Flowerbud News

Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

  • Play on Tafawa Balewa to be staged in Abuja,Lagos, Bauchi

    Play on Tafawa Balewa to be staged in Abuja,Lagos, Bauchi

    By Taiye Olayemi

    A play on the life and times of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, is to be staged in January, according to Ola Awakan, the playwright.

    Awakan, on Tuesday, said that the play would be staged by Artswax Communications and the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) in Abuja, Bauchi, and Lagos.
    Awakan said that the family of the late prime minister had endorsed the play.

    According to him, the endorsement was given during a courtesy visit by the production team of the play to the family house of the late prime minister in Bauchi.

    He said the courtesy call was to seek the blessing and endorsement of the family on the project.
    “The visit to Bauchi was to see the family members of the late prime minister and inform them about our intention to bring on stage the life and times as well as legacy of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
    “We went to get the endorsement of the family as we also embarked on some research exercises to enhance the accuracy of the story we want to tell.
    “And we were warmly received and project endorsed,” he said.
    According to him, the team was received by the sons of the late prime minister, Yakubu Tafawa Balewa, Usman Tafawa Balewa and Haruna Tafawa Balewa.
    Yakubu Tafawa Balewa commended the initiative by Artswax Communications and the National Troupe of Nigeria, to use live theatre to tell the story of his father.
    He said that the play would make good reference material in the future.
    “It is a good thing for reference. For the future, it is going to be of great importance. The project will enlighten people more about who he was.
    “The family is glad that you are embarking on the project and we are in support,” he said.
    Also, Usman Tafawa Balewa said that the project was a beautiful idea as many people would be enlightened about the legacies of the late prime minister.
    “In the play to be staged, there are many aspects about the late prime minister that people do not know. People watching the play will get enlightened and the young ones might imbibe what they have learnt there,” he said.
    The last male child of the late prime minister, Haruna Tafawa Balewa, said:”It is a very laudable programme that we are really in support of.
    “This is like an awareness. This country needs people like you to bring back the history of our past leaders for this generation to know about them and learn from them.”
    The team also visited the Ajiyan Bauchi, Alhaji Bala Ajiya, a senior Councilor at the Bauchi Emirate Council, who applauded the project and gave his endorsement.

  • Chioito releases new single, ‘Kalo Jaiye’

    Chioito releases new single, ‘Kalo Jaiye’

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Nigerian-American pop artiste , Tochi Opara, popularly known as “Chioito”, has released a new single titled ‘Kalo Jaiye’.

    Chioito, who is also a legal practitioner, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

    She described the song as an afro-pop fusion which draws a lot of inspiration from the need to unwind during the Yuletide.

    Chioito said Nigerians must cultivate the habit of unwinding in spite current challenges.

    She said that ‘Kalo Jaiye’ which was produced in the United States by ‘Okithewizard’, was coming on the heels of her two earlier songs, ‘Hold The Melody’ and ‘Right Here’

    According to her, the music can be accessed on major music streaming platforms.

    “With this song, I wanted to create something fun to end the year, because ‘omo’, we deserve it. I want Nigerians to unwind despite challenges.

    “With my last song, ‘Right Here’, I showed a lot of my passionate side, and with this song, I just leaned into my Nigerian side because at the end of the day, I have to have fun.

    “I love Yoruba and our pidgin and how it really just lights any mood you are in, so, I decided to pay tribute to Nigeria and make the hook.

    “I am a pop artiste as well, so, people can see my pop influence in my verses. I really wanted to create a space of both hardcore Afro and hardcore pop without watering either down.

    “I am a Nigerian girl and having fun is five-and-six with me. And that doesn’t even necessarily mean clubbing.

    “Anyone can kalo Jaiye. You can be vexed in your office and say ‘omo ka lo jaiye’ and that means your smoke break, or prayer break. I have a very busy life and having fun and bringing the party in my every day thing is important,” she said.

    Chioito noted that her performance styles had been influenced right from childhood by musical legends like Michael Jackson and Shakira.

    According to her, observers have likened Chioito’s vocal skills to that of Rihanna’s.

  • Hajj 2025: NAHCON inaugurates screening panel for accommodation, service providers

    Hajj 2025: NAHCON inaugurates screening panel for accommodation, service providers

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Monday in Abuja inaugurated a committee to screen and verify accommodation and service providers for the 2025 Hajj.

    Its Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, while inaugurating the committee, said it would play a critical role in ensuring the welfare and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

    He implored members of the committee to select only the best and most compliant service
    providers in Saudi Arabia.

    The NAHCON boss also urged the committee to safeguard the integrity of the commission by upholding the trust placed on the organisation by the pilgrims.

    He also charged the committee to fear Allah (SWT) to uphold transparency, accountability, and be diligence throughout the process to enable NAHCON provide good services to the pilgrims.

    Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, said the committee would
    ensure that only reputable and reliable service providers were
    selected to meet the accommodation and catering needs of pilgrims.

    Yagawal, who is the NAHCON’s Commissioner, Planning, Research Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS) said the committee would scrutinise the documents and prospects of the service providers that applied for the service. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    About Flowerbudnews

    Established by Hon.  Biola Lawal, a former Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FLOWERBUDNEWS is a consortium of active veteran journalists, experienced Multimedia broadcast experts and image makers. We are drawn from both public and private sectors of Nigeria’s media Industry with a common  determination to enhance the practice of responsible journalism.

    Lawal, on his part, is also a former Honourable Commissioner for Information,Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, his home state.

    Biola Lawal had also successfully served two tenures as Press Secretary to the ECOMOG Force Commander in Liberia during the Liberian and Sierra Leone Civil wars. He was an outstanding NAN Defence and War Correspondent for many years.

    The retired Nl holds the honour of being the only journalist that served two terms on the ECOMOG international assignment due to his high professionalism and decency.

    He is a Co-Author of the book; ECOMOG, A BOLD ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL PEACEKEEPING! Edited Mrs Magaret Voght.  The book remains the most. factual, detailed and authentic book on the ECOWAS sponsored ECOMOG Military operation.

  • Ipada Carnival begins amidst pomp, pageantry in Lagos

    Ipada Carnival begins amidst pomp, pageantry in Lagos

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Diplomats across Africa and stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry on Saturday converged on the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Lagos State to declare the maiden edition of ‘Ipada Carnival’ open.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ipada Carnival is a cultural celebration honouring the return of people of African descent and lovers of the culture to their roots.

    The carnival is holding from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8.

    The nine-day carnival began in an electrifying atmosphere where the Brazilian Descendants donned in their colourful carnival attire performed to the excitement of revellers.

    The carnival showcased the rich cultural heritage of Africans featuring diverse range of activities, including traditional music and dance performances, elaborate costumes, and mouth-watering local cuisines.

    Revellers were treated to a dazzling display of colour and energy. The air was filled with the sound of drums and laughter, as participants and spectators alike immersed themselves in the joy and excitement of the occasion.

    Speaking, Mr Wanle Akinboboye, Convener of Ipada Carnival and Chief Executive Officer of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, said the carnival was a form of enticement for Africans in the diaspora to retrace their roots.

    Akinboboye said the essence of this was to enable them contribute significantly to the economic development of Africa.

    “Today is all about the Ipada Carnival, the concept is all about bringing back people of African descent back to their roots.

    “We have 32 million diasporans in the Caribbean, 66 million in the United States of America, 120 million in Brazil, about 9.6 million in Europe. We need to entice them back to come and add value to the entire continent of Africa.

    “You know no country can develop without the diasporans. So, Ipada is basically presenting the entire continent of Africa in a basket. We are creating an African shopping mall. The idea is to enable the diasporans to visit all the countries in the continent.

    “There are 55 African countries. So, we’re not only selling Nigeria, we’re just saying that the diasporans can come into the continent of Africa through Lagos, through Abuja.

    “And we created for those that felt that they have left on slave ships, we’ve created for them what we call ‘slave ships to cruise ships” so that they can land here in Lekki.

    “From Lekki they can go to our airport here in Lagos and then fly to any part of Africa they want to fly to. So, basically we’re putting the entire continent of Africa in one basket,” he said.

    Akinboboye said that a huge number of Africans in the diaspora had been able to retrace their steps already.

    “This is just a celebration. This is the Ipada Carnival but we have the Ipada Initiative that happens on a daily basis.

    “Over 40 African-American Mayors have been brought back, a platform has also been established to assist them to come to Africa, about 300 are coming next week, we have about 500 coming back in February and more,” he said.

    Earlier, The Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, lauded the Ipada Carnival and initiative.

    He said that the country looked forward to engaging the service of a DNA expert to help in identifying Rwandans in the diaspora.

    “We find it important that Rwanda is present among other African countries here, and Rwanda as a pan-African country is opening its doors to all Africans to come back home.

    “As you can see, we are displaying our coffee, tea, pepper, clothings and more. We want everyone to know that Rwanda is safe for business with hospitable individuals.

    “We are second when it comes to ease of doing business,” he said.

    Marinho Olayemi, President of the Brazilian Descendants Association in Lagos, relayed how the Brazilian descendants had contributed to the growth of Lagos state.

    Olayemi urged all Africans in the diaspora to retrace their roots.

    Also, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, National President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), expressed excitement at the outcome of the carnival.

    Mustapha said the association worked really hard in marketing the carnival at the recently concluded World Travel Market in London.

    She said that for subsequent editions, the association would look into creating more products to attract more people in the diaspora.

    She called on the Nigerian youths to embrace the Artificial Intelligence (AI) workshop, in the the course of the carnival.

    She said this entailed empowering the youths to be able to market Africa as a choice destination for tourism via AI technology.

    “We are very happy to partner with La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort for this beautiful initiative.

    “We are changing the narrative, from slave ships to cruise ships,” she said.

    Mrs Uloma Egbuna, Managing Director of Tour Brokers International, described Ipada festival as a lofty initiative.

    Mr Gbenga Sunday, a destination promoter, noted that the carnival would attract lots of fortune for the African continent.

  • VFS Global inaugurates new Visa application centres in Lagos

    VFS Global inaugurates new Visa application centres in Lagos

    By Taiye Olayemi

    VFS Global has inaugurated a new Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nigeria to enhance visa application experience for travellers.

    Mr Marc Owen, Director for Visa, Status and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

    According to Owen, VFS was recently awarded the contract to provide UK visa services in 142 countries worldwide.

    “VFS Global is proud to announce that residents of Nigeria, travelling to the UK can now book appointments to submit their visa applications through VFS Global’s new state-of-the-art Visa Application Centres (VAC).

    “These are located in Abuja; Ikeja and Victoria Island in Lagos. The centres have commenced operations from Nov. 19 2024.

    “The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa.

    “In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225 thousand UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all applicants,” he said.

    The British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, said, “I am delighted to witness the opening of the largest visa application centre in Africa.

    “Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important partners, and we hope that VFS deliver ever improving services for those applying for visas to the UK.”

    Also, Mr Alok Singhal, Head, Sub-Saharan Africa, VFS Global said, “We are excited to embark on this new journey with UK Visas and Immigration here in Nigeria.

    “We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003 and look forward to now bringing travellers from Nigeria our best-in-class services.”

    Singhal noted that the UK is a popular destination for travellers across Africa, with Nigeria being in the top four nationalities by volume for UK visit visas, accounting for five per cent of the global total.

    He said in the African region, VFS Global would also provide visa application centres for the UK in 31 countries.

    According to him, visa customers can now choose from optional services offered by VFS Global, to provide enhanced comfort and convenience.

    “These include document upload assistance, prime time for application submission outside of business hours, SMS notifications, document checking service, and courier return of the passport once a decision has been made.

    “VFS Global’s “Keep My Passport While Applying service” allows customers to keep their passports once their application is submitted and biometrics have been enrolled.

    “Customers will only need to re-submit their passport when a decision is reached.
    Customers in Abuja can also submit their UK visa applications from the comfort and safety of their home, office, or any other preferred location with our On Demand Mobile Visa service.

    “Our Premium Lounge service offers personalised submission experience with dedicated staff members.

    “These services are completely optional and have no bearing on the processing timeline and outcomes of visa applications.”

    Singhal noted that as a partner to UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, VFS Global offered visa services in 58 countries before the new contract and has now been awarded the contract to provide UK visa services in 142 countries worldwide.

  • Amendment: Understanding Section 4, under “Conflicts of Interests’ in NAHCON Establishment Act (I)

    Amendment: Understanding Section 4, under “Conflicts of Interests’ in NAHCON Establishment Act (I)

    By Ibrahim Muhammed
    National Coordinator
    Independent Hajj Reporters

    Last Thursday, I attended the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing on the amendment of the NAHCON Establishment Act 2006. The States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards Executive Secretaries under the umbrella of Forum of States Executives sought the amendment of section 4 of the NAHCON Act, The proposed amendment sought for the following: That Section 4 of the Principal Act is amended by inserting after subsection 3, a new sub-clause “(4)” – “(6)” “(4) The Commission shall involve States of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory in the selection of Airline Agencies for Hajj operations to promote efficiency and public accountability; (5) allow states to manage the feeding of pilgrims in Madinah and Muna consistent with guidelines as formulated by the Commission; and (6) facilitate timely refund of such amount out of Hajj fare paid by a pilgrim for any transportation, accommodation or feeding services not rendered.”

    First, I commended Senator Sani Bello, chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, for his sincerity, maturity, and purposeful leadership. He did not allow sentiments and unnecessary emotional displays to sway the proceedings toward personal directions and remained focused throughout.

    I am trying to understand what are the objectives of the proposed amendment in the context of ‘promoting efficiency in hajj operation’ as highlighted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. Out of curiosity, I immediately pulled my laptop to begin research on ‘How does the involvement of States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards in the selection of airlines can result in safety, security and timely airlift of Nigeria pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and back. Exploring ways such amendment can reduce the skyrocketing Hajj fare for Nigeria pilgrims – a more urgent desirability in Nigeria’s Hajj Industry – I am yet to lay my hands on any clue.

    I could have featured the narration of the proceeding but I don’t want to preempt the outcome of the hearing or sway a public opinion on the matter.

    The complexity of feeding in Madina as a transit point has been explained at the hearing but none of the contributors either from NAHCON or the States that oppose the status quo highlights how the proposed amendments will improve the quality of the menu and timeline of feeding pilgrims in Madina. The whole arguments revolve around “allowing states to handle or control the feeding while NAHCON is insisting on being in charge in Madina. The objectives ought to be how to improve the services to the Guest of Al Rahama.

    The issue of Hajj refunds could have been an administrative issue between NAHCON and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards. Amending the NAHCON ACT will not add any value to the timely refunds unless there is sincerity, honesty and transparency in the management of Hajj finances by all parties concerned. No matter the level of amendment, there will be no significant changes in the operations once the operators are not transparent and accountable.

    In the process of seeking justice, it is said that ‘both the person who accused someone and the person being accused know the truth of the matter, it is the Judge who is presiding over the case that is actually on trial. Yes, the Executive Secretaries of States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria understand why the bone becomes the ‘bone of contention’, it is the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and by Extension the National Assembly that is on trial.

    The selection of the Airline, feeding in Makkah and Madina and timely refunds are the subject matter but the entire session was dominated by the issue of the Airline thereby relegating the other equally important issues to the background. Specifically, the issue of allowing Saudi designated Air Carrier to taking part in the airlift of Nigeria pilgrims based on the Bilateral Air Service Agreement takes the Centre of discussion.

    First, no patriotic Nigerian will prefer a foreign airline to our local airline in the airlift of Hajj pilgrims. Part of the problem bedevilling Nigeria’s economy is the issue of Capital flight and there is a need to take a serious look at any agreement that will deprive our local airline of reaping the economic of the hajj airlift.

    The back-and-forth argument about an agreement with Saudi Arabia on the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims should be settled at once and allow stability in the operational planning.

    However, I came across a report stating that Saudi Arabia’s designated airline transported over 100,000 hajj pilgrims from 13 different countries during the 2023 hajj.

    The reports which were published in Bangladesh News Daily stated that Flynas, the Saudi-designated air carrier has transported more than 100,000 pilgrims from more than 13 countries during the Hajj season of 1444 AH (2023 AD), bringing the total number of pilgrims and Umrah performers flown by the carrier to more than two million since its establishment in 2007.

    The nations which flynas transported pilgrims in 1444 AH are spread across Asia and Africa and include Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana, Niger, Comoros, India, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan.

    According to another report in Bangladesh Newspaper (Daily Star) “Since 2012, Biman and Saudia (Saudi Airline) were the only two airlines transporting hajj pilgrims from Bangladesh as per a hajj agreement signed between the two countries that year.

    Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) in a letter on the 3rd of May 2022, gave the go-ahead to another Saudi Airline Flynas to ferry Bangladesh pilgrims thereby, breaking the duopoly of the hajj passenger transport business of Biman and Saudia.

    While we are arguing about who takes charge of what, Saudi Arabia has floated Riyadh Air with a futuristic plan dedicating Saudia and Flynas for the transportation of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

    In reality, Nigerian intending pilgrims do not care who provides what services during hajj operations. All they are interested in is the provision of quality and commensurate services as at when due to enable them to perform hajj rites with ease and comfort.

    What is needed at the moment is an amendment in the mindset and attitudes of hajj administrators in the Hajj Industry; NAHCON, States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Private Hajj Operators inclusive. Our penchant for exhibiting half-baked sincerity to paint the other agency black is destroying the entire industry. It is our industry and it is not just another worldly affair but rather a religious based institution.

  • NAHCON: Strengthening Transparency with N5.3 Billion Refunds for 2023 Hajj Services

    NAHCON: Strengthening Transparency with N5.3 Billion Refunds for 2023 Hajj Services

    By Shafii Sani Mohammed,
    Principal Information Officer, Information & Publications Division, NAHCON

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability by disbursing over N5.3 billion in refunds to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and accredited Tour Operators. This measure, taken to address deficiencies in certain services rendered during the 2023 Hajj, underscores NAHCON’s dedication to upholding the trust placed in it by Nigerian Pilgrims.

    Breaking Down the Refunds

    Of the total disbursed amount, N4.48 billion was allocated to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Armed Forces. This significant sum addresses inadequacies in the 2023 Hajj Masha’ir electricity services, a critical component of the Hajj experience in the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat.

    Similarly, N917.15 million was refunded to 192 accredited Tour Operators for onward distribution to their Pilgrims. This ensures that private Hajj participants also receive their due compensation. NAHCON has assured that remaining operators will receive their refunds after completing the necessary reconciliation processes.

    Each affected Pilgrim is entitled to N61,080, a sum that NAHCON has directed the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and Tour Operators to disburse immediately.

    A Testament to Leadership and Accountability.

    At the helm of this initiative is NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, whose leadership has placed a premium on transparency. Under his stewardship, the Commission will continually improve its operations, with the hope of fostering greater trust among Pilgrims and stakeholders alike.

    This refund initiative aligns with NAHCON’s mission to ensure that Nigerian Pilgrims receive value for their sacrifices during Hajj. By promptly addressing service delivery shortcomings, the Commission is setting a standard for accountability in public service.

    Call to Action for Intending 2025 Pilgrims

    As preparations for the 2025 Hajj begin, NAHCON has advised intending Pilgrims to make their deposits early with their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards who have already commenced collection of the N8.4 million as directed by NAHCON. Early deposits allow NAHCON to transmit funds promptly to Saudi Arabia, ensuring seamless arrangements in compliance with the Kingdom’s guidelines as preparations has already begun in earnest with the setting up of crucial Committees on Screening/ Aviation Monitoring who have already commenced work on selecting the official air carriers and cargo conveners for the 2025 Hajj. Similarly, other committees are being set up in preparation for the upcoming 2025 Hajj.

    This proactive approach will mitigate delays in securing accommodations, flights, and other essential services, ultimately enhancing the Hajj experience for Nigerian Pilgrims.

    Ensuring Integrity Through Collaboration

    To maintain the highest standards of accountability, NAHCON has invited Nigeria’s top anti-corruption agencies—the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)—to monitor the refund process. This collaborative effort aims to guarantee that all refunds reach the intended beneficiaries without discrepancies.

    By incorporating these oversight mechanisms, NAHCON is taking concrete steps to prevent mismanagement and ensure the integrity of the disbursement process.

    Building Confidence Among Pilgrims

    For many Nigerian Pilgrims, the refund initiative is a testament to NAHCON’s commitment to safeguarding their interests. It sends a clear message that the Commission is not only a regulator but also a steward of the resources and welfare of Pilgrims.

    As Hajj continues to be a deeply spiritual journey for millions of Muslims worldwide, NAHCON’s actions reaffirm its resolve to provide Nigerian Pilgrims with a dignified and fulfilling experience.

    With these refunds, the Commission has demonstrated that it is not afraid to hold service providers accountable, ensuring that Pilgrims get the services they paid for or are duly compensated when those services fall short.

    In a world where public trust in institutions is often tested, NAHCON is setting a benchmark for transparency, accountability, and efficiency—principles that are integral to its vision for the future of Hajj operations in Nigeria.

  • FTAN PRO, Wale Olapade bags 2024 NTTS outstanding tourism advocate award

    FTAN PRO, Wale Olapade bags 2024 NTTS outstanding tourism advocate award

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Public Relations Officer (PRO) and Nigerian Tribune Tourism Editor, Mr Wale Olapade, a multiple award winner, has been specially honoured by the National Tourism Transport Summit with the Outstanding Tourism Advocate Award.

    The award ceremony is billed to hold in Abuja on December 4, 2024.

    This was contained in a letter signed by the Chairman-Interministerial Committee-NTT Summit 2024 and National President of the Institute for Tourism Professionals, Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, Ref:ITPN/NTTS-A/24/NTAD/03 dated November 25, 2024.

    The letter reads: “On behalf of the Steering and Selection Committee of the 7th National Tourism Transportation Summit Awards, it gives me great pleasure to inform you that you have been chosen for the 2024 National Tourism Transportation Summit “Outstanding Tourism Advocate Award”. Congratulations!

    It added “Your nomination and final selection were carefully considered among others in the industry by the Steering and Selection Committee, upon which you have been chosen based on your achievements and demonstration of high level of excellence and standards in travel tourism, transportation, and hospitality sectors of the Nigerian economy.”

    The award was created over six years ago as the crowning and rounding up event of the National Tourism Transportation Summit and Expo to celebrate achievements of organisations and individuals within the industry and related sectors.

    The occasion also provides the platform for the Stakeholders, Key-players and the entire value chain of the tourism and transportation industries to unwind, relax and network after the two days Summit of Discussions and Expositions.

    Recently, Olapade was one of the five industry tourism Editors selected nationwide for the first Fatima Garbati Foundation special grant for journalists category.

    The widely travelled international and domestic responsible tourism advocate through his specialized Travelpulse and MICE column has won numerous tourism accolades which include Award of Excellence:Youth Tourism Club of Nigeria, University of Ibadan-2009;
    Travellinks Merit Award: Travellinks International Tourism Magazine-2013; Adamu Mu’azu Prize for Tourism Reporter-Winner Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA)-2014; MICE Journalist of the Year Nigeria-2017-ATQ Magazine; Outstanding leadership Award in youth Tourism promotion- StayUp Aviation-2017 and MICE Journalist of the Year West Africa-2018-ATQ-Magazine.

    Other awards are induction into pioneer club of Top 100 Tourism Personalities in Nigeria, Abuja Jabamah 2018; Doctor of philosophy (Phd) in Travels and Tour Management-2018-Stayup Aviation; Best Tourism Journalist-Nigeria Tourism Awards ()BALEARICA Awards 2020); Nominee Travel Reporter of the Year Jumia Travel Award-2018; Cross River State Media Personality Award of Carnival Calabar -2021; Inducted into NANTA Media Hall of Fame for contributing to travel Industry in Nigeria-2021 and Best NANTA Travel Print Media Awardee 2021.

  • MACBAN lauds Kebbi gov. for prompt action against insecurity

    MACBAN lauds Kebbi gov. for prompt action against insecurity

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has commend Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, for taking prompt action against members of ‘Yan Sa Kai.’

    The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, gave the commendation in a statement issued by Malam Bello Gotomo, National Secretary of the association.

    Othman-Ngelzarma alleged that members of the ‘ Yan sa Kai’ took laws into their hands in Augie Local Government Area of the state by burning pastoralist settlements in the name of fighting bandits operating in the area.

    He also applauded the governor for the N10 million donation to families of six people allegedly killed as a result of the onslaught of some hamlets by ‘Yan Sa Kai’ in the name reprisal attack.

    Similarly, the MACBAN boss hailed the governor for directing that all those involved in the heinous act be arrested and charged to court.

    He noted that pastoralists in the area have no relationship with the bandits, adding that pastoralist families have been extorted and have paid over N11 million in addition to hundreds of livestock forcefully taken from them.

    “Because pastoralist assets are visible, they become easy targets to both ‘Lakurawa criminals and the Yan Sa Kai.

    “The impunity that characterise the ensuing insecurity in some other states should not be allowed in Kebbi as it will not augur well for peaceful coexistence,” he said.

    Othman-Ngelzarma called on the Federal Government to ramp up fight against the extreme group before it recruits more people into its fold.

    “Over 500 families have so far been displaced and their food items burned by activities of the so-called ‘Yan Sa kai in Augie local government.

    “MACBAN also commends the proactive roles being played by members of the National Assembly in highlighting the danger posed by the activities of the Lakurawa in Sokoto and Kebbi States,” the president noted. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)