Saxophone Hub, a troupe of dancers, presented instrumental performance of late Victor Uwaifor’s “Joromi”, late Victor Olaiya’s “Omo Pupa” and Simi’s “Duduke”.

Also, Segun Afefila’s Crown Troupe of Africa rendered a play sensitising Nigerians on the need to contribute their quota in cushioning the current hardship in the country.

Abiodun Oke, a percussionist, popularly known as “Wura Samba, displayed a high level of creativity with his traditionally built Samba drum.

Another group called “Dance Na The Main Thing” (DNMT) gave another beautiful dance performance.

The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture showcased a playlet entitled “Oshodi”, highlighting Oshodi as a place of movement, prosperity and adversity.

The Lagos transportation system of “Danfo” was also celebrated.

Queens and Kings Theatre Academy and Sage were among other groups that performed.

Earlier, Mr Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu On Tourism, Arts and Culture, expressed delight that the younger generation of artistes were carried along in the development of arts and culture.

Aregbe appreciated Gov. Sanwo-Olu for always supporting the sector.

Also, Mr Solomon Bonu, Chairman, Lagos State House Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, assured all stakeholders of his full commitment to developing the industry. (NAN)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

Veteran Nollywood actress, Joke Silva, has called on the Lagos State Government to put the state’s theatres to use to impact the society and engage the youth meaningfully.

Silva made the call during a conference organised by the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) in commemoration of the World Theatre Day, on Wednesday, in Lagos.

The theme for the conference is: “Unbundling Nigeria’s Creative Economy for a Sustainable Future”.

The actress decried the neglect of the theaters located in the five divisions of the state, describing it as a sad development.

According to her, to fully unbundle the Nigerian creative economy for a sustainable future, formidable structures must be in place.

“The creative industry needs a lot of structures-intellectual and physical, for the industry to thrive better. We should have physical structures of theatres across each local government in the federation.

“I can remember Lagos state did well by building five theatres and all have not been put to use in recent times, this is a sad development. They did this because they said government is not making money from it.

“Structures like that and the Freedom Park are cultural places and assets government need to be funding, these structures are impacting on the society, bringing the young people off the streets.

“These theatres and some other cultural places need take-off grants for a long time from government because they impact the society so the Lagos state government need to make these theatres work again,” she said.

Silver noted that government did not need to create more cultural centres but rather revamp, renovate and refurbishe the existing ones across the nation.

“One of such cultural centres to be revamped is the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture in Abuja.

“Training is also another important thing needed, this relates with the intellectual structure needed in the creative space.

“I can observe series of microwave training the younger ones are engaged with, which makes our people sub-standard to the global standard. We need to get it right,” she said.

Speaking on the importance of data gathering to unbundling Nigeria’s creative economy for a sustainable future, renowned filmmaker, Femi Odugbemi, advised on engaging the right kind of technology for data gathering.

Odugbemi spoke extensively on reasons government at all levels must priotise data gathering and uphold accuracy.

“Every number I have heard is a guess and this is usually used to make ridiculous plans, there must be a shift to the normal,” he said.

Advising his colleagues, Odugbemi said, “To engage government we need to make a shift from individual talent to building institutions, like building art studios, look at providing work and not looking for work.”

Also, Dr Ikenna Nwosu, Vice President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, said that to get it right in the creative sector, addressing the absence of a national policy on the creative economy was quite germane.

“We must address the draft national policy on intellectual property in the sector, also, mitigating the risks associated with investing in the creatives sector would have to be examined.

“Government must also think of addressing the absence of a Nigerian creative economy bill that creates a creative economy.

Earlier, Mr Israel Eboh, NANTAP National President, noted that the theme of the conference was carefully picked to enlighten people on the broad nature of the creative industry.

Eboh urged theatre arts practitioners to take deliberate efforts in understanding the demands of playing actively in the creative space.

“The era of creative exhibitionism must end, we must step onto the field of creative business. As practitioners, we must reinvent ourselves; we must be willing to collaborate; we must understand the business of risk sharing and mitigation.

“Above all, we must be engaged in constant capacity building and understanding the workings of the many components that make the creative economy one of the largest growing economies.

Ngozi Obigwe-Kunuji, Head of Operations, Africa Philanthropy Forum, enlightened theatre practitioners on how they could seek for funds for filmmaking.

She listed the British Council, Fort Foundation, and Mastercard Foundation among many other organisations they can approach for funds. (NAN)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

Goge Africa, a culture and tourism promotion platform, has celebrated its 25th anniversary with colourful and interesting cultural presentations, as well as fashion and arts exhibitions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Goge Africa was founded Oct.1, 1999 by Isaac Moses and Nneka Isaac-Moses.

The celebration, held in Lagos, also featured a contest for the Face of Goge Africa (FOGA), aimed at showcasing the richness of Africa’s creative in fashion, art, and modeling talents on a global stage.

The contest had 25 African youths, aged between 18 and 25, compete for FOGA, after series of screening.

After going through series of intellectual examination, fashion parade and other categories of contest, five winners emerged.

Sandra Kaba from Liberia won a trip to the Gambia, courtesy of Gambian Tourism Board while Adebowale Victoria won a ship cruise to the Bahamas, courtesy the Royal Caribbean.

Also, Adewale Mary bagged one million Naira cash prize, courtesy Goge Africa Foundation; and Nwagu Eustess-Malcolm will benefit training at the London Fashion Week, sponsored by wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, founder Nigerian Fashion Week London.

Another winner , Emeruem Emeka will enjoy an all-expense paid trip to The Gambia, to be sponsored by the Gambian Tourism.

Nneka Isaac-Moses, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) expressed her joy for the remarkable achievements recorded since inception of Goge Africa.

She said FOGA was deliberately created to help empower African youths in gaining entrepreneurial skills.

She said the platform received applications from six countries: Burundi, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, Gambia and Nigeria.

She said another phase of the contest would be held soon, as a modeling runway agency in America has also demanded the service of two black Americans who would emerge Face of Goge.

“This is the inaugural event for Goge Africa 25th anniversary celebration. I feel so fulfilled that we have been able to create the platform we have always wanted to.

“Success is when we have successors. We have created FOGA platform to help African youths so that they do not struggle so hard and suffer the way we did.

“We shall groom the five winners to become professional models and provide training to them in areas of media and tourism promotion.

“All the contestants that made it to the finals shall enjoy mentorship from us as well and training opportunities,” she said.

Also, expressing his joy, Isaac Moses, said, “I feel so elated and fulfilled that now we have hope for young Africans not to struggle like we did.

“We are on the right trajectory and I will like to appreciate MTN, Access Bank from Angola, Dr Angela Adamu, President of the Association of Spouses of Nigerian Ambassadors (ASNA) and other individuals that gave prizes. The goodwill is so ennormous.”

NAN reports that celebrities in attendance at the event included renowned Nollywood veterans like Sola Shobowale, Joke Silva, Fred Amata, Keppy Ekpenyong, Emeka Ossai, Adenrele Edun, top government functionaries and international delegates. (NAN)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

Mrs Aisha Augie, the newly appointed Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), has urged members of staff to be dedicated to duty and embrace teamwork.

Augie made the call on Monday in Lagos at a meeting with her predecessor, Chief Oluwabunmi Amao, and members of staff of the organisation.

She said that being dedicated to one’s duty and teamwork would spur progress and enable the centre actualise its mandate.

Augie, who appreciated Amao for her support and ensuring a smooth transition, promised to build on the achievements she recorded.

“My administration will deploy innovative ways to bolster the programmes of the centre in order to deliver on its mandate, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Augie, an ace photographer and artist was appointed as the Director-General, CBAAC, by President Bola Tinubu on Jan. 12.

She is an indigene of Kebbi and a graduate of Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Kaduna State.

Her academic pursuits are complemented by certifications in digital filmmaking from the New York Film Academy and curating contemporary art exhibitions from the Chelsea College of Arts, London, UK.

She is an acclaimed multi-award winning Nigerian photographer, filmmaker and artist known for her exceptional contributions to the arts, culture and creative industry.

In 2011, she was named Creative Artist of the Year, at the Future Awards.

She also won the Sisterhood Photographer of the Year Award in 2014.

In the same year, she emerged as winner of the British Council “Through-My-Eyes Competition”.

Before her career in the arts, Augie served as the Senior Special Assistant to the governor of Kebbi, focusing on new media strategies. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidi Opara/ Folasade Adeniran