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

By Sarafina Christopher and Mercy Eletta

Li Xuda, the Director of China Cultural Center in Nigeria, says there is a strong commitment to strengthen the people to people relationship between China and Nigeria.

Li said this at the 2024 Mid-Autumn festival organised by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre on Saturday in Abuja.

Li, who is also the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said the Festival was one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture that had been celebrated for over 3,000 years.

He said that the festival was not just about the moon as it embodied the values of family, unity and cultural appreciation which would be fostered between China and Nigeria.

According to Li, the festival serves as a bridge; enabling cultural exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding.

“By celebrating this festival in Nigeria, we are not only sharing our traditions but also inviting Nigerians to partake in our rich culture,” he said.

Li also noted that the festival was often celebrated annually on the 15th of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually in Sept. or Oct. when the moon was very full and bigger in size.

Mr Michael Olubode, a Nigerian recipient of a dining voucher valued at N1 million, extended his gratitude to the Chinese Government for the undertaking.

He conveyed his heartfelt wishes for a joyous and bountiful Mid-Autumn celebration.

NAN reports that the highlight of the event was the distribution of electronic devices, TV boxes, dining vouchers, health products, among others to Nigerians and Chinese participants to commemorate the 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival.

The event also featured a Chinese chef, who educated both Nigerian and Chinese attendees on crafting mooncakes.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Priscilla Osaje

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy (FMACCE), has presented the ministry’s Strategic Roadmap for Nigeria’s creative sector to members of the diplomatic community and international partners.

Musawa made the  presentation at the Diplomatic and International Development Partners Forum, at the UN House in Abuja on Monday.

The forum is a flagship initiative of the FMCACCE geared towards showcasing the opportunities that abound in the nation’s creative sector.

Musawa said the creative economy encompassing arts, culture, and creative sectors, was a major driver of employment opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians.

According to her, the Strategic roadmap seeks to encourage collaboration across sectors and borders, and help to tap into the creative energies of young Nigerians.

She said the formal presentation of the roadmap offered opportunity to attract sustainable collaborations, and secure support for the sector as part of efforts to make Nigeria the creative hub of Africa.

“Since 2023, the Ministry embarked on a transformative journey, implementing “The 8 Point Plan”, designed to cultivate growth, innovation, and sustainability across our creative sectors.

“This ambitious roadmap not only focuses on skill development and policy reform, but also prioritises the preservation of our cultural heritage and the need to foster strong partnerships.

“As we look forward, our vision remains clear, to position Nigeria as Africa’s creative capital while stimulating economic growth through creative industries.

“I invite all of you artists, stakeholders, diplomatic partners, and policymakers to join us in this transformative endeavour.

“Together, we will create an enabling environment for creativity to flourish, ensuring our diverse cultural expressions lead to sustainable development and job creation.

“Let us embrace this opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s unique artistic talent to the world and enhance our commitment to driving growth in the creative economy for generations to come,” she said.

In his remark, Abdourahamane Diallo, Head of Office and Country Representative of UNESCO in Nigeria, commended  the minister for the  initiatives.

He said UNESCO, in line with its 2005 Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the Cultural Expressions, was willing to continue its collaborations and support for the sector.

According to him, the convention was put in place to support member states to create institutional and professional environment conducive for protection, and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions.

These, he said, include but not limited to video, film, books, designs, culinary arts, crafts, fashion, motion graphics and theatre.

“This event marks a significant point in the collaboration between the United Nations and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy.

“We commend the initiative of bringing the diplomatic and international development partners to  this forum.

“As the UN agency mandated for culture, it is an important and welcome platform at the country level which will help share, update, harmonise and maximise the different interventions in support to the country’s effort.

“In continuing support to Nigeria to develop implementable policies, UNESCO organised the first National Dialogue on the Cultural and Creative Industries and the Sustainable Development Goals in October 2023,” he said.

NAN reports that in attendance were cultural officers and personnel of various embassies and high commissions from Spain, Brazil, Bangladesh, UK, China, India, Gambia, Ghana among  others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Folasade Adeniran

Nigerian visual artist, Moses Oghagbon, is set to showcase the Argungu Fishing Festival in a group exhibition titled “Common Front” at the Anderson Arts Centre in South Carolina, United States.

Oghagbon joins five other Nigerian artists in this event, showcasing their diverse talents and unique artistic styles.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos, Oghagbon said that the collaboration demonstrates the unifying power of art, transcending cultural boundaries and fostering connection through expression.

According to him, the exhibition will be held from Sept.6 to Oct. 4.

“We are united in our passion for art and desire to make our mark in the art world.

“Each artist brings something special to the table, creating a diverse and dynamic body of work that is sure to captivate audiences,” he said.

Oghagbon, who is the founder of Argungu Series and Colours of Uhola, said that he would project the vast cultural heritage of the Argungu Fishing Festival in 17 paintings-oil and acrylic on canvas-.

“I have placed upon my shoulders the crusade to make the vast cultural heritage of the Argungu Emirate of Kebbi State, Nigeria, to be a global showpiece with my colours, lens, hues, techniques and images of the very essence of the Argungu people.”

Oghagbon said the festival had also gained international recognition and should continually be given pride of place.

He said that the Argungu Fishing Festival which began in 1934, has a historical antecedent.

The artist explained, “It marked the end of century-old hostility between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom.

“It is a four-day festival which runs between February and March and features-KABANCI-a series of water competitions including hand fishing, canoe racing, wild duck catching and other traditional practices such as wrestling and boxing.

“It is a competition among thousands of fishermen and has attracted people from all over the world.

“It gained recognition as an international fishing and cultural festival in 2016, when it was inscribed on the list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO.”

He said he had been chronicling the Argungu festival for the last 19 years and documented it in ten series of art exhibitions.

“I have been able to capture the dynamism of the culture and development of Kebbi people, which I titled Argungu series and colours of Uhola. This is the cultural heritage of Argungu Emirates and Zuru Emirates in Kebbi State.

“I was stimulated to engage in this project when I went to perform the National Youth Service (NYSC) in Kebbi State after graduation from school.

“The colourful festival was so inspiring and left an indelible mark on me. In 2006, I got a grant from the Ford Foundation/Terra Kulture and was able to have an exhibition in the Terra Kulture gallery.

“Each year the festival is on, I travel to be a part of it and feature my exhibition. In each series, I have been able to capture the moods, the colours, and the cultural development of this soulful festival,” he added.

According to him, the idea is to help erase people’s ignorance about others and unite Nigerians as one people with diverse endowments.

He, however, urged the Federal Government to invest more in cultural festivals in the country, especially the Argungu Festival.

“The last one was in 2020, when I came back and four days after, we had a lockdown in the country.

“It is no longer an annual festival. I hope the festival will be held every year.

“The government of the day needs to invest in the festival as well to support the Emirates.

“The festival is for us Nigerians, people out there celebrate Argungu festival as well, and people travel from all walks of life to witness the festival,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Adebola Adegoke

The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, says Nigeria is a goldmine of untapped tourism and hospitality potential, poised for substantial investment.

Ade-John said this on Thursday, during a two-day hospitality business summit organised by Vertiline Synergy Ltd., a consulting company, in Lagos.

The theme of the summit is: “Investing in Africa: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges in Hospitality Development”.

The minister was represented by her Special Adviser on Media and Partnerships, Ms Elizabeth Ofili.

According to the minister, the increasing demand for cultural tourism presents a unique chance for investors to tap into authentic Nigerian experiences.

She said these authentic experiences not only preserve the nation’s heritage but also transform its history into economic prosperity.

“Nigeria stands at the forefront of Africa’s hospitality landscape, offering a wealth of investment prospects.

“Our nation pulses with opportunity, from our rich cultural origins to our diverse natural wonders and robust economy.

“We are not just open for business; we are primed for innovation and growth. Nigeria is a goldmine of untapped potential.

“It is time to turn our stories into unforgettable adventures because our heritage is a fruitful investment avenue,” she said.

She, however, noted that technological advancement was changing and redefining the hospitality sector.

She said that vast potential for technology investments had the capacity to transform the hospitality landscape, enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

The minister also highlighted the importance of investing in hospitality education and training institutes as an avenue for growth.

To realise these opportunities, Ade-John noted that strategic investment and collaboration among governments, private sectors, local and international stakeholders was essential.

Mrs Sally Ukpo, Founder, Suffy Travels Ltd., reeled out effective strategies to address infrastructure, perception and marketing challenges hindering promotion of Nigerian destinations for tourists.

The strategies include digital marketing, local and international collaboration, cultural immersion, infrastructure development, commitment to sustainability, diaspora and travel influencer partnerships, among others.

Ukpo noted that exploring Nigeria through cultural immersion by highlighting cultural heritage, festivals, music, dance, art and cuisine was also crucial for the growth of the sector.

“We must be committed to preserving natural and cultural heritage sites; promoting local traditions and customs as part of the tourist experience; and eco-friendly and sustainable tourism practices,” she added.

She urged the government to invest in infrastructure by improving transportation networks for easy access to tourist destinations across the country, thereby stimulating economic growth.

Ms Sharon Ashinze, Founding Partner, Vertiline Synergy Ltd., said the goal of the summit was to foster a collaborative environment to share insights, discuss strategies, and develop innovative solutions.

Ashinze noted that the hospitality industry as a vital component of the economy, had significant challenges from economic fluctuations to evolving consumer preferences and environmental sustainability.

“It is through forums like this that we can collectively address these issues and chart a course for a prosperous future,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

A Research Fellow at University College London, Dr Michael Odijie, has urged educators across various institutions of learning to enhance research on the abolition of slavery from an African perspective.

Odijie, who is currently part of the European Union-funded African abolitionism (AFRAB) project, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

He said that a proper understanding of local anti-slavery ideas and networks would encourage the abolition of modern-day slavery.

According to him, the history of the abolition of slavery in Africa, both the trans-Atlantic slave trade and local slavery was deeply eurocentric.

He advised that improved research methodologies into the abolition of slavery in Africa should be upheld.

Odijie noted that this was important to ensure that every form of modern-day slavery was checked and gradually eradicated.

Odijie said he was curating an exhibition titled “Nigerian Voices Against Slavery” at the National Museum in Lagos in line with his advocacy.

He said the exhibition which commenced on July 8 would run till Aug. 10.

According to him, the exhibition is aimed at highlighting the efforts of Nigerians who fought against slavery.

“It features historical figures like Olaudah Equiano (c. 1745 – 1797) and contemporary activists combating modern slavery and human trafficking.

“The exhibition opens to the public from 9.00a.m. till 5.00p.m. daily.

“It is free of charge and provides an opportunity to learn about Nigeria’s historical and ongoing battles against slavery,” he said.

He added that as an extension of the exhibition, three workshops were scheduled to take place at the National Museum.

Odijie said the workshops were designed for students, teachers, lecturers, and community stakeholders and would be held on July 25 for students and July 26 for teachers and lecturers.

The researcher added that the workshop would hold on July 27 for community stakeholders and campaigners.

“These workshops will extend the exhibition’s impact by offering a more immersive and participatory learning experience,” he said.

Odijie said his call to action underscored the importance of incorporating African perspectives into the study and teaching of slavery abolition.

He expressed confidence that his advocacy would enrich the understanding in combating modern forms of slavery in Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Peter Okolie/Vivian Ihechu

Pottery

By Taiye Olayemi

The Dada pottery community in Ilorin, Kwara, has appealed to the state and federal governments for assistance in providing a befitting factory to sustain their trade.

The community emphasised the urgent need for adequate shelter and facilities to continue their traditional pottery craft.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dada pottery community is a congregation of more than 100 women located at the Okelele Quarters in Ilorin East Local Government Area.

Deriving its name from the community, Dada pottery is said to be the largest in Nigeria and is as old as Ilorin town.

The skills are mostly passed down from generation to generation. Through pot making, these women have been able to care for their families despite the conditions they work in.

They are the source of most of the terracotta in and around Ilorin.

Two female potters spoke with NAN in separate interviews on the sideline of a visit by the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) to the community on Saturday.

This visit is part of activities for the Eight Annual General Meeting of NATOP, held in Ilorin.

The potters told NAN that they have not been able to generate enough revenue to erect an attractive and conducive structure for the production of their products.

They also complained about lack of facilities to store their products.
According to the women, their trade promotes the nation’s cultural heritage of handcraft.

Raliat Saka urged government to transform the community to an attractive tourist site so as to attracting local and international visitors.

Saka, who was born into the trade, spoke about the durability of the local product.

She said the community should be assisted and encouraged, as they were involved in the promotion of African culture.

Speaking on the quality of their products, Saka noted that the local pots could be carved into various shapes to perform different purposes and used for years without breaking.

“We produce Ishasun, used to cook in the olden days, it is still very good because it does not make food go burnt.

“We produce some used as piggy banks, some to safe items with holes around it. We produce jugs, food warmers, some other ones to boil herbs.

“We have flower pots and some used to melt gold,” she said.

Also, Mujidat Saheed said most of their products were usually exposed to rain because of lack of standard accommodation.

Saheed said the infrastructural investment was needed to enable them to improve their financial benefits.

She described the preoccupation as lucrative saying she had been able to cater for her children’s academic needs as well as build a house for herself.

“As the largest producer of terracotta products in Nigeria, we should be supported to work better, we usually have our products exposed to the rain and the sun, we want a warehouse built to keep them before sales.” (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi
Uloma Egbuna, Managing Director, Tour Brokers Group of Companies, on Thursday urged Nigerian tour operators to be creative in packaging authentic and unique tours to market the country as a choice destination.

Egbuna made the call during the conference session of the Eighth Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Nigeria Tour Operators, in Ilorin, Kwara.

The theme of the conference is: “Tourism as Catalyst for Progress, Peace and Partnership”.

Egbuna said tour operators must be creative in packaging authentic and unique tour packages, different from what tourists had been used to.

She said as much as tours to historical and heritage sites were attractive enough for tourists, unique packages around experiences could be developed to further woo tourists.

“As tour operators, you need to create authentic and creative experiences that are unique to us. We can have packages around Danfo buses in Lagos.

“We can have tours packaged around tourists coming to have an experience of Lagos traffic; how to make Nigerian food; let’s stop selling just historical attractions. We need to appreciate what we have.

“Stop struggling with travel agents to sell tickets, they are meant to be buying tour packages from you.

“Achieving excellence is a goal, develop the right mindset to develop tourism. Let your customers advocate for you,” she said.

Egbuna advised the tour operators to always thirst after knowledge to improve on their trade.

She noted that to achieve tourism excellence and growth, the tour operators must differentiate themselves from every other person.

“Always be abreast of changes in the business of tour packaging. Be passionate about what you do, love it and run with it.

“Let your narrative about Nigeria be in the positive always,” she said.

Also, Stella Fubara, Managing Director of Del-York Development Company, advised Nigerian tour operators to further explore the power of the social media in marketing the nation’s tourism assets.

She said it was time the operators broadened their communication channels with their clients in the process of marketing Nigeria as a choice tourist destination.

According to her, tour operators must take advantage of the recent discovery which reveals that Nigeria is rated number one country with highest Facebook users.

She added that Nigeria was also rated among the top five countries of internet users and top five countries with the population of people that had more than two cellphones.

“These discoveries can be used to our advantage as tour operators, you need to broaden your communication channels to market Nigeria.

“The social media space is a vital tool for us all to explore to tell Nigeria’s story. We should not allow the western world tell our story, we should tell authentic stories to woo tourists.” (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare