By Joshua Olomu

‘WelcomeToNigeria Expo 2025’, a national initiative conceived to reposition domestic tourism as a driver of inclusive economic development in Nigeria, is set to debut in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dr Mukhtar Muhammad, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee for the event on Wednesday in Abuja.

The members of the inter-ministerial committee were drawn from the FMACTCE and its agencies, as well as officials of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

Others include the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Federal Ministry of Interior, among others.

According to the Permanent Secretary, the event scheduled to hold from July 23 to 24 is being organised by the FMACTCE and the WelcomeToNigeria Ltd in collaboration with other stakeholders in the tourism sector.

Muhammad said Nigeria’s rich tourism potential has remained underutilised for economic growth and national development because of inadequate investment in the sector and lack of synergy among stakeholders.

He said the expo was an opportunity for stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including policymakers, investors and tourism experts to chart a common front for the growth of Nigeria’s domestic tourism industry.

“As I keep saying, Nigeria is sitting on a goldmine that we have not yet explored, and that is tourism; it can take us to a level where it will be one of the greatest contributors to Nigeria’s GDP.

“Everywhere you look around us, you see plenty of things that are tourism monuments, so we have to be strategic and that is what this expo is all about.

“There are tourism potentials all over this country and developing all of them at once is a very herculean task, so we need to be strategic and start with the ones that are low-hanging, and then we move on.

“With the WelcomeToNigeria Expo 2025, I believe that we are just going to bring all of these things to the fore, and let’s see how we can develop them.

“I want to charge this committee to remain committed to the task ahead so we can have a seamless domestic tourism expo”, he said.

In his remarks, Mr Isa Sago, President, WelcomeToNigeria Ltd and National Coordinator WelcomeToNigeria Project, said the expo is with the theme, “National Agenda on Tourism Partnership, Infrastructural Development, Institutional Linkages, Growth and Sustainable Development.”

According to him, as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economic mainstay from oil and unlock new frontiers, tourism is a viable alternative.

“The WelcomeToNigeria Expo 2025 is a rallying call for national participation; to awaken our collective consciousness to the power of tourism not only to entertain, but to educate, empower and economically uplift.

“This pivotal two-day Expo will convene stakeholders from across the public and private sectors, including federal and state ministries, tourism boards, international development partners, cultural and creative economy institutions, as well as community leaders.

“In this light, the expo scheduled to take place at the prestigious Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, is more than an event, it is a national call to action.

“It will provide the platform to craft these partnerships, with government leadership setting the tone and creating the enabling environment for innovation and investment,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, Mr Sunday Bisong, Overseeing Director, Department of Domestic Tourism Promotion of the FMACTCE, said tourism was an enabler of commerce, infrastructure, culture preservation, job creation and national unity.

According to him, the inter-ministerial committee for the expo will serve as the engine room for coordination, collaboration and innovation, representation and inclusive participation across government MDAs and the private sector.

“As we inaugurate this committee, let us remember that we are not merely preparing for an event, we are laying the groundwork for a new chapter in domestic tourism growth.

“We are creating a platform that will drive state and local government investment, spotlight our cultural diversity, stimulate SMEs participation and open up new corridors of prosperity through tourism value chain,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Uchenna Eletuo

Centenary celebration in Badagry by the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Society has given boost to tourism in the ancient city and made it a pilgrimage destination.

Two local government chairmanship candidates in Lagos State, Mr Ajose Peter-Kumayon and Mr Babatunde Hunpe, made the remarks in Badagry.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that council elections in Lagos State have been scheduled for July 12.

Peter-Kumayon and Hunpe, APC candidates for Olorunda Local Council Development Area and Badagry Local Government Area respectively, were guests at the centenary celebration.

They spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the event tagged 100 years of celestial vision.

The event had the theme, “Who Shall I Send?”.

It attracted participants from across the country to the society’s Badagry Prayer Arena.

Peter-Kumayon said that the celebration was positioning Badagry more as a place where religious groups would come for pilgrimage/tourism.

He noted that there were still relics of early missionary artifacts in Badagry.

“Over there is the first place Christmas was celebrated in Nigeria, the first Church in Nigeria is situated there, the chapel where Bible was first translated from English to Yoruba Language is somewhere there.

“The miracle well dug by early missionaries, which water is useful for cure of illnesses, is not far from here,” he said.

He noted that the first story building in Nigeria was in Badagry.

“Those were some of the antiquities with a serene environment that made Badagry unique and a pilgrimage destination,” he said.

On his part, Hunpe said that Badagry was noted for propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He said that Badagry people had continued to preserve the relics so that generations would experience them in their original forms.

He praised C&S Society for choosing Badagry for the centenary celebration, saying that hotels and resorts made brisk businesses from the event.

“Sellers of indigenous commodities such as coconut, fish, fruits and crafts smiled to the bank,” he said.

NAN reports the C&S Society offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace during the celebration.

It also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Earlier in a sermon, Bishop Oluwademilade Akapata admonished members of the church to remain steadfast in faith and refrain from sin.

Akapata said that the church members should please God and build on the legacies of the founders of the church.

NAN reports that the event ended with ordination of some persons by the leadership of the church. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

By Imelda Osayande

Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Thursday, received 119 stolen artefacts from the Government of the Netherlands.

Oba Ewuare attributed the successful return of the artefacts to divine intervention, while thanking President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhamadu Buhari for their supports and commitment.

He said that both Tinubu and Buhari ensured that the artefacts were not looted for another round.

“There were groups in this country believed to be an international cartel that had all sorts of conspiracy to enable them re-loot our artifacts,’’ he said.

Oba expressed gratitude to the government of the Netherlands for working with them, adding that the gesture had reawakened the courage and morale of Benin people.

He also praised the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments for his efforts in retrieving the artefacts.

Oba Ewuare used the medium to urge the youths to be strong and resilient in the face of adversity.

He emphasised that the return of the artefacts was a testament to the power of determination and prayer.

He prayed with the officials of the commission, while hoping that more artefacts be returned in the future.

Earlier, the Director-General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, stated that the commission and the Benin Royal Palace are working tirelessly to ensure more return of stolen artefacts.

Holloway noted that the 119 artefacts were the largest number so far received of several stolen artifacts.

Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Musa Ikhilor, pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government to improve the storage system for the artefacts.

The state promised to build necessary facilities to preserve the items.

The General-Director of Wereld Museum, Marieke Van Bommel, explained that the artefacts were looted; noting that the Netherlands has a policy to return what does not belong to them.

She noted that there were more collections in Europe, but they were not under their jurisdiction. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

By Joan Odafe

Some scholars have called on stakeholders in the creative sector to embrace ‘digital cultural tourism’, and greater investment in the industry, as tools for economic growth and cultural preservation.

The scholars made the call during the end of a two-day international conference organised by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was organised by CBAAC in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts, UNILAG, and the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS).

The event is with the theme, ‘Cultural Tourism, Creative Economy and Sustainable Development in Africa’.

A scholar at the Department of Linguistics, African and Asian Studies, UNILAG, Dr Adedoyinsola Eleshin, said before now, language was regarded as a crucial aspect of tourism because of its role of communication between tourists and locals.

Eleshin, however, said in recent times, language had found its way into the centre stage of digital tourism.

According to her, digital cultural tourism is the use of platforms and technologies to promote and preserve indigenous cultures, languages and traditions, while providing economic opportunities for the communities.

She said the future of tourism lies not only in physical travel but also in immersive digital experiences driven by content creators, who she described as digital tour guides.

“Digital travel has become the reality of many people these days as it can be used for relaxation, entertainment and education,” she said.

She expressed concern over the tendency to dilute or modernise names and concepts in digital content.

Eleshin said most digital tour guides create cultural content in Nigerian indigenous languages, and English, which many times face the risk of losing the originality, roots and tradition of the tourist destinations.

Citing an example, and referring to a particular kind of Yoruba cap, she said: “I do not expect you to call this a cap but ‘Abeti Aja’ because in translating to English, you will say a cap that looks like the ear of a dog.

“Other words include garri, referred to as cassava flakes; akara, bean cake and moi-moi, bean pudding.”

Eleshin urged creatives to create content to meet the needs of those who tour digitally, adding that language is an integral part of culture, and they should go together.

She recommended funding for research centres and academic programmes focused on digital tourism, to sustain the growing niche.

Also, Dr Christabel Aba Sam, a lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, said that literature, film, music and other creative sectors were essential tools for cultural awakening and economic independence across Africa.

Tracing the historical roots of Pan-Africanism to intellectual legacies of pioneers such as Martin Delaney and Edward Blyden, Aba Sam described the movement as a response to the shared history of slavery and colonial rule.

“Pan-Africanism is a call to minimise Euro-American influences so that Africa can thrive.

“The creative industry involves sectors that produce intellectual products of cultural value and essence based on creativity and imagination,” she said.

She urged the creatives on various platforms, including film, television, radio, literary writers, music, design, advertisement, among others to minimise Euro-American influences on cultural heritage.

Aba Sam further urged stakeholders to create digital avenues to compete with platforms like Netflix, so they could correct ideological distortions between African traditional culture and Western pop culture.

NAN also reports that the event, which was a gathering of stakeholders, including scholars, culture custodians, artists and policymakers, was aimed at deliberating on the cultural and economic future of Africa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Joshua Olomu

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, has called for adequate investment in Africa’s rich tourism and creative sectors for a robust contribution to the global tourism revenue index.

The minister made the call at the on-going 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is being held from June 11 to 13, with the theme “Boosting Social Impact and Education on Tourism through AI, Innovation and Creative Industries in Africa.”

According to Musawa, the future of African prosperity depends on how its culture, creativity and technology are harnessed to empower people.

She noted that the continent currently captures less than five per cent of the global tourism industry that worths $11 trillion.

She said although the continent was endowed with rich and unique tourism potential, it was making a meagre contribution monetarily to overall global tourism.

“The global tourism industry is worth $11 trillion, and the creative economy adds more than $2 trillion to global GDP.

“Yet Africa captures less than five per cent of global tourism and less than one per cent of global creative exports.

“This is not a deficit of talent or value, but of investment, visibility, and systems; and today, Nigeria invites Africa to close these gaps together.

“The 21st century demands that we build economies not just from the ground, but from the soul.

“And here in Nigeria, we are answering that call—with a bold shift from resource dependency to people-powered prosperity through tourism, culture, and the creative industries,” she said.

Musawa said Nigeria, through the ministry, has conceived flagship initiatives as part of a broader strategy for its culture, tourism and creative sectors.

These initiatives, she said, include the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF), the Creative Leap Acceleration Programme, which nurtures the next generation of filmmakers, fashion designers and digital innovators who will provide content that will drive tourism.

She also mentioned the Nigeria Everywhere brand, a soft power platform now driving a 14-point rise in Nigeria’s global cultural index.

According to her, to coordinate infrastructure, the Federal Government has also established the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTIco), converting public heritage assets into commercial and sustainable tourism destinations through innovative PPP models.

The minister, therefore, called for concerted effort among industry stakeholders and government across Africa to reposition the continent’s tourism as a veritable alternative for wealth creation.

She noted that integrated visa regimes, cross-border tourism corridors, and shared storytelling platforms are needed among African countries for tourism to thrive across the continent.

“Colleagues, the 20th century was powered by hydrocarbons; the 21st future will be powered by human imagination, and this gathering is our opportunity to build that future together.

“Let us envision integrated visa regimes, cross-border tourism corridors, and shared storytelling platforms.

“Let us invest in African talent with the same intensity that the world once invested in its oil and gas.

“Because what we have now is more enduring: it is our culture, our people, and our power to inspire, let this be the turning point.

“Let us reimagine Africa not as a collection of emerging markets, but as a cultural superpower—a continent whose stories move the world, and whose destinations redefine global tourism.

“Nigeria stands ready to lead, to collaborate, and to invest. Let us rise—together. Thank you and welcome to Nigeria,” she said.

Earlier, while declaring the meeting open, President Bola Tinubu urged African countries to adopt policies that promote eco-friendly tourism and preserve cultural heritage across the continent.

According to Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, there is a need for practical solutions and alliances that would boost investment in tourism infrastructure, deepen the sector’s role in actualising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“By collaborating with regional bodies, such as the African Union, ECOWAS and UN Tourism, Nigeria encourages other African nations to adopt policies promoting eco-friendly tourism and preserving cultural heritage.

“This collaboration includes sharing best practices, tourism training, developing joint marketing campaigns for sustainable tourism and improving infrastructure to support intra-African travel.

“Through these regional initiatives, Africa can foster a continent-wide movement toward tourism that benefits both the people and the environment, driving long-term prosperity for Africa,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, Amb. Zurab Pololikashvi,  Secretary-General of UN Tourism, commended the Tinubu administration for supporting the transformation of the tourism industry in Nigeria.

He noted that the continent was indeed the new frontier in world tourism, given its huge potential and limitless opportunities for innovation and creativity.

Pololikashvi  urged leaders on the continent to address issues related to connectivity across the region by reviewing existing visa regimes in a bid to ease the movement of tourists across Africa and beyond.

He also urged governments across the continent to ensure adequate budgetary provisions for the sector to ensure increased contribution to economic growth. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Oluwafunke Ishola

Some residents of Ikorodu, a suburb area of Lagos State, have called on the state government to restrict the “Oro Festival” to midnight.

They expressed concerns that the festival hinders free movement and commercial activities in the daytime.

The residents, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, raised concerns that the cultural practice infringed on the rights of residents, especially women.

Oro Festival is an annual traditional festival celebrated in Yoruba communities only by male descendants, who are paternal natives to the specific locations where the event is taking place.

During the festival, females and non-natives are directed to stay indoors as tradition forbids females to see Oro, with death being the penalty for such a violation.

NAN reports that the ‘Liwe Oro Festival’ takes place in Ikorodu Town today.

A septuagenarian, Mrs Bukunmi Taiwo, emphasised that dialogue and community engagement were required to ensure that the festival benefitted all residents without causing undue hardship or restrictions.

“The world is changing. Our beliefs and practices must also adjust to fit into the changes, so that we can develop cohesion.

“Many people are struggling to survive because of the economic situation of the country. Many are petty traders, who rely on their daily trading activities to feed their families.

“The imposition of curfew during the Oro Festival places a huge burden on many families. I have lived in Ikorodu for over 40 years and witnessed the pain and struggle of families for sustenance during the festival.

“I appeal that the Oro adherents consider restricting their activities to midnight, so that residents can move freely to perform their daily activities.

“We prayed for peace and development of Ikorodu Town, now that we are witnessing it, we should promote it,” she said.

Obinna Nweze, a trader at Ladega Market, criticised the constant shutting of markets in the town.

“It is becoming frustrating to live and trade in Ikorodu. This year, the market has been shut more than five times, twice for Oro Festival; Kabiyesi celebration; Iya Oloja programme or because someone died.

“You dare not open your store because miscreants may take advantage to harass and loot shops.

“Seriously, this is not helping the economic and emotional state of many people. We are struggling to survive,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Mustafa Mohammed, a legal practitioner, noted that the constitution was the grundnorm, stressing that it should supersede every other law or norm in the society.

“We are all entitled to human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These include the right to live and move freely.

“However, it is unacceptable that women and girls in Ikorodu still face discrimination based on their gender.

“The government must intervene to ensure that no cultural or religious practices infringe on the rights of residents to move freely and earn a living,” he said.

A gender advocate, Mrs Cecilia Oluwadarasinmi, noted that women constituted a huge population in the state and Nigeria, with over 85 per cent in the informal economy.

“Although, the Oro Festival coincides with the June 12 celebration, which is a public holiday nationwide, the contention is the curfew imposed by the festival on residents, especially, women and girls.

“Remember that the last Magbo Oro Festival held last month in the town was on May 27, Children’s Day, denying many children, especially girls, the opportunity and joy of celebrating publicly.

“We understand the need to preserve and celebrate our culture, however, it should be done such that it doesn’t affect the larger population,” Oluwadarasinmi said.

She emphasised that this was critical to strengthen cohesion, economic empowerment, advance sustainable development and reduce gender stereotypes.

NAN reports that the annual Oro Festival is held twice in Ikorodu Town in May and June, with neighbouring communities such as Igbogbo, Imota, and Agbowa holding theirs in separate months.

The Oro Festival remains an important cultural tradition for many Yoruba communities. Its faithful say it is usually observed to maintain peace, blessings and cleanse society of evil. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Ekemini Ladejobi

By Joan Odafe

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has met with key international stakeholders to spotlight indigenous fashion and textiles on the global stage.

The engagement was with the Founder of Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria, Mrs Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, and the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Johnny Baxter.

The Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the ministry, Mrs Adeoti Sobowale, said that the celebration of the 15th Edition of Africa Fashion Week London was part of the discussions at the meeting.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Africa Fashion Week London is a milestone achievement for the continent’s global fashion movement.

Benson-Awoyinka said the meeting was aimed at advancing the cultural and economic potential of Adire textiles, an iconic Yoruba fabric, as a major export and symbol of Nigeria’s rich heritage.

Benson-Awoyinka said the state was committed to supporting creative platforms that empower designers, preserve cultural identity and contribute meaningfully to its economy.

The commissioner said such partnerships were vital in amplifying African narratives and positioning the state as the heartbeat of fashion and creativity on the continent.

“As the fashion and creative capital of Nigeria, Lagos remains a catalyst for innovation, style and enterprise.

“We are proud to support initiatives that promote our cultural assets and inspire the next generation of creatives,” she said.

Benson-Awoyinka said the meeting was a major step forward in promoting Adire and African fashion globally.

Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, who is the wife of the Ooni of Ife, expressed happiness in what she described as a landmark initiative.

She said there would be other collaborations for the fashion week.

Some of the collaborations include the British Museum, Disney The Lion King Africa Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University London, Winchester School of Art London and London School of Economics. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran