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)
The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, says tourism operators should not be discouraged in marketing Nigeria as a choice destination for tourists because of its challenge of insecurity.
Ade-John made the plea on Thursday in Ilorin during the Eighth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP).
She said several countries across the world have their own tales of insecurity, and the problem was not peculiar to Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the AGM is “Tourism as Catalyst for Progress, Peace and Partnership”.
“This meeting here helps us to express what we have in Nigeria. We are not creating the experiences we should create. Forget the security challenge in Nigeria, every country has security issues.
“Don’t allow the problem of insecurity discourage you from promoting Nigeria.
“In marketing our dear nation, you should think of promoting experiences. Tourists can come to Nigeria to look at our climate. That is an experience.
“We have beautiful beaches with mangroves. Why are we not selling these things? We should stop complaining about government and create experiences ourselves to attract tourists.
“We have experiences you can package for tourists from the 774 Local Government Areas, in which there are communities with stories and traditions to be packaged as tours,” the Minister said.
Ade-John also advised Nigerians to speak positively about the nation and remain proud of same.
“We should not be engaged in de-marketing our country, and we should speak positively about this beautiful country.
“We are already engaging the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to further work on making people realise the essence of being proud of our country and projecting a positive image of the country.
“The time has come to imbibe in us the pride that Nigeria stands for. We need to sell our country. I want more investors to come and invest in the industry.
“I want tourism operators to be more visible at the airports, marketing Nigeria,” she said.
Also, Mr Onung Nkereuwem, Chairman, NATOP’s Board of Trustees, said: “I am proud of the progress we have made in promoting and marketing Nigeria as a destination in spite of the harsh economic realities.
“So, we will continue to work tirelessly to create an enabling environment for our members to thrive.
“This AGM is an elective one and as such, we urge you to elect leaders who will accommodate the aspirations of the young tourism operators, and women in tourism, and set new goals.
“Let us remember the power of unity, collaboration, and innovation. Let us work together to promote sustainable tourism practices, enhance the quality of our services, and showcase the beauty and diversity of our great nation,” he said.
Mrs Ime Udo, National President of NATOP, said the association as a driver and stimulator of tourism development was utilising the AGM to identify, explore and promote destinations.
Udo said the platform was also meant to engage policy makers in areas of collaboration, infrastructure development and best practices within the tourism industry.
“While we are grateful for the partnership with the Kwara Government to host our annual conference, we also commend Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his visionary leadership and proactiveness on matters of tourism.
“This is evident in the enormous support we have received towards the planning of the AGM and conference.
“Our approach has achieved tremendous success, stimulating awareness and growth in the states where we have held our AGM.
“We are excited that it also allows tourism operators gain first-hand experience of these destinations, enabling them to curate tourism packages to these places,” she said.
“Tourism is a significant contributor to economic development, cultural exchange, and international understanding.
“It possesses the potential to unite nations and communities, foster global citizenship, and promote peace and prosperity,” she added.
Mr Bayo Adedeji,Group Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow, also spoke at the occasion on the sub-theme, “Partnership for Progress: Shaping the Future of Tourism”.
He advocated an intensified effort by Nigerians to travel within the nation for tourism purposes.
Adedeji said this would further boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation.
He said partnership among practitioners within the value-chain of the tourism industry should be the new goal for all.
Also lending his voice to the promotion of local tourism, Dr Kabir Masanawai, the Executive Director, Economic Development and Investment, spoke on the sub-theme, “Peaceful Destinations, Progressing Economies: The Role of Tourism”.
Masanawai urged the Federal Government to sustain the celebration of local festivals and carnivals like the Carnival Calabar, Argungu Fishing Festival, the Abuja Carnival and more. (NAN)
The National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) on Tuesday engaged no fewer than 51 artistes and members of staff in capacity building to improve productivity and standard of theatrical performance in the country.
Hajia Kaltume Bulama-Gana, Artistic Director of NTN, during the opening ceremony of the three-day training and orientation exercise in Lagos, said this was also to improve staff output generally.
“Equipping new staff and artistes with the necessary knowledge and skills is essential for their success and the overall well-being of the national troupe.
“This workshop serves several key purposes like achieving smooth transition, enhanced skills, improvment in civil service knowledge and increased confidence for all staff.
“To the trainees, I want to emphasise that this is the best opportunity you have to learn most of all the basics of the public service, and your professional discipline. Pay attention and ensure you ask questions.
“I trust the credibility of our resource persons to respond to you. And to my other members of staff please note that I have instructed heads of departments to prepare a training schedule.
“As our funding continue to improve, we will send as many as we can to various training that will improve your capacity to strengthen our organisation,” she said.
One of the resource persons, Dr Benjamin Udoka, Senior Lecturer, Department of Theatre and Media Studies, University of Calabar, said during the course of the training, he would take participants on the importance of dance to nation building.
Udoka said they would be exposed to the function of dance in relation to the unity of Nigeria.
“I will be taking you on how to use your bodies as instruments for the art, which is in dance. You are all cultural ambassadors, you owe this nation huge responsibility.
“So, considering this short time, I want you all to give me your bodies and minds to make this training worth the while,” he said.
Also, professional drummer and dancer, Isioma Williams, said participants would be taught the traditional aspect of Nigerian culture with little of the western culture.
Williams, the Chief Executive Officer of Drumsview Concept, advised the management of NTN to organise more training programmes to further enlighten the artistes.
Renowned Nollywood veteran actor, Norbert Young, lectured the participants on dynamics of the stage and how to maximise its use.
The actor said he would also let them know how to project their voices while on stage, regardless of how large an auditorium might be, even without the use of the microphone.
“As a properly trained theatre artiste in various nuances of the stage, I will be taking you on the dynamics of the stage. I encourage the management of NTN to build up on this training, organise refresher courses,” he said. (NAN)
Nigerian artist, Moses Oghagbon, has decried the neglect of major cultural festivals in the country, adding that revival of the events will spur economic growth and tourism for the country.
He urged the Federal Government to invest more in cultural festivals in the country, especially the Argungu Festival.
Oghagbon, also a photographer, made the call on Saturday during the closing ceremony for his 10th series of documentary exhibition which began June 15 at O’DA Art Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“When you mention Argungu, what comes to mind is the fishing festival in Kebbi State, Argungu Emirates. It is a pity that the festival is no longer an annual thing.
“The last one was in 2020, which I came back and four days after, we had a lockdown in the country.
“It is no longer an annual festival. I wish the festival will hold 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.
Speaking on the exhibition, he noted that it conscientiously documents and represents the vast landscape, lifestyle, culture, fashion, history, religion and everyday life of the entire people of Argungu Emirate.
He said that photography and visual arts would support promotion of the nation’s indigenous tourist attractions to domestic and foreign audiences.
According to him, the allure of photographs depicting Nigerian cultural and historical places as well as festivals will entice prospective visitors and help document tradition for future generations.
“Photography and visual arts gives publicity to tourist sites, cultural festivals and heritage for the world to see at large, thereby boosting tourism in the local and international sphere and generating revenue for the country.
“I have placed upon my shoulder, 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 Argungu people,” he said.
Earlier, Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Mera, gave brief history of the evolution of Argungu Festival.
He said the evolution of Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival began over 500 years ago, with the declaration of independence from Songhai Empire, by the founder of Kebbi Kingdom, Muhammad Kotal Kanta in 1515AD.
The Emir disclosed that in 1934, Sultan Hassan Dan Mu’azu of Sokoto, historically visited Argungu, after over 100 years of hostilities between Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom, paving the way for the birth of the festival as it is known today.
He said that following that visit, the Argungu international fishing and cultural festival evolved to become the largest riverine festival in Nigeria.
“Through his visual anthropology, Moses Oghagbon has spent a decade bringing to the fore, the rich cultural traditions of Northern Nigeria by activating our landscape to publicise the ways of our people.
“On behalf of the good people of Argungu Emirate of Kebbi State, Nigeria, it is my pleasure to invite everyone to savour the beauty inherent in our culture and land as colourfully presented from Oghagbon’s artistic perspective,” he said.
Curator for the Argungu series, Asibi Danjuma, described Oghagbon’s work as an embodiment of the majesty of nature’s grandeur, which serves as an aesthetic reference to the philosophical school of the sublime.
Danjuma said that historically, depictions of Argungu rarely veered further than the singular lens of its renowned fishing festival, paying little regard to its visual ethnography.
“With his sharpened sense of colour and atmosphere, Oghagbon has countered convention, by bringing to the fore, the customs of this civilisation, in relation to its landscape.
“For almost three decades, Moses Oghagbon has concentrated his efforts toward painting Argungu, an emirate wedged upon the Sokoto River in Kebbi, Northern Nigeria.
“Oghagbon developed an affinity for Argungu, his wife Fatima’s birthplace, which he started compulsively visiting in 1999, also engaging in its ways of life.
“He then began to employ photography and painting to record his observations, in a revelatory and impressionistic style,” he said. (NAN)
The Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Shuaibu Hussaini, has commended President Bola Tinubu for renaming the National Arts Theatre in Lagos, after Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka.
Hussaini, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, described the development as “the kind of recognition one will wish for a giant like Wole Soyinka”.
NAN reports that the President disclosed this in a tribute personally written and signed by him on Friday in Abuja, to mark Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
The President renamed the National Theatre as Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.
It read: “Professor Soyinka, the first African to win the Nobel Literature Prize in 1986, deserves all the accolades as he marks the milestone of 90 years on earth.
“Having beaten prostate cancer, this milestone is a fitting testament to his ruggedness as a person and the significance of his work.
“It is also fitting we celebrate this national treasure while he is still with us.
“I am, accordingly, delighted to announce the decision of the Federal Government to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.”
Hussaini commended the President for his interest and passion for the arts.
“It takes somebody who is passionate to remember that this kind of man needs to be recognised with this kind of iconic structure like the National Theatre.
“It is a welcome development. I am happy because there is nothing you want to name after Soyinka that will be enough compared to what he has done in the literary world.
“So, this is a fantastic news and welcome development. It is also the President’s interest that made him create a separate ministry for arts, culture, and creative economy because culture has always been an appendage of the Ministry of Information.
“For us in the arts, this is a fitting reward and recognition for the great feat that Wole Soyinka has achieved, not just for himself, but for Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” Hussaini said. (NAN)
By Taiye Olayemi The Lagos State Government is set to hold the maiden edition of a pan-African carnival, ‘Afropolis’, for the promotion of black cultural heritage, creativity and innovation.
Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, who disclosed this during a Town Hall meeting in Lagos, said the Ministry was collaborating with Qudus Onikeku, a multimodal international artiste.
She said the goal of Afropolis, slated for Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, was to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, celebrate the diverse traditions and creativity of Africa as well as boost tourism.
Benson-Awoyinka said the carnival was a platform for African creatives to come together to showcase their talents, exchange ideas and collaborate on groundbreaking projects as well as create truly unique things.
According to her, the festival will feature a curated marketplace, traditional and contemporary performances, exhibitions, and much more.
She said it would bring together creatives, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond, thereby boosting tourism.
“Afropolis is not just an event but a celebration of our rich cultural heritage, creativity, and innovation of Lagos state.
“Lagos, as the host city, is proud to be at the forefront of this cultural revolution. Our city is renowned as the largest black cultural melting pot in the world, and we continue to lead in various creative sectors such as music, fashion, gaming, tech, design, film, dance, AI, and research.
“Our young talents are making significant strides on the global stage, and events like Afropolis provide them with the visibility and opportunities they deserve.
“The essence of Afropolis lies in its ability to bring together a diverse array of creative minds.
“Imagine the vibrant fusion of traditional and modern expressions that will be on display, from indigenous crafts to cutting-edge digital art,” she said.
According to her, Afropolis will be held at J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, located around the Onikan suburb of Lagos, known as the third coolest neighbourhood in the world in 2019.
She explained that the Afropolis carnival would transform Onikan’s main street—J. Randle Road—into a vibrant hub of artistic and technological excellence.
Giving more details on the event, Onikeku said that Afropolis would be a pan-African gathering of creatives and curious people.
According to him, it seeks to promote African culture for economic competitiveness.
Highlighting programmes of the nine-day event, Onikeku said Afropolis would feature a maker fair, pop up fashion stores, arts and craft market and live performances.
He said that other features included street arts, street food, street vendors, music concerts, Djsets, master classes, meetings and networking other speed pitches.
“The rest are talks and round tables, gaming, innovation, exhibition, children playground and urban culture display,” he said.
According to him, Afropolis will also see a range of smaller break-outs as well as highly interactive sessions and master classes focused on topics across creative sectors.
Onikeku said: “It is projected that Afropolis will attract more than 1,000 creatives and exhibitors from aArica and the diaspora.
“We also expect more than 20,000 visitors, buyers and delegates from Africa, the diaspora and the rest of the world.
“It provides a platform for young talents to showcase their ideas, and stimulate economic growth for local vendors, artisans and global African creatives to showcase their product or services.
“It will position Lagos as a hub for technology, creativity and innovation by leveraging the festival to showcase African advancements in art, tech, gaming, design, fashion and other creative fields.”
He said that Afropolis would ensure that creatives were able to meet and network, and also meet with buyers, potential partners and investors.
Onikeku said Afropolis had the potential to ensure long-term economic and cultural benefits for local businesses and residents.
Michael Deecan, Netherlands Consul General in Nigeria, said, “This is a laudable initiative and I am looking forward to the event in October.”
Also, Blessing Azubike, Senior Programmes Manager, CC Hub, one of the partners for the carnival, expressed excitement being on the project.
Azubike said, “We are passionate about anything co-creation which is what we are on board to do, we will be serving on the technology component of the gathering.”
Ajibade Adewale, Group Head, Partnerships, Wema Bank, assured revellers of safety with their finances in the course of business transactions during Afropolis carnival.
“We will ensure your transaction is taken care of digitally, we are also there to guarantee that your money is safe with CC Hub because we are partnering with them as well.” (NAN)
The rich cultural features of the annual Okorosha Izombe cultural festival in Imo — eastern part of the country — qualify it for recognition as a fundamental cultural heritage that can boost tourism sector, culture enthusiasts have observed.
The culture has two months entertainment action packed windows, starting from the Itornkwa for Owu held around the first week of June to final Okorosha market carnival which comes up at Ogboafor market square on Aforukwu day in the first week of August every year.
Enthusiasts then note that if English Anthropologist Edward Burnett Tylor says culture includes knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, law and custom, among other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society, then Okorosha Izombe cultural festival is to reckon with in that regard.
These attributes by Tylor are encapsulated in Izombe cultural festival, an oil bearing community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo.
The clan has estimated population of 162, 576 based on the figure obtained from the 2006 National Population Census, comprising 19 villages in the four autonomous communities of Aborshi, Umunwama, Obeabor and Ndiuloukwu in Imo.
As usual, the residents have begun the 2024 edition of the festival with Owu dance marking the beginning of Okorosha season.
Some cultural enthusiasts, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), bared their minds on how the community sees the Owu/Okorosha culture and its potential for the development of tourism.
Mr Valentine Onwuka, a cultural enthusiast, from Amakofia community who gave the historical background of the culture said that Amakohia and Okwuorji villages were the originators of the culture in Izombe.
“Because our forefathers brought the culture before it spread to other villages, we are the first to perform the Itornkwa ritual, ushering in the Owu/Okorosha season before other Izombe villages yearly.
Onwuka said that the “culture recognises yam as the king of all crops in Igbo mythology and it begins after the cultivation and planting season by the people.
“It is after the market carnival and subsequent wrestling activity that the people begin to harvest and eat the new yam for the year’’.
According to him, as defined by Tylor, Okorosha culture has mechanism to promote peace and order during the season as the rules forbid residents from quarrels and anti-social behaviour.
“Okorosha has been an influential culture in our community and has survived more than 150 years providing arts, entertainment, fashion, happiness, strong consumer brands, innovation and prestige among our people,’’ he said.
Chief Marcellinus Ogbodo, a community leader from Umuokwu Izombe, described Okorosha as an age-long cultural heritage of Izombe people which synchronises with the agricultural activities of the people.
“If you look at the farm calendar in Izombe, in the month of June, an average farmer has finished cultivating and planting in his farmland and this is when the Owu dance starts.
“The festival climax in August with the Okorosha market carnival by from all the villages at Ogborafor Market Izombe.
“It is after the end of the festival that our people now go in the wrestling and harvesting of new yam which is the chief agricultural produce.
“During the season, the Okorosha rules prohibit quarrels and helps to unite the people, promoting peace and good neighbourliness, among others,’’ Ogbodo said.
He said in the time past, “ if you have an Izombe person as a friend and he hadn’t invited you to witness this culture, the person does not take your relationship seriously.
“The glamour and merriment associated with the market carnival is spectacular, each village Okorosha (masqueraders) made in beautiful designs and colours, sign and dance in their unique Okorosha language.
“The ambience of the event can be likened to best carnivals in the Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago and some Caribbean countries,’’ he claims.
Eze Uzoma Akopunwanne, the traditional ruler, Obeabor Izombe Autonomous Community, described Okorosha as a cultural identity of Izombe, noting that average native would want it projected internationally if possible.
He said in recent time, the clan is looking at the reform of the culture at a commercial point of view, saying “we hope to record high number of local and foreign tourists attracted to it annually’’.
Dr Akopunwanne, a retired director from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Port Harcourt before he became the Obi II of Obeabor community, explained that the reforms would give Okorosha a 21st century tourism status.
“When I became the traditional ruler, I inaugurated a cultural committee in 2021 with a charge to the members to help come up with the innovation to transform the Okorosha and other cultural heritage of our people.
“This is because all the materials for the design of the Okorosha are articles of trade; fanciful materials and other entertainment materials promoting good businesses during the event.
“Two years ago, the kind of creativity exhibited by some communities, especially from Aborshi area was spectacular.
“Some produced animated isi egwu (type of Okorosha) that looked like tipper, forklift and other gadgets which innovators and technologists can take advantage of.
“The creativity was so fascinating that those who witnessed the event left with blissful memories and some of the dignitaries that we invited from the ministry of culture and tourism are itching to come again and again.
“We expect going forward that each year’s outing should have a special message to the extent that tourist who came would return home with meaningful messages,’’ he said.
Akopunwanne added that the uncertainty in the yearly date for the market carnival which affects willing tourists from planning ahead to enable them to participate is among the areas of reform.
The royal father said that the community would reach out to some big entertainment firms, corporate bodies and individuals, especially the Nollywood for partnership.
Akopunwanne explained that “Okorosha is not fetish, contrary saying there is nothing like the culture being fetish, besides our people have brought series of reforms in the culture which makes it a merry making and convivial venture’’.
For Mr Lucky Dibiagwu, the President, Umuokwu Izombe Development Association, an umbrella group for Umuokwu people in the Diaspora, participating in Okorosha festival is among the yearly activities for his association.
“We see this culture as the pride of our people that should not be left to die in the hands of our ageing community leaders.
“This year, we are going to sponsor at least 100 Okorosha to ensure Umuokwu emerged as the outstanding village during 2024 market carnival.
“My organisation also feels that promotion of this culture can be a vehicle to attract foreign investment and interests to our homeland.
“Izombe is richly blessed with numerous opportunities being an oil bearing community with vast arable land for agriculture. We strongly feel that through this means, a lot of development doors could open for our people,’’ he said.
Dibiagwu regretted that some Africans, including Nigerians abroad, would no longer remember their roots, saying getting involved in this kind of activity could be an antidote to bring such persons home.
The diaspora leader said that apart from promoting the cultural heritage of his people, the association had championed a lot of development programmes in Umuokwu community.
He used the medium to call on other Nigerian diaspora communities to identify with the homeland to assist in the development of the nation.(NANFeatures)(www.nannews.ng)
**If used, please, credit the writer as well as News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
The Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN) has decried the nonchalant attitude of its members toward the health insurance scheme plan provided for them.
Its National President, Mrs Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
NAN reports that CDGN comprises of production designers, makeup artists, costume designers and property managers.
According to Osawaru-Akinyemi, the guild members are not indicating interest in the scheme in spite being an affordable package.
She, however, advised them to prioritise taking absolute care of their health and not subject to begging for financial assistance from the public when their health deteriorate.
“Right from the administration of my predecessors, majority of our members have never taken the health insurance seriously. We want the narrative to change this time.
“We have partnered with the Association of Movie Practitioners (AMP) and some other guilds to enrol our members in health insurance scheme under Reliance Insurance but we can only have few members enrol.
“The package has made provision for families of four, five and six. I want them to realise that health is wealth, we should all pay keen attention to our health.
“I will also advise members to always engage in annual overall medical check-up, this is what I do with my family, this will make us realise if there are issues with our health before it degenerates,” she said.
Osawaru-Akinyemi, who had just marked her one year anniversary in office, said the leadership of the guild had laid the foundation for a smooth and effective administrative structure within the year.
She said a couple of training had been done, which were geared toward building capacity for members.
She noted that her team had clear focus on corporate visibility.
”I remain excited that the guild members have been able to earn their respect as the creative power of Nollywood.
“I must say the past year has not been easy, but I have been doing my best, knowing that followership is partnering with a visionary leader to achieve common goals.
“Many thanks to the commitment of my team, the excos and members of CDGN as a whole,” she said.
Osawaru-Akinyemi, who is also the Vice Chairperson of Federation of Nollywood Head of Guilds and Associations, said that the head of guilds were working hard to ensure professionalism and create an enabling environment for collaboration among creatives.
“Given the kind of leaders we have now, we are all working in synergy in the interest of the industry and that for me is the icing on the cake.
“I am glad that members have begun to realise who they are and have a better understanding of their profession.
“They are very conscious of quality service delivery, the reason is that when I came on board, we engaged in several self-awareness campaigns,” she said.
Reacting to the sad incident where a makeup artist drowned and lost her life in River Niger at Onitsha, Osawaru-Akinyemi said the guild had scaled up the safety consciousness of professionals.
She said the rules of engagement for scenes on water had also been spelt out, and would be strictly adhered to.
“Stakeholders are together on the sustainability of safety culture for our industry. Reorientation of members and basic rescue training are all on the way.
“Now, we must know where filming is ongoing so our task force can be on ground to ensure conformity to rules of engagement and on hand for rescue in case things go wrong,” she said. (NAN)
The Rwanda High Commission in Nigeria on Saturday in Abuja celebrated the 30th anniversary of its liberation, known as Kwibohora 30.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the celebration marked a significant moment in Rwanda’s history, symbolising the end of genocide and the defeat of the oppressive regime that orchestrated it on July 4, 1994.
This year’s theme, “Rwanda’s Journey Continues”, signifies the ongoing efforts towards national reconciliation, justice, economic prosperity and social development.
While Rwanda has made remarkable progress in these areas, the journey towards building a prosperous and unified nation is still ongoing.
Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, reflected on the challenges Rwanda faced after gaining independence on July 1, 1962.
“While we acknowledge our independence day on July 1, Kwibohora, July 4 holds a deeper significance for Rwandans as it marks the day we reclaimed our nation, our dignity and our right to chart our own path.
“We honour the resilience of the Rwandan people and the bravery of the Rwandan Patriotic Army, highlighting their sacrifices in the struggle for freedom and peace.
“We express gratitude to those who fought for Rwanda’s liberation and honoured the heroes who laid down their lives for a free and united Rwanda,” he said.
The ambassador also added that true liberation involves healing, reconciliation and rebuilding.
“Rwanda’s innovative approach to justice, including initiatives like the Gacaca courts and the “Ndi Umunyarwanda” programme, has played a crucial role in healing the wounds of the past and fostering national unity.
“Today, Rwanda stands stronger and more united than ever before. Significant progress has been made in reducing poverty, expanding access to healthcare and education, and empowering women.
“With an impressive annual economic growth rate of 7 per cent, Rwanda has emerged as a key investment destination in Africa.
“We want to invite individuals to #VisitRwanda through #RwandAir to explore the country’s natural beauty, diverse wildlife and vibrant culture.
“For investors, Rwanda offers a supportive business environment and a government committed to facilitating growth and development,” he added.
Furthermore, the ambassador acknowledged the valuable collaborations with nations like Nigeria that had contributed to Rwanda’s progress.
He expressed gratitude for the partnerships that had supported Rwanda’s development and emphasised the importance of strengthening those relationships for mutual benefit.
In his remarks, Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar commended the people of Rwanda on their liberation, growth and achievements over the past three decades.
Tuggar, who was represented by Amb. Safiu Olaniyan, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Rwanda and strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
NAN also reports that during the event, two lucky attendees won complimentary round-trip Economy and Business air tickets to Rwanda, adding a touch of excitement to the festivities.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
In a soothing and thought-provoking performance, Zimbabwean-American Poet and Artiste, U-Meleni Adebo, celebrated the beauty of African women.
Adebo, who performed during the unveiling of “Èyò by La Campagne” in Ikoyi, Lagos, extolled the uniqueness of the skin of black women.
The poet encouraged African women to remain resilient and always protect one another.
In a blend of spoken word and musical performance, she appraised the beauty of every black woman, to the excitement of the revellers.
She eulogised the African woman’s inner beauty of self assurance, strength and wisdom, likewise their radiant skin, hair texture and body shape.
Èyò by La Campagne is an Afrocentric relaxation centre, established by Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, Founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Lagos.
Akinboboye said that the facility, which comprised of a swimming pool, an event centre, a performance arena, a conference centre, VIP section, art gallery and more, would henceforth be made available for all to unwind.
He said the recreational centre would hold nightlife event every Sunday night, which would be tagged “African Beats and Bites”, where tourists would have access to local African cuisines.
According to him, lovers of nightlife will also be treated to beautiful performaces from renowned African artistes and bands.
“This is an extension of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, where tourists will enjoy wonderful nightlife experience, accompanied by their choice of any African cuisine.
“This is my way of promoting everything African.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atunda musical entertainment, in scintillating performance, brought back beautiful and nostalgic memories of music from older artistes, with instructive proverbs and witty sayings and morals.
Other artistes that performed were: Ara Thunder, Olo-Omidan Bata and Tasha.
The guests also enjoyed interesting performance by a group of Eyo Masqueraders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
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