Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

By Taiye Olayemi

Walk For Love Africa (WFLA) project, a flagship programme under African Union Foundation has unveiled the official logo for its Green Classics Golf Tournament.

Toni Ukachukwu, WFLA Chairman in a statement in Lagos, on Tuesday said the tournament had been slated to hold on Saturday June 29 at Ikeja Golf Club.

Ukachukwu said WFLA was saddled with the responsibility of promoting a sustainable Intra-Africa travel, tourism and trade.

He said the event aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and responsible practices, using sports as one of its pillars under tourism.

According to him, the logo featured a stylised design incorporating elements of nature, symbolising the harmony between the game and the environment.

He said the colour scheme reflected the natural world, with shades of green and representing growth, serenity and the planet.

“The Green Classics Golf Tournament, scheduled for 29th of June at Ikeja Golf Club will bring together business leaders, golf enthusiasts and environmental advocates to raise awareness and funds for sustainable initiatives.

“The event will feature a competitive golf tournament, networking opportunities and educational sessions on environmental best practices.

“WFLA is committed to promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship through the Green Classics Golf Tournament

“We believe that small actions today can lead to a significant positive impact on ESG and our planet’s future whilst using different programmes to promote travel, tourism and trade ecosystem in Africa and supporting UN SDGs.

“For us Green Classics is more than a game as it seeks to make environmental impact across Africa using golf which contributes to sequestration and carbon balance,” he said.

Ukachukwu noted that environmental sustainability was no longer a choice but a business imperative.

He however, called on corporate brands and well meaning individuals to partner with WFLA on the inaugural WFLA Green Classics Golf Tournament and be part of the movement towards a more sustainable future. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

By Taiye Olayemi

In a soothing and thought-provoking performance, Zimbabwean-American Poet and Artiste, U-Meleni Mhlaba-Adebo on Sunday celebrated the beauty of African women.

Mhlaba-Adebo who performed during the unveiling of “Èyò by La Campagne” in Ikoyi extolled the uniqueness of the skin of the black women.

The poet encouraged African women to remain resilient and always stand to protect one another.

In a blend of spoken word and musical performance she appraised the beauty of every black woman, this was to the excitement of the revellers.

She eulogised the African women’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.
The opening of the recreational centre was themed “African Beats and Bites”.

Akinboboye said the facility which comprised of a swimming pool, event centre, performance arena, 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 would also be treated to beautiful performaces from renowned African artistes and bands.

“This is an extension of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, tourists will enjoy wonderful nightlife experience here, accompanied by their choice of any African cuisine.

“This is still my way of promoting everything African,” he said.

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, which revealed instructive proverbs and witty sayings as well as morals.

Other artistes that performed were: Ara Thunder, Olo-Omidan Bata and Tasha. The guests also enjoyed an interesting performance by a group of Eyo Masqueraders.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Helpline Social Support Initiative, an NGO, in partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Nigeria shared meat during the Eid el-Kabir to women, vulnerable groups and persons living with disabilities in the FCT.

Dr Jumai Ahmadu, Founder of the initiative, who made this known, thanked the UAE Embassy for their kindness and dedication to making a positive impact in the FCT.

Ahmadu said that the gesture demonstrates the embassy’s commitment to community support through the spreading of joy and compassion to those in need.

She also commended the embassy for identifying with the initiative, saying ” this is the third year it is supporting the needy in Abuja and its environs with this gesture.”

” Their generous contribution of meat donations benefited our women and individuals living with disabilities, spreading joy and compassion to those in need.

” This marks the third consecutive year of their support, which has made a significant difference in the lives of our beneficiaries, including internally displaced persons (IDPs).

” We are grateful for their kindness and dedication to making a positive impact in our community.

” Thank you to the UAE Embassy for their unwavering support and to our team for their tireless efforts in serving our community.”

She noted that Eid el Kabir was an opportunity and occasion to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged especially women.

Ahmadu, therefore called on other relevant organisations at all levels to go beyond “funfairs that characterised every festivities and use such occasions to empower the vulnerable in the society. (NAN)

By Taiye Olayemi

Mr Paul Usoro, Chairman, Board of Directors, Access Bank Plc, has advised Nigerian youths to focus on creativity and skills acquisition rather than seeking shortcuts to wealth creation.
Usoro gave the advice during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF), held in Lagos on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme featured exhibition of about 106 artworks by up-and-coming artists from across the nation.
The programme has the theme “Humanism”, which the artists depicted in their works.
Usoro, who was the special guest of honour, said knowledge and skills acquired could be easily converted to wealth through hardwork.
He urged the youth not to lose hope in spite of the economic hardship but remain hardworking and creative.
He advised them to be committed to utilising their brains positively.
“I will like to advise Nigerian youths not to lose hope; don’t look for shorcuts; all you really need to do is to use your brains.
“Even as artists, you can be successful. Make yourselves knowledgeable and skillful.
“I am impressed with the works these young people have created here.
”I wish the organisers can project it to a larger audience so that it can inspire our leaders to formulate policies that will make life much better and give the young people hope,” he said.
Also, Kelvin Ejiofor, Executive Director, LIMCAF, said that at the end of the programme on June 22, the exhibitor of the best artwork would win N1 million.
Ejiofor said that LIMCAF aimed at encouraging creativity and empowering aspiring young artists , including those with disabilities.
“LIMCAF, in its 17th edition recorded remarkable impact of convincing people that arts was no longer an occupation not to be proud of.
“It is my main source of joy helping the young people to find their feet in their chosen profession, giving them opportunity to showcase their works,” he said.
For Jekami Adetiloye, one of the Jury, said the exhibition is a clarion call to every Nigerian to be humane, regardless of the happenings in the society.
“There seems to be the absence of humanity in the society because of the current economic hardship in the country, hence the choice of the theme.
“The artists who have exhibited their works are suggesting ways government can solve problems as well as sensitising Nigerians on the need to show kindness and compassion to others.
“This exhibition has seen our youths solving the problem of unemployment as they become relentless, hardworking and creative to have come up with unique perspectives to things happening in the society.
“The youths are also now interested in documentation which has been a great challenge,” he said.
One of the artists, Praise Edward, who described herself as a digital artist and and a graphic designer, said her work titled “Strong Together” exposes the chaotic experience of women who have been marginalised.
“So, I tried to picture these women coming together to build hope by way of uniting, sharing their experiences and creating better lives for themsleves,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

By Taiye Olayemi

The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) says it will be committed to marketing tourism attractions in the state of Kwara during its forthcoming 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Mrs Ime Udo, National President of NATOP, who disclosed this during a virtual media briefing in Lagos on Friday, said the AGM had been slated to hold from July 17 to July 20 in Ilorin, Kwara.
Udo said the essence of marketing the sites was to attract local and international tourists to the state and most especially, the ancient city of Ilorin.
According to her, the association is in partnership with the Kwara Government to host the AGM.
“It has always been our tradition to host our AGM in different states of the federation to deliberately put searchlight on the tourism potential in each state.
“Our 8th AGM would hold from July 17 to July 20 in Ilorin, Kwara state. So, we have planned to market most of the sites in Kwara state as local and global choice destinations.
“We will be visiting Sobi Hills, Owu falls, the University of Ilorin Zoological Garden and iconic places where local fabrics of Aso-oke are made.
“We were in Ekiti last year. We did the same marketing for the state and we are set to do it again in Kwara state this time,” she said.
According to Udo, states have become eager to host NATOP AGM annually,which she said, is a testament to the success of previous AGMs.
Udo revealed the theme for the AGM as “Tourism as Catalyst for Progress, Peace and Partnership”.
She said the theme was carefully coined to address salient issues of insecurity and the need for tourism industry players to improve on collaborations.
Speaking further on the AGM, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, Deputy President of NATOP, who also doubles as the Chairperson, Planning Committee for the AGM, said July 18 would feature a conference at the Banquet Hall, GRA, Ilorin.
According to her, this segment of the programme will have a keynote speaker address important issues in the industry, as well as panel sessions.
“July 17 is for arrivals. For 18th, we will hold the conference. On the 19th, we will have the city tour of Ilorin while every delegate returns to their destination on July 20.
“As tour operators, we want to encourage Nigerians to travel within the country. That is the reason we go extra miles to identify hidden tourism sites and promote them.
“During the AGM, we will have a tour of Ilorin. We will have each local government area showcase all their cultural and tourism endowments so that all tour operators present will be better informed on what to market.
“We are set to open Kwara state up for tourism,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)