News Agency of Nigeria
UN Tourism, ETF to establish tourism academy in Lagos
Entertainment

UN Tourism, ETF to establish tourism academy in Lagos

By Joshua Olomu
UN Tourism, the global apex body for tourism, and Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) are set to establish a tourism academy in Lagos.

The initiative, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports, is  to jointly promote Lagos  as Africa’s premier tourism hub.

NAN also reports that the decision was reached by the two organisations during a roundtable in Lagos.

According to them, the initiative is part of efforts toward the realisation of ETF’s objectives.

These include showcasing tourism opportunities that abound in Lagos State.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture and Chairman of ETF’s Board of Trustees and Governing Council, led the foundation’s delegation to the meeting.

Mr Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, who led the  UN Tourism delegation, noted  that Lagos has everything to make it Africa’s tourism hub.

These, he said, include its fashion, music, festivals, gastronomy and nightlife.

He pledged to work with ETF in developing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) infrastructure in Lagos.

Pololikashvili also accepted ETF’s invitation to serve as the Patron and honorary member of the foundation.

This was in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sustainable tourism development worldwide.

Earlier, Mohammed told the visiting UN delegation that the issue of insecurity in Nigeria had been grossly exaggerated.

He said tourists who recently visited the country often expressed regret for believing false and negative narratives about Nigeria.

He cited ‘Detty December’, a cultural phenomenon that had placed Lagos on the global tourism map as a clear evidence of the city’s vibrancy and appeal as a preferred destination.

He noted that more than 20,000 events are held in Lagos monthly, underscoring the need for purpose-built event centres and related facilities to support the city’s dynamic entertainment and creative industries.

According to him, such infrastructure would allow global music stars like
Burna Boy, Davido and Whizkid to stage major concerts locally rather than taking such opportunities abroad.

The former minister said Eko Tourism Foundation was established to create an inclusive forum for government and private sector collaboration on tourism in Nigeria.

“It is to serve as a partner of choice for both local and international stakeholders in the tourism industry and to champion the global marketing of Destination Lagos.

He said by  extension, Destination Nigeria would serve as a driver of sustainable socio-economic development.

Other members of the ETF’s delegation included Erelu Abiola Dosumu, member, Board of Trustees and Dr Tunde Lawrenson, Secretary, Board of Trustees and Governing Council.

Others included Mr Karl Hala, member, Governing Council; Ms. Abiola Adelana, Treasurer, Governing Council and Ms. Sharon Ashinze, Assistant Secretary, Governing Council.

The UN Tourism Secretary-General was accompanied by Elcia Grandcourt, Director, Regional Department for Africa; Shirin El Tayan, Chief of Protocol and Kojo Bentum-Williams, Communications Senior expert.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Tourism, bridge for global partnerships, national dev’t – Prof. Ekpeyong
Entertainment

Tourism, bridge for global partnerships, national dev’t – Prof. Ekpeyong

By Sarafina Christopher

Prof. Edet Ekpeyong, Country Director and Head of Mission, International Society of Diplomats (ISD), says tourism fosters cultural exchange, partnerships and economic growth that drive national development.

Ekpeyong stated this in Abuja, at an event organised by the society and partners to mark the 2025 World Tourism Day.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” with the sub-theme, “Tourism and Diaspora Diplomacy: Bridging Cultures, Building Economy.”

According to him, the day reflects the United Nations’ vision of global sustainability under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Tourism is life, business, growth, progress and development. It creates endless job opportunities,” he said.

Ekpeyong noted that direct tourism activities generate jobs while creating multiple indirect opportunities in surrounding communities.

Speaking at the event also, Dr Dahiru Bala, Regional Manager, Bank of Industry, North-West, said Nigeria is richly endowed with natural and cultural resources.

“When you travel across the country, you see destinations that are not yet on the media. We need innovative ideas to showcase them,” he said.

Dr Fatoumatta Gaye, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Resolution Consulting and President of the Africa CEO Club, stressed Africa’s centrality to global tourism.

“It is not about lack of destinations in Africa but lack of positioning.

“Africa has everything to offer; what we need is one voice,” she said.

Gaye, from The Gambia, described the Africa as a hub for authentic tourism experiences.

Amb. Phil Robert, Global Tourism Ambassador for Nigeria and convener of the event, said tourism has transformative potential beyond leisure.

“Tourism can serve as a tool for peace-building, unity and GDP growth. What discussions or wars cannot resolve, tourism can,” he said.

According to him, countries must market themselves through tourism, as seen in global campaigns such as “Visit Dubai” and “Visit Ethiopia.”

“This event is the beginning of a new chapter. Tourism will now be used as a tool for diplomacy and sustainable development in Africa,” Robert added.

World Tourism Day, first marked in 1980, was declared by the UN in 1979 to highlight the role of tourism in development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Gov. Otu injects N18bn into Cross River tourism
Culture & Tourism

Gov. Otu injects N18bn into Cross River tourism

By Akpan Glory

Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has approved the release of N18 billion to boost tourism infrastructure and reposition the state as a leading destination in Nigeria and West Africa.

The state government said the fund would be used for the rehabilitation and upgrade of key tourism assets, including the Obudu Mountain Resort, Kwa Falls, Marina Resort, and the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism Development, Mr Thomas Ikpeme, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Ikpeme said the investment forms part of the administration’s tourism transformation agenda under the “Season of Sweetness” initiative.

According to him, the state will launch “Experience Calabar” tours and set up a Heritage Market to promote arts, crafts and local culture.

“A key component of this initiative is the government’s strategic investment in Axari Towers.

“This will guarantee the hosting of major events and increase bed capacity in the state as it prepares for the 20th Anniversary of the Christmas Festival & Carnival Calabar this December.

“This move is expected to stimulate the local economy, create jobs, attract global tourists, and deepen private sector involvement in the tourism and hospitality value chain”.

The adviser added that the government had acquired two CRJ 1000 aircraft to complement the existing Boeing 737s operated by the state-owned airline, Cally Air, in partnership with Aero Contractors and ValueJet.

He also said that the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC) and the Calabar Cultural Centre were undergoing upgrades to attract conferences and business events to the state.

Otu said the initiative was aimed at creating jobs, attracting investments, and promoting local culture through tourism.

“This is not just an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in our people, our culture, and our future,” the governor was quoted as saying.

The government said the initiative would improve access, accommodation, and activities across the state, while also enhancing human capacity and community-based tourism. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Expert calls for collaboration among West African tour operators
Culture & Tourism

Expert calls for collaboration among West African tour operators

 

 

 

By Folasade Adeniran

A tourism expert, Mr Ikechi Uko, has urged West African tour operators to collaborate closely to promote travel and tourism within the region and achieve shared objectives.

 

Uko spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the just-concluded eighth edition of the West African Travel Expo (Accraweizo 2025).

 

The event, with the theme, “Reimagining The ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol”, was held in Accra, Ghana, from June 27 to July 1.

 

NAN reports that the event focused on seamless travel in West Africa, exploring its opportunities and challenges.

 

It featured a summit for West African tour operators and transporters.

 

Uko, who organises the annual event, said this year’s edition particularly focused on tour operators because they are the real enablers.

 

“Transporters and tour operators have been the ones sustaining regional travel, but they’ve rarely worked together.

 

“So, we thought, let’s convene them. First, to network. Second, to challenge one another. And third, to get them to take a position on how to improve. That’s how the idea of a tour operators’ summit came about,” Uko explained.

 

Uko commended ECOWAS for its role in the summit.

 

He stated, “We’re happy that one way or another, ECOWAS themselves reached out to us and decided that they are interested in what we are doing.

 

“Over the past years, they have been attempting to engage more with tourism and travel, but mostly at the level of national federations.

 

“Now, they see the value of engaging directly with practitioners. They realised the actual issues with the protocol aren’t entirely ECOWAS’s fault; it’s in the implementation by sovereign states.”

 

According to Uko, ECOWAS has requested a compilation of a report based on the deliberations of the tour operators.

 

“I have asked them to identify five key issues and recommendations.

 

“We don’t want to impose a report from the top; it must be participatory, something they own. Once it’s done, we will present it to the ECOWAS president,” he added.

 

Uko said networking plans were already underway for Accraweizo 2026.

 

“For example, we have 21 tour operators from East Africa planning to come solely to find West African partners. This is how we grow,” he noted.

 

According to him, the goal is to improve travel and tourism growth in West Africa through easy access to towns and cities within the region, improving and simplifying airport and border processes, among other things.

 

“West Africa is the biggest region in Africa, with over 400 million people rich in culture and tourist attractions.

 

“It receives the least number of tourists, yet West African countries generate the highest number of outbound travelers in Africa.

 

“There is a need to encourage West Africans to travel within the region, and this is the goal of Accra Weizo,” Uko highlighted.

 

NAN reports that during the summit, the push for unity and collaboration was reinforced by Yvonne Donkor, President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA).

 

She stressed the importance of advocating policies that support cross-border tourism, continuous dialogue among stakeholders, and innovative partnerships that could break down barriers limiting regional travel.

 

Also, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, President of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), said that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are vital for achieving seamless cross-border travel in West Africa.

 

She urged governments in the region to collaborate on infrastructure development, such as border facilities, roads, and transportation systems.

 

She also noted that creating bilingual content collaboration would bridge the region’s language divide.

 

NAN reports that the event drew stakeholders from countries in the region, including Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Togo, Benin Republic, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

 

Experts call for academia-industry partnership in hospitality
Culture & Tourism

Experts call for academia-industry partnership in hospitality

 

 

 

 

 

By Joan Odafe

Hospitality and tourism experts have called for a stronger collaboration between academic institutions and industry practitioners to prepare young Nigerians for meaningful careers in the sector.

 

The experts made the call during a panel session at a summit for students in hospitality and tourism on Friday in Lagos.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, ‘Hospitality and Business Summit (HBS) 2025’, was organised by Tourism and Hospitality Mentorship for Development (TMD) Brand, in collaboration with Eko Hotels and Suites.

 

The event had the theme, ‘Wonders of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow: Positioning for Global Impact – The Role of Youth in the Industrial Revolution’.

 

The panelists called on academic institutions to urgently reform internship structures and student engagement strategies to bridge the widening gap between classroom theory and practical realities.

 

The Managing Director of Eko Hotels and Suites, Mr Ghassan Faddoul, said the most urgent shift needed to prepare young people for the hospitality sector was to bridge the gap between academics and the practical.

 

Faddoul said schools had to make their internship programme compulsory every year, from year one for every student, so they could undergo hands-on training.

 

“We don’t take it lightly here because we don’t just do trainings. We do training and development.

 

“When we train someone, we train for him or her to do the job better but when we develop our employees and interns, we develop them to become a better person, a better manager, a better employee,” he said.

 

Rita Opiah, General Manager, Radisson Hotel Group, said in addition to the compulsory annual internship, there was need for accountability on the part of the institutions, through enforcement of the training.

 

Opiah urged leaders of tourism and hospitality institutions to be more intentional, by ensuring that the students are present for the exact duration planned for.

 

“You have to come onsite and ensure a task force that will also talk with the industry leaders, to monitor them and see what they are doing, and also hear our feedback,” she said.

 

Opiah also called for collaboration among stakeholders, noting that the tourism and hospitality industry had a lot of career opportunities including travels, event management, tour operators, resort management, marketing destination tourism and travel events.

 

Yvonne Joseph, a hospitality career mentor and advisor, however, said that youth disinterest in hospitality was a major concern, with many of the mindset that the sector was boring.

 

Joseph said: “They want to express their creative side in their businesses.

 

“Even if they are working in the front desk or doing their internship in the front desk, they want to see how they can make it more fun.”

 

She urged industry leaders, that by giving students and interns room to share ideas, they were helping to close gaps in the industry.

 

She added that their suggestions could also impact meaningfully on their businesses.

 

In response, Susan Akporiaye,former president of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), said apart from hotels, there were vast opportunities in travel and tourism.

 

Akporiaye cautioned the students against the notion that because they were in the digital age, they had nothing to learn from the older players in the industry.

 

She urged them to blend the age of humanity and technology, as well as improve on skills that would ensure they are employable in the industry.

 

The Director of Sales and Marketing of Eko Hotels and Suites, Dr Iyadunni Gbadebo, urged the students to explore ways in ensuring that content creation is seen as a serious role within the industry.

 

Gbadebo urged stakeholders in travel, tourism and hospitality to collaborate to sell ‘Destination Nigeria’ for national growth.

 

Also, the General Manager of Eko Hotels and Suites, Mr Danny Kioupouroglou, emphasised the need for training, hard work and focus as important factors that would make the students best leaders in the industry.

 

Citing examples of his growth in the industry, Kioupouroglou told the students that he started off at the lowest level, took up difficult roles, made mistakes before he eventually got to his present position.

 

“Leadership isn’t about showing off. It’s about showing up; before you can lead, you have to serve,” he said.

 

In his remarks, the South-West Regional Coordinator of TMD Brand, Temitope Sadiq, said the summit was aimed at exposing students in tourism, hospitality and transportation to veterans in the industry, so they could gain more insight and leverage their experience.

 

NAN reports that no fewer than 2,000 students from various schools across the nation attended the programme. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Don calls for investment in tourism to reduce oil dependency, boost economy
Culture & Tourism

Don calls for investment in tourism to reduce oil dependency, boost economy

 

 

 

 

By Olajide Idowu

A Professor of Sustainable Tourism Management, Bola Adeleke, says tourism can be used as a catalyst to shift the country’s dependancy on oil and boost its economy.

Adeleke of the  Redeemer’s University, Ede, in Osun, made the remarks on Thursday in Ede while delivering the 19th inaugural lecture of the university.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture had as its theme “Sustainable Tourism: An Impetus for National Development”.

Adeleke said that sustainable tourism, which encompassed people, planet, and profit, could be used as a catalyst for national development and bring about economic, social, and environmental developments.

“Economically, it generates significant revenue, creates jobs, and stimulates local economies, contributing to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and reducing poverty.

“It can diversify Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy, create jobs, and stimulate local businesses.

“Socially, it would preserve our cultural heritage, foster intercultural understanding, and enhance community well-being.

“Environmentally, it can protect biodiversity and mitigate climate impacts through ecotourism initiatives in our national parks and protected areas.

“Globally, tourism contributes 10 per cent to GDP and one in ten jobs,” she said.

Adeleke referenced the World Tourism Organisation’s 2021 report, which said that in 2019, tourism generated $1.7 trillion in export earnings.

The don said that the tourism sector accounted for 3.6 per cent of the country’s 2022 GDP of $17 billion, and also created employment for about two million people.

She admonished the government to tap into and harness the great potentials in tourism to boost revenue and foreign exchange earnings.

Adeleke, however, said that the government needed to deal with the issues of insecurity and upgrade the tourist sites in the country to attract foreign tourists.

Earlier, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, said that tourism was one of the areas where the country had great potential.

Akindele said that tourism could boost the country’s foreign reserves and attract a lot of foreign exchange.

“With so many tourist sites in the country, Nigeria is sitting on a goldmine,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Victor Adeoti/Ayodeji Alabi

Malaysia, Vietnam to sign MoU on tourism cooperation
Foreign

Malaysia, Vietnam to sign MoU on tourism cooperation

 

Malaysia and Vietnam will sign a tourism partnership agreement designed to boost Vietnamese tourists’ confidence in Malaysia while promoting Malaysian destinations in Vietnam’s travel market.

The memorandum envisages joint promotional campaigns, streamlined visa facilitation, and infrastructure development within the BRICS+ framework.

This is reported by Pretoria News, a partner of the TV BRICS.

The memorandum outlines joint promotional campaigns and the exchange of information on travel opportunities in both countries, covering beach holidays, cultural routes, and medical tourism.

Ministerial talks are also underway to facilitate visa processes, improve infrastructure, and attract investment in the hotel sector.

The agreement aligns with Malaysia’s BRICS partnership strategy, reinforcing ties within the Global South, fostering regional cooperation, and encouraging cultural exchange. (TV BRICS/NAN) 

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed/Emmanuel Yashim

Ethiopia advances rural corridor devt. to boost sustainability, eco-tourism
Foreign

Ethiopia advances rural corridor devt. to boost sustainability, eco-tourism

 

Ethiopia has launched a comprehensive rural corridor development programme to transform local communities, promote sustainable agriculture, and expand eco-tourism infrastructure.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the initiative, as reported by Fana Media Corporation (FMC), a partner of TV BRICS.

The rural corridor development project forms part of a broader national strategy to modernise rural areas, improve livelihoods and enhance environmental stewardship, the source said.

During the launch of the initiative, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the importance of community participation and model practices that contribute to the long-term vision of national transformation.

The initiative also includes a significant eco-tourism component.

Under the leadership of local communities, the transformation of Mount Hambaricho, Ethiopia’s natural and cultural landmark, into an accessible destination for nature tourism has already begun.

A new staircase of 777 steps for climbing was built, making the mountain more accessible to visitors interested in hiking, panoramic views, and bird watching.

According to experts, the rural corridor development project underscores the Ethiopian Government’s commitment to integrated rural development, climate resilience, and the promotion of local tourism as a sustainable economic driver.

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Venezuela seeks bilateral tourism devt cooperation with Egypt
Foreign

Venezuela seeks bilateral tourism devt cooperation with Egypt

The Venezuelan Ambassador to Egypt, Wilmer Omar Barrientos Fernandez, has emphasised the importance of developing bilateral cooperation with Egypt, a country that aims to increase tourist traffic to 30 million tourists by 2028.

Venezolana de Television, a partner of TV BRICS, repoted Fernandez as  stressing this at a working session with journalists organised by the Venezuelan embassy in Egypt to promote tourism in the South American country.

Venezolana de Television, which cited the press office of the Venezuelan Embassy in Egypt, further reported Fernandez as underscoring the importance of having a communications wing as one of the strategies to be deployed in positioning Venezuela in the global tourism market.

He highlighted Venezuela’s biological and cultural diversity, as well as the Ministry’s Strategic Plan for Tourism 2025-2031, which focuses on the country’s identity and cultural sovereignty.

The ambassador presented Venezuela as a country with great tourism potential, relying on innovation and preserving its identity.

The report indicated that the embassy is organising familiarisation and press tours to bring representatives of the Egyptian tourism sector to Venezuela, including travel agencies, bloggers, influencers, and airlines as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Egypt.

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

FG reviews national culture policy after 37 years
Culture & Tourism

FG reviews national culture policy after 37 years

 

 

 

 

 

By Joshua Olomu

 

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), says work is at final stage in the review of Nigeria’s National Policy on Culture.

 

The minister said in a statement on Friday in Abuja, that this was coming 37 years after the last review.

 

Musawa said the exercise was in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

 

”The document was last reviewed in 1988, and has remained in draft form for over 37 years in spite of its significance in shaping Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.

 

”A Cultural Policy Drafting Committee was inaugurated in July 2024, comprising over 100 members, divided into sub-groups to research, develop, and refine the policy framework.

 

”The committee successfully completed the virtual drafting process in December 2024, leading to the need for a physical drafting exercise to consolidate and refine the document,” she said.

 

She explained that the final stage was to get the policy ready for Stakeholders Engagement and Validation exercise before submission to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

 

“In recognition of the urgency of the reforms, the ministry initiated the comprehensive review process, ensuring that Nigeria’s cultural framework aligns with global best practices and reflects the evolving creative economy.

 

“This initiative reflects the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to cultural development under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.

 

According to her, national policy on culture serves as a legal framework guiding the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

 

She noted that the review will ensure that the policy reflects contemporary trends, particularly the shift from a creative industry to a creative economy.

 

Musawa further said that the ministry’s partnership with NESG and UNESCO had been instrumental in ensuring a well-structured and inclusive review process.

 

“Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024, NESG has provided research, technical support, and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure that the final policy meets both national and international standards.

 

“Additionally, UNESCO’s technical assistance has played a key role in training Ministry staff and NESG representatives to align the revised policy with global best practices.

 

“The organisation has facilitated workshops and provided expert guidance to ensure that Nigeria’s policy supports the growth of the creative economy while preserving cultural heritage,” she said.

 

Also speaking, a facilitator at NESG, Ikenna Nwosu, who participated in the policy drafting process said: ”for 37 years, this policy remained unchanged despite the rapid transformation of the cultural and creative sectors.

 

“Ideally, such policies should be reviewed every five to 10 years. What we are witnessing today is a long-overdue intervention.

 

“The industry has moved far ahead of governance, and this exercise is an essential step in ensuring that policies catch up with the sector’s economic potential.

 

“The minister’s leadership in driving this review is commendable, as it will reposition our cultural sector as a key contributor to Nigeria’s GDP.”(NAN)(nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

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