By Taiye Olayemi and Aderonke Ojediran

The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, on Friday said tourism serves as a powerful catalyst for fostering peace and unity in the society.

Benson-Awoyinka made this remark during the commemoration of the 2024 World Tourism Day, with the theme: “Tourism and Peace”, in Lagos.

“This year’s theme is timely and significant, as it invites us to reflect on how tourism, beyond being a tool for economic development, serves as a bridge for peace, understanding, and unity among people and nations.

“Lagos, as a dynamic hub of culture and commerce, understands the power of tourism in building not only an inclusive society but a peaceful one.

“Through tourism, we are able to connect with the world, break down cultural barriers, and offer a platform where differences are not just acknowledged but celebrated.

“The tourism sector serves as a powerful catalyst for fostering peace,” Benson-Awoyinka said.

According to her, as visitors from around the world explore different lands, meet new people, and experience diverse cultures, they engage in an exchange that promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and friendship.

She added: “It is this spirit of shared humanity that can turn tourism into an engine for peace and reconciliation, as it opens hearts and minds to new ways of thinking, living, and coexisting.

“In Lagos, we are not only committed to promoting tourism as an economic driver but also as a tool for fostering peace.

“Our initiatives continue to elevate Lagos as a global tourism destination, where cultural diversity is showcased, and our rich heritage is shared with the world.

“Today, as we gather here at Muri Okunola Park, I am proud to say that Lagos remains a beacon of cultural and tourism excellence.”

The commissioner said that the state government’s collaboration with Sterling Bank to commemorate the Day remained a testament to the power of partnerships in driving the growth of this vital sector.

“Through this joint effort, we hope to strengthen the narrative of tourism as a path to peace and reconciliation, demonstrating how tourism can create opportunities for sustainable development while bringing people closer together.

“Let me take this opportunity to commend all tourism stakeholders, our partners, and the local communities who continue to contribute to the growth of tourism in Lagos.

“You are the backbone of this industry, and your dedication helps us maintain our position as a leading tourism destination in Africa.

“Today, as we mark this global event, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that tourism remains a force for good in our society,” he said.

Looking ahead, the commissioner said that the state government was excited about the future of tourism in Lagos.

She said that the government was constantly exploring innovative ways to make tourism more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful.

“Through our continued efforts, Lagos will not only remain a key player in the global tourism landscape but will also stand as a city that exemplifies how tourism can promote peace,” she said.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Sterling Bank, Mr Tunde Adeola, said that the event was to showcase the heart and soul of the country.

Adeola said it was also to promote Nigeria’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and the warmth of its people.

“Through this campaign, we invite the world to experience Nigeria, while also encouraging Nigerians to discover the beauty of their own homeland.

“We believe that this journey of discovery brings us closer together and deepens our appreciation of one another.

“As we reflect on the theme of today’s celebration, let us remember that tourism is more than a industry.

“It is a means to creating a world where we see each other not as strangers but as family.

“Every journey can be a step towards greater understanding, unity, and peace,” he said.

Adeola said that the bank was looking forward to continuing its role in promoting new opportunities for tourism and building connections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the events includes exhibitions and cultural displays. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

Some tourism and hospitality experts on Friday revealed diverse ways to upscale Nigeria’s tourism industry, as the world celebrated the 2024 World Tourism Day (WTD).

They spoke during the commemoration of WTD, organised by Sterling Bank and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation has been celebrating the World Tourism Day as international observances on Sept. 27.

The theme for the 2024 World Tourism Day is “Tourism and Peace”.

Mr Ikechi Uko, Convener of AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market, said Lagos state needed to create interesting narratives around its beautiful coastline which seem unique from all others across the globe.

Uko said the colour in Lagos water was different from the usual green or blue, adding that stories around the colour should be created to further market the state.

He noted that nightlife was another aspect of tourism the state had not explored well enough.

“Tourism is the only industry not producing millionaires in Nigeria yet, this is to tell us that there is a lot to be done.

“Nightlife is what Lagos should be known for, more investment in that area is needed.

“The state government has done very well with the blue rail, the tourists that came for the recently concluded AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market were excited exploring it. Lagos also has five beautiful bridges.

“I will like to mention that to market Lagos well enough, the travel professionals and tour operators should be consulted, they are the ones to create beautiful narratives that would woo more tourists,” he said.

Also, Mr Chike Ogeah, Managing Director, Lagos Marriot Hotel, said that to reposition tourism in Lagos and Nigeria, infrastructure development should be upscaled, as well as security.

A Nigeria-born, London-raised textile designer, Banke Kuku said the Nigerian fashion industry could play a huge role in boosting tourism through storytelling.

Kuku said fashion opens up dialogue which could be seen as pathway for peace and development.

She advised Nigerians to indulge in telling Nigerian story through fashion to upscale the tourism industry.

Abiola Adelana, Head, Tourism and Creative Arts Business, Sterling Bank, reiterated the bank’s willingness and readiness to upscale tbe industry through a loan facility which was tagged travelling loan.

Adelana said as part of plans by the bank to enhance domestic tourism, ‘Discover Naija’ project would be launched soon.

“We are visionary and actively involved in promoting the Nigerian tourism agenda. Projecting community based tourism is a priority for us.

“When we came on board, we tried to understand the industry, identify problems and proffer solutions, so we devised practicable products to empower people.

“We cannot separate peace and empowerment, we are conscious of the fact that when empowerment is in place, peace is inevitable,” she said.

Speaking on what Nollywood practitioners can do to improve tourism in Nigeria, Biola Sokenu, Group Executive Director, Nile Media Entertainment, said actors should be conscious of the content they project in films that represent Nigeria.

She said in showcasing Nigerian culture and festivals in films, those aspects of Nigerian content should not be projected as fetish.

“Nollywood has evolved, the picture quality and even content have all improved, we should be conscious of the image we project about Nigeria,” she said.

Ms Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. of Lagos State on Tourism, noted that the Lagos State Government was looking out for vulnerable areas across the state in order to create fun around such areas.

Ayinde-Marshal noted that this was one of the plans of the state to further project Lagos as a choice destination for tourism.

Mrs Nike Okundaye, Founder of Nike Art Gallery, spoke on the importance of showcasing Nigerian fabrics.

She commended Sterling Bank for supporting the sector in the last few years. (NAN)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

By Taiye Olayemi

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Thursday flagged off the commencement of the 2024 Olojo Festival, revealing the event’s ancestral and spiritual significance.

Ogunwusi spoke at his palace at a news conference on the 2024 Olojo Festival with the theme: “Evolving Transformational Domestic Tourism With Community Festivals”.

According to him, the festival is significant because of the spiritual exercises that characterise it and the testimonies it attracts.

He said the celebration of the revered cultural event was held annually in the ancient city to celebrate the day of the first dawn.

The Ooni said the festival was in remembrance of “Ogun”, god of iron, who is believed to be the first son of Oduduwa, progenitor of the Yoruba people.

He added that the festival marked the birth of the “Aare Crown”.

Ooni said that several prayers rendered to Olodumare through the iconic “Aare crown” during the Olojo festival had been answered with so much testimonies.

“Olojo is the festival of dawn and the birth of the crown, “Ade Aare”, the crown of all crowns. The crown that gave birth to all crowns all over the world with all the colours of the rainbow. It is called the spectrum of rainbow crown.

“The crown does everything humans does, it is a very spiritual crown, very sacred. I am a living example and witness. I have actually charged the crown, I have prayed with it, that I want this done, this particular time.

“This is my ninth year on the throne, going to my tenth year by the grace of God, I have seen a lot of testimonies.

“I will pray with the crown worn on my head, I pray to the almighty God, Olodumare through the crown. I have never seen any failure in it. It is our strong heritage, our strong culture and tradition and we will continue to uphold it forever.

“We are not idol worshipers, these are things our ancestors left for us that are working and it will continue to work.

“These are things we should not joke about, It is our heritage, we should not compromise it with anything. It is created by nature, by God Almighty who is the supreme being,” he said.

Explaining the nature of the “Ade Aare“, Ooni described the crown as a sacred, mysterious being which bears the nature of humans.

According to him, the crown functions like humans.
“Olojo is the time when the crown comes out for blessings. This is a crown that has life in it till date, right from time immemorial.

“The crown changes the weather, it does not see the atmosphere except once in a year, during Olojo festival.

“In the crown, we see everything complete, we see the day, night, four corners of the world, the northern, southern, eastern and western poles.

“The birth of the crown is actually the first dawn pathfinded by Ogun, which is linked to our celebration.

“Olojo is the main new year celebration and this dovetails to everybody’s new yam festival all over because what is used to bring out yams are cutlasses and hoes made with iron.

“This is the time we get beautiful harvests, the time we get wallnuts, bitter kola. For us in Ile-Ife, we still uphold our heritage and that is why we celebrate the first dawn,” he said.

Ogunwusi appreciated the sponsors for the festival.

“I want to appreciate you all, our sponsors, for everything you have been doing. For always responding to my calls. May God bless you and may our ancestors guide you all. I appreciate the state government as well,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Abiodun Bankole-Ojo, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Osun, appealed to sponsors of the Olojo festival to look into the possibility of developing some tourism sites within the state, like the Oranmiyan Groove.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Grand Finale for the 2024 edition of the annual Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, will hold between Sept.

26 and Sept.30.

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Priscilla Osaje

Six Nigerian youths on Wednesday participated in preparing two Korean side dishes in a cooking  programme to celebrate Korea traditional festival “Chuseok”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  Chuseok traditional festival is Korea’s annual thanksgiving holiday, which happens to be one of the biggest event in modern Korea.

Chuseok consists of making platefuls of food as well as coming together with family members to remember ancestors by showing gratitude for the past and future.

The cooking programme, which  was organised by the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN) in Abuja, was to enable Nigerians  to join in the celebration of Chuseok due to the  Korean booming culture in Nigeria.

The event also aimed at making Nigerians to develop the interest of finding more and more traditional things of Chuseok that they could relate to.

The ingredients for the Korean side dish  Kkochijeon(pan-fried skewers) were;  Oyster, mushroom, beef, crap sticks, garlic, salt, cooking oil, eggs, black pepper, water, flour, spring onion and sugar.

The ingredients for Hobakjeon (pan-fried Battered Zucchini) were marrow, salt, cooking oil, eggs, black pepper, water, flour, dark soy sauce (Jinganjang).

The participants, who demonstrated their zeal and enthusiasm in preparing the dishes told NAN that celebrating Chuseok was a day to be remembered.

Deborah Olabelurin, a participant, said preparing the two Korean dishes was not really complicated, just that a lot of cutting was involved to get the desired shape.

Olabelurin, an analyst with a consulting firm, said being a Korea fan was exciting,  because of the opportunity to learn some basic things like  food, attires, dance among others.

“It is obvious that Koreans eat a lot of vegetable and beef, so  I urged Nigerians  to put more vegetables in their food as well as being creative with our food.

“I can proudly say that both countries are actually doing well, the synergy between the two countries is very strong. I must tell you Korea is my second country,”  she said.

Another participant, Ms Gift John, said preparing the two side dishes in the food programme to mark Chuseok festival was an exciting experience.

“I think the first attraction is their movies, because  from their movies you see their food, music and every other thing, then you have no choice than to fall in love with them.

“They have  impacted  me by making me to learn  about most of their  dishes and their health  benefits,” she said.

Ms Hauwa Ibrahim said that the programme was filled with fun and excitement due to the simple  process of preparing the dishes.

“If you observed, everybody was having fun, making the dishes without stress, coupled with the fact that it is something you can actually make on your own at home,” she said.

Ms Sharon Yakubu, Culture and Event Officer of KCCN, said Chuseok was the Korean festival celebrated for three days.

Yakubu said that Chuseok was a time for people to have their new harvests, as well as celebrate their ancestors for giving them a fruitful and good harvest.

“In present days, its also a time to celebrate new beginnings, to celebrate family. Family get together is always cherished at this time.

“So people leave from their villages to the  cities to see  elderly ones in order to celebrate with them.

“Certain dishes are made, one of it was what we just did, though it was actually snacks,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the ‘Ipada’ Initiative, Mrs Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism has said.

The minister said this at a briefing at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ipada, a Yoruba word, which means the return, is aimed at uniting Africa through tourism, focusing on Africans in the diaspora and lovers of Africa worldwide.

“Ipada is designed to boost tourism in Nigeria and across Africa by encouraging people of African descent to visit the continent, using Lagos as the gateway,” said the minister.

According to her, this year-round initiative seeks to foster deep rooted connections that can lead to future investments and business opportunities, amongst other things.

The minister said Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, the founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and Motherland Beckons, was the creator and driving force behind Ipada, and the Federal Government decided to support him to actualise the project.

“We believe that with unity of purpose, we can realise the significant economic benefits Ipada offers to our continent and individual countries.

“President Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Tourism fully endorse this project,” said the minister.

She added that various ministries, agencies, private stakeholders and civic society were collaborating to ensure that the goals of the project were achieved.

Akinboboye explained that the vision of the Ipada Initiative vision was to reconnect Africa with its vast and vibrant Diaspora, while simultaneously unlocking the immense economic potential of the continent.

He said the Ipada Initiative was designed to facilitate the return of 50 million people of African ancestry to Africa over the next five years.

“The initiative is creating an African shopping mall to present Africa as a united tourism front, leveraging the interest of over 1.5 billion people of African descent and half a billion Africa enthusiasts.

“I am proud to announce that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu serves as the Grand Patron and Global Ambassador for Ipada Initiatives.

“Through Ipada, we offer essential services such as accommodation, transportation, security, and guided tours, ensuring that every visitor experiences the warmth and richness of Africa,” said Akinboboye.

He said apart from creating a link between Africa and its Diaspora, the Ipada Initiative fostered economic and cultural exchanges, and encouraged investment back into Africa.

“This initiative is expected to drive job creation, increase foreign direct investment (FDI), and strengthen economic ties between the continents.

“Additionally, as tourists are drawn to experience African culture at the resort, tourism revenues will significantly rise, benefitting both the host country and African economies through increased demand,” he stated.

He said the Ipada Initiative was also a unique platform offering tailored investment packages to take advantage of the burgeoning opportunities across Africa.

The initiative, he noted, provided several pathways for those looking to invest on the continent in areas such as holiday homes within resorts, built around beaches, lagoons, rivers, caves, hot springs, oceans, and historic sites.

“Investors can earn returns through the daily rental of these holiday homes to tourists while retaining the option to use them as personal holiday retreats.

“Moreover, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort’s brand offers expertise to governments in developing their attractions into fully-fledged destinations by creating the necessary recreational infrastructure.

“Transforming mere attractions into destinations enhances tourist spend and maximises economic benefits,” he said.

A key aspect of the Ipada initiative, according to Akinboboy,  is the Ipada Carnival, an annual 10-day celebration that will take place from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8, at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Lagos.

“The carnival will be a vibrant expression of our shared culture, history, and aspirations, bringing together people from all corners of the globe to celebrate Africa.

“The Ipada Carnival will be more than just a celebration; it will be a comprehensive showcase of Africa’s cultural wealth and innovation,” said Akinboboye. (NAN) 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Taiye Olayemi

VFS Global, a visa and passport administration outsourcing company, has warned applicants against visa scams.

Mr Alok Singhal, Head, Sub-Saharan Africa, VFS Global, said this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday.

Singhal advised visa applicants to be wary of intermediaries who falsely promise early appointment bookings in exchange for payment.

He noted that appointments were free and available on the company’s website.

He said the surge in travel activity that began in 2022 had continued into 2024, with travel data showing promising trends.

According to him, outbound travel rebounded in 2024 to pre-pandemic levels, with tourism, family visits, educational and business trips being the common reasons for travel from Nigeria.

Singhal said: “It is important for applicants to bear in mind that appointment slots are offered online based on the volume of demand or forecast and in conjunction with the consulate’s internal capacity planning.

“Once scheduled, they are recommended to be at the centre 15 minutes before the appointed time, to avoid missing your slot.

“We strongly advise all applicants to be careful of touts and fraudulent parties who falsely promise early appointment bookings in exchange for payment.

“With the presence of location pins and information on popular social media and search platforms, many such fraudsters create a fake presence using company credentials like logos, official name and more.

“Also, they include their contact details in the details provided on these pages that deceive genuine travellers who mistake these details as the official presence of the company.”

He said VFS Global had implemented a number of measures to curb fraudulent excesses, which included enabling only applicants with a valid appointment to be permitted entry into the centre premises.

He said VFS Global had also implemented facial recognition appointment booking system initially with one embassy process- Portugal application-, while others would be implemented soon.

“We have made provision for visa application form validation system to integrate the form reference number with appointment booking reference for Denmark application.

“OTP code is required to book the appointment to limit the intervention of agents for Canada application.

“We have also activated anti-fraud messages across social media platforms, on the appointment letter, call centre voice messages, advertisements/posters and more.

“We urge applicants to report any such instances by emailing the details to rsocza@vfsglobal.com,” he said.

According to Singhal, VFS Global has implemented a series of measures like extended hours of operations, appointments, dedicated hours for submission and pick up of passports as well as additional waiting area for applicants requiring services at the centre.

He said applicants must take into cognisance some important factors while planning to apply for visa this season.

He noted that VFS Global does not control appointment availability adding that the firm only managed the administrative and non-judgmental tasks related to visa, passport and consular services for its governments.

“We do not play any role in the decision-making process of visas. This is the sole prerogative of the respective governments.

“The availability of visa appointments, mandatory documentation, and the visa application decision, including the processing time, are entirely at the discretion of the respective governments.

“The time taken for visa processing differs with each mission. We recommend that applicants check the turnaround timelines before applying.

“Opting for any optional, value-added services, such as prime time, form-filling, or any other service, does not guarantee a quicker or more positive decision by the concerned embassy or consulate.

“On the other hand, premium services like Visa At Your Doorstep have increased over the past three years as more and more applicants seek the ease and convenience these services offer in their travel planning at an additional cost,” he said.

Singhal noted that the most common reason visa applications got rejected was due to incorrect or insufficient information submitted while applying for a visa.

He said it was important to check the respective country websites by visiting the website www.vfsglobal.com, under the document checklist section.

“The optional form-filling service offered at an additional cost for some locations could ensure the correct information is updated.

“Our Refund Policy applies to any service fees and optional value-added service charges we collect from applicants as part of the visa process.

“This does not apply to visa and legalisation fees paid for the visa as it is at the discretion of the respective visa-issuing government.

“Applicants are eligible for a refund if they have been charged more than once for the same service or if they have paid an excess sum if proof is provided.

“To apply for a refund, they must complete the Refund Request Form with the supporting documents online within 30 days from appointment cancellation. Refunds will be processed using the same mode of payment,” he said.

According to him, VFS Global started its operation in Nigeria in 2007. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran