Flowerbud News

Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

  • Nigerian, Gambian hospitality, tourism institutes collaborate on capacity building

    Nigerian, Gambian hospitality, tourism institutes collaborate on capacity building

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Hotels and Catering Institute (NHCI) to upscale capacity building in the hospitality industry.

    While signing the MoU at NHCI on Wednesday in Lagos, Alhaji Gbenga Sunmonu, President, NHCI, said that the two parties after due consideration of their common objectives, agreed to collaborate.

    He said this was to constantly conduct curriculum design, consultancy projects, research and institutional capacity building training programmes.

    According to him, the institutes are desirous of strengthening and promoting organisational excellence, best practices and good governance in Gambia and Nigeria.

    Sunmonu said the collaboration would enhance present and future productivity and growth through institutional capacity building.

    He added that the productivity and growth would be through the instrumentality of best practice for various stakeholders in all branches of Hospitality and Tourism in West Africa.

    “Our agreement in this MoU is to jointly organise and carry out institutional capacity building and development programmes.

    “Also, to ensure that members of the two institutes participate as resource persons in the delivery of training programmes.

    “We will collaboratively develop and deliver projects and training programmes with a view to improving tourism practices in West Africa.

    “We will also engage in joint marketing of our programmes where possible, conduct joint research and study visits for our students,” he said.

    Also speaking, Momodu Singateh, Director-General, GTHI, said the MoU also sought to facilitate lodging and feeding arrangements for students and staff on study visits.

    He emphasised the need for the collaboration to work harmoniously for a mutually beneficial and rewarding relationship.

    Singateh was accompanied by the Executive Secretary, Gambia Institute of Tours and Travels and several other related agencies of the Gambia Government. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • NICO to unveil its culture e-magazine, June 3 – Official

    NICO to unveil its culture e-magazine, June 3 – Official

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), a Federal Government parastatal says the institute will be unveiling its e-magazine tagged: “Cultural Renaissance” on June 3.
    The NICO Executive Secretary, Chief Biodun Ajiboye, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday through his media aide, Caleb Nor.
    He said the publication was meant to serve the audience on cultural matters.
    He noted that it was to expose readers to the nuances and values of Nigeria’s diverse cultures through incisive reportage of events and activities in the sector.
    “An 8-page in-house e-magazine and newsletter, ‘Cultural Renaissance’ will make its debut on June 3.
    “This is published by the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, under the supervision of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), a parastatal in the ministry, the publication will be out every fortnight,” he said.
    Ajiboye said that it was interesting to know that the maiden edition of the publication coincided with the one-year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
    He said the magazine would have Ajiboye as its Editor-in-Chief and Caleb Nor as Editor.
    According to him, some tested hands in journalism such as Abimbola Tooki, Olusegun Oruame, Ade Odunowo, Ekundayo Asaju, Adedayo Sowemimo and Ozolua Uhakheme will serve as Editorial Advisors.
    “We, in the culture sector should write our narratives by ourselves at this time.
    “We need to promote and present our culture to the world; we must have adequate reportage of the industry as robust as it is.
    “The culture and creative sector can now buttress its prime intent of redirecting the defective and mistaken orientation understanding of culture by the general public.
    “This magazine is intended to be the voice for the culture sector which is expected to cover the totality of cultural news reports and information throughout the country,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Culture minister appointed to AFREXIM Bank’s Advisory Group

    Culture minister appointed to AFREXIM Bank’s Advisory Group

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, has been appointed to the Creative Africa Advisory Group (CAAG) of the African Export-Import (AFREXIM) Bank.

    This is contained in a statement made available to the media by Musawa, through her media aide, Nneka Anibeze on Wednesday.

    Musawa said that the appointment was announced in a letter by the President of the Board of Directors of the AFREXIM Bank, Prof. Benedict Oramah.

    Oramah recognised her dedication and contributions to the development of art and culture on the continent.

    The letter reads, “It is my pleasure to officially extend to you, an appointment as a member of the Creative Africa Advisory Group (CAAG) of the African Export-Import Bank.

    “This appointment signifies your valuable contributions to shaping the creative landscape within Africa and its Diaspora, as well as your commitment to advancing the creative and cultural industries.”

    Expressing her delight, Musawa said that she was poised to provide strategic guidance and advocacy at the highest levels, to ensure that the objectives of the creative Africa programme are met with resounding success.

    “I am determined to grasp this opportunity to drive significant growth within Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries, further cementing Nigeria’s status as a global creative hub.

    “By joining the CAAG, I reaffirm the ministry’s commitment to fostering a robust and dynamic creative sector that showcases Nigeria and Africa’s rich cultural heritage, developing a comprehensive ecosystem where Nigerian creatives can thrive.

    “This collaboration promises to unlock new financing avenues, technical support, platforms and much more, that will invigorate the creative sector, facilitating cross-continental trade.

    “This will ultimately usher in a new era of transformative success for the creative industry, thereby delivering on key aspects of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The African Export-Import Bank is a multilateral financial institution established for the purposes of financing and promoting intra and extra-African trade.

    Its shareholders comprise African governments, African private and institutional investors, and non-African financial institutions and private investors. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • FG empowers Nigerian Chefs with Spanish cuisine preparation skills

    FG empowers Nigerian Chefs with Spanish cuisine preparation skills

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Federal Government on Monday trained no fewer than 20 Nigerian chefs in the preparation of Spanish continental cuisine to upscale skill acquisition in the Nigerian hospitality industry.

    The programme which was organised by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) was tagged, “Training for Chefs and Culinary Schools in Nigeria”.

    Alex Marugan, a Spanish professional Chef and instructor for the training session, said he had taken the beneficiaries through the preparation of Spanish cuisine like Croquetas, Sacpićon, Torrija, Pescado en salsa verde and Arior meloso con pato.

    He said that the essence of this was to promote culinary cultural exchange platforms between Nigerians and the Spanish as well as impact positively on the Nigerian hospitality industry.

    “This is an opportunity to share food culture between Nigerians and the Spanish. I have taken them through the process of preparation of some traditional Spanish dishes.

    “I’m happy that the students showed a lot of interest in learning and it was quite a participatory class.

    “I enjoy being a chef and the only thing I love more than cooking is eating,” he said.

    One of the trainees, Mrs Temitope Oladosu, said that the training session had positioned her to be able to work at Intercontinental hotels.

    Oladosu noted that she had been exposed to the reason a metal spoon should not be used with a metal pot.

    “Now, I know that metallic food poisoning can occur when a metal spoon is used with a metal pot while cooking. So, it is always advisable to use a wooden spoon when a metal pot is used.

    “I have also learnt a lot about hygiene while cooking,” she said.

    Another beneficiary, Mr Ayorinde Olupinla, said he learnt how to prepare different types of Spanish fish sauces without using spices.

    Mrs Funmi Olatuyi said, “This is a beautiful exposure for me. I will remain eternally grateful to NIHOTOUR for this training. I look forward to benefiting from more trainings that would involve other nation’s cuisine. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • LASG trains 3,748 youths in creative skills

    LASG trains 3,748 youths in creative skills

    By Taiye Olayemi and Aderonke Ojediran

    Lagos May 27, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government on Monday says it empowered no fewer than 3,748 youths in the last one year of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second tenure administration.

    Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, disclosed this during a ministerial press briefing, unveiling Sanwo-Olu’s achievements within the period under review.

    Benson-Awoyinka said the youths were trained in various areas of filmmaking.

    She disclosed that Gov. Sanwo-Olu had approved further training of over 5,000 youths to run in the next three years.

    “The Lagos State Government is currently in a partnership with four different creative academies to enhance the capacities of young creative practitioners in Lagos State.

    “As at today, 3,748 Lagos youths have benefitted from the training.

    “The academies in partnership with the state government for this training programme are: Dell-York Film Academy, GiDi Creative Academy, Ebony Life Creative Academy and African Film Academy.

    “This gesture by the government is informed by the need to bridge identified skill-gap in the creative sector, and to position residents of the state who are in the creative field to compete globally with their contemporaries when it comes to film production.

    “The testimonials of the beneficiaries are very encouraging and the training, which ordinarily would have cost the beneficiaries several millions of naira, is at no cost to the participants,” she said.

    The Commissioner noted that the ministry was currently working on beach regulation law to enable the ministry regulate and build a compendium of beach operators in the state.

    She said this was particularly to build resilience around safety of visitors and providing the necessary infrastructure around it.

    “The ministry is recovering tourism land, assets like the Topo Island in Badagry, Ilashe Beach Resort, Eko Tourist Beach Akodo and more,” she said.

    Benson-Awoyinka hinted that the ministry, under Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, had encouraged international tourism promotion as she and her team attended the 2023 World Travel Market held at Excel, London.

    She said within the last one year, the ministry also engaged, partnered and positively impacted the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA).

    “In the last one year, the ministry collaborated, endorsed, sponsored and supported several tourism-related, arts, culture and entertainment events.

    “Some of these events include Eebi Festival 2024; Ikorodu Oga; Felabration, an annual celebration on the life and music of the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti; Nigerian Travel Week and The King Must Dance Naked…. A Grand Stage performance in collaboration with Lufodo Production.

    Others are Kurunmi, the stage play by Unilag Students Culturati; Lagos Street Food Festival; KAYOKAYO, Lagos Cocktail Week; Badagry heritage festival; Badagry Descendants Arts and Culture Festival; Door of Return and more.

    She said the Lagos theatres in Epe, Badagry and Igando were currently functioning and had been playing host to different activities.

    According to her, the burnt Lagos Theatre in Oregun had been awarded for reconstruction.

    “The ministry is currently negotiating the inclusion of cinema facilities in all our theatres and also negotiating lands for the construction of a befitting facility in the Ikorodu division of the state.

    “Freedom Park and surrounding was cleaned up so as to ensure a clean and breathe-able environment for tourism to thrive.

    “Also, Glover Memorial Hall Lagos, refurbished and restored by Gov. Sanwo-Olu is equally living up to its expectation in playing host to different cultural and tourism events. The Hall is being managed by a private firm.

    “I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering commitment and and passion displayed by our team, partners and stakeholders in advancing the course of tourism, arts and culture.

    “Let us carry forward the spirit of collaboration, innovation and inclusivity as we continue to transform challenges into opportunities and dreams into realities.

    “Together, we build a legacy of cultural excellence that enriches lives, inspires generation and leaves an indelible mark on the world,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Boosting tourism vital for economic growth, say industry stakeholders

    Boosting tourism vital for economic growth, say industry stakeholders

    By Taiye Olayemi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

    On Aug. 16, 2023, President Bola Tinubu heeded the call by tourism industry stakeholders for the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Tourism in the country, with the appointment of Lola Ade-John as the minister to spearhead affairs of the ministry.

    The creation of the first-ever Ministry of Tourism was greeted by celebrations and jubilation among stakeholders across the nation.

    One year into the present administration, some tourism practitioners while commending the government for the creation of the ministry, however, fault its budget allocation.

    The ministry has an allocation of N11.06 billion in the 2024 budget, of which the sum of N3.96 billion is for recurrent expenditures while N7. 30 billion is for capital expenditure.

    Ime Udo, National President, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), advises President Bola Tinubu to ensure a substantial budget allocation for the tourism industry to support large-scale capital projects, marketing initiatives and capacity building.

    Udo says this is necessary to revitalise an industry that has been abandoned for a long.

    “The allocated budget of N11.06 billion for the tourism ministry in 2024 is a meagre sum, considering the industry’s neglect over the years and the need to execute significant capital projects.

    “Recurrent expenditures account for a substantial portion (N3.96 billion), leaving limited funds for capital projects (N7.30 billion).

    “To revitalise the industry, a more substantial budget allocation is necessary to support initiatives like infrastructure development, marketing campaigns, and capacity building.

    “I believe tourism as a whole needs a lot more investment and budget than what we currently have.

    “Tourism marketing and promotion does not only benefit the sites, attractions or festivals but also the entire socio-economic landscape of the people,” she says.

    Udo further advises that going forward, a comprehensive tourism master plan must be developed, outlining strategies for sustainable development, growth and investment in human capacity building, training tourism professionals, and enhancing service standards.

    She harped on the need for tourism and hospitality practitioners to leverage technology for digital marketing and virtual tours to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

    For Ikechi Uko, a tourism consultant, the ministry has yet to receive its full support from the government.

    “No office, no vehicles, no take-off grant, so, for now, we are waiting for the government to fund and support its new baby to help realise the full potential of the purpose of its creation.”

    According to Gbenga Sunmonu, President, Nigerian Hotel and Catering Institute (NHCI), the tourism industry has not faired well in the last one year.

    Sunmonu says this is a result of the low budget made available for the sector which cannot make any significant impact in the promotion of toursm.

    “The budget allocation is abysmal. This is just a fragment compared to some MDAs in the country.

    “To groom the industry, the government should approach a holistic strategy starting from increasing the budget through appropriation.

    “The minister should be intentional to develop all year-round programmes along geo-political zones; involve the state commissioners and be ready to mass promote using all agencies of government,” he says.

    Sunmonu advises the Federal Government to reinstate the Presidential Advisory Committee on Tourism and walk the talk.

    “The tourism minister should minimise junketing across states and be purposeful in the visits to attract others to create wealth.

    “Let the states make their respective tourism boards effective,” he says.

    On his part, Nkereuwem Onung, National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), calls for the release of a take-off grant for the new Ministry of Tourism.

    “One of the bane of tourism development in Nigeria is lack of funding. Some state tourism budgets are higher than the federal tourism budget.

    “I call on the federal government to release the take-off grant for the young ministry. We need a structured programme for the industry that will enable us to move on a predetermined trajectory.

    Onung says going forward, the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of the ministry should be made public while appropriate records of international arrivals, domestic tourism potential and delivery be made available to all.

    According to him, this will aid the growth of the industry over time.

    Tourism is one of the biggest economic activities in the world today. It involves the pursuit of recreation, relaxation, and pleasure while making use of the commercial provision of services.

    The tourism industry with its enormous potential is capable of generating the needed employment opportunities for the teaming youth as well as engaging them in meaningful ventures.

    Stakeholders say the industry, if well positioned, can successfully boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings through the development of inbound and outbound tourism.

    They say while the government should be committed to taking deliberate and giant steps in creating an enabling environment for tourism businesses to thrive by making available the needed infrastructures and basic amenities, the private practitioners are meant to consolidate on this to build an attractive and formidable industry, capable of contributing significantly to economic growth. (NANFeatures)

  • My one year in office is a milestone in recent history of Nasarawa – Wadada

    My one year in office is a milestone in recent history of Nasarawa – Wadada

    News Desk

    Sen. Ahmed Wadada Aliyu (SDP- Nasarawa West) has empowered no fewer than 586 women and youths in his Senatorial Zone with various entrepreneurial skills to make them self reliant.

    Wadada, while speaking at the closing of the entrepreneurship training on Saturday in Keffi, said the gesture was his modest way of appreciating his constituents for their mandate and support in his one year in the Senate.

    He said that the training exercise covered agro entrepreneurship, Information Communications Technology (ICT), fashion and design amongst others.

    Wadada added that the exercise was in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).


    He reiterated his commitment to better the lives of the people of Nasarawa West for the confidence reposed in him to serve them as their senator.

    “What we have brought today is a tip of the iceberg on my efforts to see that the lives and livelihoods of our people get beyond what it has been in the past,” he said.

    He said that out of the 586 beneficiaries, 106 women were trained on ICT and would be given a tablets or laptop computer with a cash donation of N100, 000 each, as starter pack to establish their businesses.

    “We also trained 190 women across the senatorial district on agro entrepreneurship and the target there is to ensure self sufficiency and food security amongst our people.

    “In the light of this, each beneficiary will be given seeds – 15 kilograms bags of maize, sorghum, guinea corn, one carton of herbicide and pesticide, one knapsack sprayer and N20,000 cash support respectively,” he said.

    He added that 290 women and youths in the senatorial district would get 290 sewing machines as part of his commitment to building strong and self reliant individuals in the district.

    “Today we are empowering a total number of 586 women and youths across Nasarawa West Senatorial district as our modest efforts to add value.

    “I see leadership as a responsibility and a task to be taken seriously. It is in this view that my stewardship for the record period of one year in office could be said to be a milestone in the recent history of our senatorial district,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senator also donated hospital equipments to all general hospitals in the zone to improve their service delivery to patients.

    Wadada listed the hospital equipment earmarked for distribution to general hospitals in the area to include; beds, drip stands, neonatal incubators, sterilisers, patient trolleys, wheelchairs, laryngoscopes, medical stethoscope among others.

    In his remarks, The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Alh. Aliyu Tijjani, represented by his Special Adviser, Alh. Mohammed Al-Bashir, applauded Wadada for all his stewardship as senator of the zone for the past one year.

    He appreciated the senator for his choice of empowerment for his constituents, most importantly through agriculture, and called on other politicians to also look in that direction in order to make their people self sufficient.

    Mr Tanimu Atiku, a beneficiary in an interview with NAN, appreciated the senator for the training and empowerment and for continued commitment to improve the lives of people in his senatorial district.

    “Wadada is really working hard for the people in the is zone. All the way from Karu to Keffi to Kokona and Nasarawa and Toto. We are all feeling his impact,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Food security: Expert tasks state governments on sustainable agriculture programmes

    Food security: Expert tasks state governments on sustainable agriculture programmes

    By Ibrahim Kado

    Mr Prakash Silwal, Chief of Party, Feed the Future Nigeria Integrated Agriculture Activity, has tasked state governments on sustainability of agricultural development programmes to ensure food security in the country.

    Silwal made the call at the 2024 Wet Season Agriculture Inputs Fair in Yola on Tuesday.

    The Chief of Party, represented by his Deputy, Mr Olukayode Faleti, said the group in the last five years had trained community seed producers for farmers to get seed that are affordable and closer to them.

    “This is a project that we want state governments to sustain and continue to support other agricultural development programmes using all the methodologies and skills we have put in place”, he advised.

    According to him, the project is being implemented by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), partners and supported by USAID.

    Silwal noted that the fair was an opportunity for seed producers of various crops to display and sell to farmers at affordable prices.

    He advised farmers to always plant quality and improve seed for a bumper harvest at the end of the season.

    In his remarks, Prof. David Jatau, Adamawa Commissioner for Agriculture, appreciated the partners for their contributions to Agricultural Development in the state.

    Jatau, represented by Mr Japhet Shadrack, Director Agriculture Services, warned seed producers against adulteration of seed for farmers to succeed.

    He also encouraged farmers to also plant certified seed for bumper harvest at the end of the season, especially with the challenge of climate change.

    Alhaji Usman Abubakar, Special Adviser to Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri on Agricultural and Entrepreneurship, appealed to Feed the Future Nigeria to include production of cotton seed in their project, due to its importance to economic development in the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some farmers shared their testimony on the significance of planting certified seeds as against traditional seeds

  • Social Cohesion: OXFAM close-out project in Adamawa communities

    Social Cohesion: OXFAM close-out project in Adamawa communities

    By Ibrahim Kado

    OXFAM and other implementing partners with fund from German government have closed-out 11 months project on improving social cohesion through Community Development Planning (CDP), in 16 wards of Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa.

    Mr John Makina, OXFAM Country Director, speaking at the close-out and review dissemination workshop on Thursday in Yola, said the project had recorded success in improving social cohesion among citizens, IDPs returnees and members of host communities.

    “It has reduced ignorance among citizens and some government staff on the significance of inclusive and participatory community development planning and developing of a guiding framework for an effective community development planning process.“It has improved the capacity of government official to integrating the CDP plans from the communities and wards into the LGA budget.

    “It has also stimulated community ownership of development initiatives funded by government and non-governmental organisations across the wards,”he said.

    Makina said that as project comes to an end, stakeholders needed to harness their collective expertise, resources and passion to ensure the smooth implementation of the CDP document to maximise its impact in the area.

    Mr Amos Piribul, Permanent Secretary Adamawa Planning commission, appreciated the implementing partners for choosing Adamawa.

    According to him, the state government will ensure sustainability of the project and replicate to other Local Government Areas due to its important.

    In his remarks, Mr Amos Drambi, outgoing Council Chairmanof Michika LGA, lauded OXFAM for considering them as the pilot council for the project and assured sustainability of the project for more development in the area.

    Alhaji Saidu Bashir, District Head of Bazza, appreciated OXFAM for the implementation of the project in Michika for peaceful coexistence among the people in the area and IDPs returnees.

    According to him, the project will be sustained because of its significant for the development of the area.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the other implementing partners are Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN) and Centre for Public Education and Mobilisation for Development in Nigeria.