Category: Culture & Tourism

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.

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.

National Museum of Unity, IFRA-Nigeria trains students on pottery making

By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

To encourage interest in pottery making in schools, the Museum of Unity in partnership with the French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA-Nigeria) on Tuesday organised a one-day Artistic Workshop on Pottery Making.

Mrs Oriyomi Otuka, the Curator National Museum of Unity said that the wokshop is to showcase the rich traditions of pottery-making to the younger generation.

Otuka said that the art of pottery is one of humanity’s oldest creative expressions, connecting us to our past.

“While allowing us to mold the present and imagine the future. Beyond its artistic beauty, pottery has functional, cultural, and economic significance.

“ It tells stories of communities, preserves heritage, and serves as a medium for creativity and innovation,” she said.

Otuka said that the workshop is hands-on, offering participants the unique opportunity to not only observe but to actively engage in the craft.

“ They experienced the entire process from molding clay with your hands to creating your own artistic pieces.

“This practical approach allows one to fully immerse yourselves in the art form, enriching your understanding and appreciation of pottery,’ she said.

The Curator, however, urged the students to make adequate use of the invaluable chance to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application.

“The skills and insights you gain here today may inspire new ideas for your academic projects, entrepreneurial ventures, or artistic pursuits.

“Deepen your appreciation for pottery and discover new ways to express your creativity.

“Remember, every masterpiece starts with a single step, and for some of you, that first step begins today with your hands in the clay.

“At the National Museum of Unity, our mission goes beyond preserving artifacts; we aim to foster a living connection to culture and heritage.

“Workshops like this play a crucial role in fulfilling that mission by nurturing talent, inspiring innovation, and preserving traditional crafts for future generations,” she said.

She appreciated IFRA Nigeria for their unwavering support and commitment to promoting arts and culture in Nigeria.

“Their sponsorship of this workshop exemplifies their dedication to empowering communities through education and creativity,” she said.

Dr Delphine Manetta, IFRA-Nigeria representative said that they are a research institution, and sometimes they get involved in projects for enlightenment and empowerment.

Manetta said that Mrs Adetunde Adetoro made the workshop realistic.

“ She’s a student of University of Ibadan and she enriched the project. She worked on some of the objects at the museum and brought them back to life.

`She made the objects speak and talk to us while just looking at them. We are geared at promoting new dialogue around these heritages, which is a norm around the Nigerian populace.

“Today’s pottery workshop was an abstract idea in the beginning, and I’m glad it came to pass. The young ones are learning from someone with vast knowledge of pottery, and that’s a very good way to impact knowledge.

“He made he young ones learn and know about the neglected heritage, which is pottery,’ she said.

A 16- year old Lekan Fatai of Samfort Group of Schools said he’s conversant with pottery as he used red clay to mold things.

Fatai said that he does molding for fun and has no plans to make money from it.

“ What I just made us a cup that had cover and an handle. It was fun doing this and I intend making many more things,’ ‘ he said.

A 16- year old, Favour Okiye of Ibadan Grammar School said she’s not been doing pottery works but she’s happy to be a participant of the workshop.

Okiye said that today was her first day of making something with clay.

“ I love artworks today is my first time in a pottery class and I’m happy to have my hands on clay.

“ I made a chair, tea cup that has handle and throw pillows . I hope henceforth I will be happy to lay my hands on clay so as ro make more things,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 200 students from both primary, secondary and higher institutions attend the workshop.

Some of the schools are : Amazing Grace Model School and College, Ibadan Grammar School, Glorious Kings and Queens College, Samford Group Of Schools, University Of Ibadan, The Polytechnic Ibadan and Leadcity University.

NAN reports that Akinkunmi Oyelere a ceramist popularly known as AkinPotter trained the participants. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

By Taiye Olayemi

The organisers of the ASWAD Film Festival say plans are underway to showcase the Black American, European and African $50billon film market and amplify the black voices in cinema.
Chukwuma Njoku, Chairman of ASWAD Film Festival, said this in a statement, on Friday, in Lagos.
Njoku, who is also an African technology and entertainment entrepreneur, said that the maiden edition of the festival is slated to hold in Dubai from January 24 to January 26, 2025.
He noted that the festival aimed to showcase the richness and diversity of storytelling in Black American, European, and African cinema.
According to him, this will be done through a programme that included screenings of 12 films, industry roundtables, panels, workshops and networking events.
Njoku said “Aswad is not just a film festival; it’s a celebration of our stories and our culture. We aim to create a platform that amplifies Black voices in cinema while fostering connections within the industry.
“The Black American, European, and African film industries are experiencing unprecedented growth, and it’s time we had a world-class festival to showcase our talents.”
According to him, ASWAD will focus on four key pillars: creative and commercial sustainability; cross-continent and global connectedness; reasserting African control of their own stories in the new anti-DEI world, and the celebration of Black excellence.
He said these pillars underscored the festival’s commitment to not only showcasing Black American, European, and African cinema but also empowering filmmakers and industry professionals to thrive in the global marketplace.
He noted that a recent data underscored the festival’s relevance in today’s entertainment landscape.
He said it was revealed that in the United States, films with casts that were 31per cent to 40 per cent people of colour were the most successful at the box office in 2023.
He explained that there was still work to be done as Black actors play only 11 per cent of leading film roles, despite making up 13.4 per cent of the US population.
“With ASWAD, we’re creating a space where filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema lovers can come together to celebrate and elevate black voices in storytelling.
“We’re not just showcasing films; we’re building bridges and opening doors for collaboration on a global scale.
“At the festival, attendees can look forward to live music performances, a glamorous red carpet event, and a gala dinner, culminating in an exclusive yacht excursion.
“As we embark on this journey with Aswad, we are not only celebrating black voices but also paving the way for future generations of storytellers.
“This is more than just a festival; it’s a movement that invites everyone to be part of something truly special,” he said.

By Taiye Olayemi

Frontline multi talented print and broadcast Journalist, Frank Meke has won the 2024 Pioneer Tourism Journalism leadership award instituted by the National Tourism Transportation Awards, a corporate flagship arm of Institute of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria ( ITPN).

Meke, who cut his journalism teeth at Vanguard Newspapers and helped pioneer the Newspaper’s famous National award winning Travel and Tourism pages, is also a pioneer awardee of Nigerian Travel Journalism award by National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies ( NANTA).

He is a Tourism Advocate awardee by the National Association of Nigeria Tour Operators ( NATOP) and many others for his incisive developmental reports on the industry for over three decades.

Widely travelled and Nigerian tourism centric, meke is a notable cultural tourism columnist and broadcaster, pioneering Nigeria’s first cultural tourism broadcast programme on Radio.

Meke, also a maritime tourism influencer, is a certified Nature Conservation Educationist and mobilizer.

He is a trustee of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) and National Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON).

In a letter dated November 22nd, 2024, and signed by Shettima Abdullahi, Fellow Institute of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria ( FITPN) for the organisers of award, Meke was nominated for the Pioneer Tourism Journalism leadership award based on his achievements and demonstration of high level of excellence and standards in the reportage and interpretation of travel tourism, transportation and hospitality sectors of Nigerian economy.

The award will be conferred on meke on Wednesday, 4th of December during the Dinner and Gala Night of National Tourism Transportation Summit in Abuja.

By Taiye Olayemi

The third edition of the Global Affairs Magazine Awards (GAMA) is to hold on Saturday Nov. 23, at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Regina Robinson, Convener of GAMA and Chief Executive Officer of Global Affairs Magazine, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, in Lagos.

Robinson said that the award ceremony was meant to celebrate and honour outstanding A-list changemakers who have made significant contributions across various sectors.

She revealed the theme for the ceremony as “Global Impact Awards” as it promised to be an evening brimming with inspiration, celebration and unforgettable moments.

“GAMA is a platform that promotes, rewards and celebrates human excellence in the care of mankind.

“This is the third edition, and the event has become a much-awaited fixture in the media and social calendar as it brings together the creme-de-la-creme of global society from all works of life.

“This is indeed another opportunity to remind the world that it is possible to get it right if you determine to do it.

“As we celebrate this milestone and indeed set the excellent benchmark, we are hosting all our awardees with groundbreaking records of humanitarian activities to top media recognition and ceremony.

“We have dedicated immense effort and passion into making this year’s edition of GAMA a truly grand celebration of the remarkable achievements of our impressive nominees and the feedback has been overwhelming.

“The profound significance these awards hold for awardees will go a long way to let the world know that you begin to succeed with your life when the wellbeing of others matters to you,’ she said.

According to Robinson, the Lagos State Governor would serve as the chief host of the event as Dr Segun Musa, former Lagos State gubernatorial candidate would be the Chairman of the occasion.

She said the renowned international Flautist, Dr Omatshola Iseli, popularly known as “Tee Mac” would be the Chairman of the Award Screening Committee.

“Highlights of the event include the unveiling of Global Affairs Magazine Foundation (GAMF) official theme song ‘The World is Watching”, produced by renowned Reggae artiste, Orits Williki.

“There will be a professional music performance from renowned international Flautist, Dr Tee Mac; lectures and presentation of awards to well deserving personalities with credible and enviable track records.

“The keynote speaker is no other than frontline filmmaker and former president of Association of Movie Producer (AMP), Mr Madu Chikwendu.

“Guest speakers include Nigerian broadcaster Rufai Oseni, Comedian Ali baba and the event will be compered by Koffi Tha Guru,” she said.

The outstanding awardees include Executive Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti; Olorigun Obaigbena, Mr Kayode Akintemi, Mr Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Hon. Lukman Oyewole Lawal, Mr Fayoade Adegoke AIG, Mr Tayo Akanle, and Dr Ebose Osegha.

Others are: Mr Adenrele Oni, Global Transport Policy, Barr. Nkechi Onyenso, Mr Joshua Uloko, Ajinomoto, Cornel Medial Consult (CMC), Mr Olukokun Adepeju, Kate Nnanna-Ibemgbo, Onoruoiza Onuchi, Phina Don, Olatunde Martins.

The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) on Friday honoured no fewer than 100 children in commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the African Child.

The event with the theme ‘Bridging Heritage and Innovation: Unleashing the Creative Potential of the African Child Through Technology and Cultural Education’, engaged students from six schools in Lagos.

CBAAC, in a colourful and enlightening programme, encouraged the children to soar beyond all limitations as they leveraged technology and the immense potential in culture.

The ceremony, held at the Muson Centre in Lagos, featured schools like Ilogbo Junior Grammar School, Costain; STC College, Surulere; and Aunty Ayo International School, Ikoyi.

Others were: Ebenezer Baptist Nur. and Pry. School, Victoria Island; Maryann College, Ikoyi; and St. Mary’s Nur. and Pry. School, Lagos Island.

The students were engaged in various competitions, including storytelling, debate, dance drama, quiz, poetic renditions, traditional chants, art exhibition competitions, amongst others.

There were vibrant displays of African culture, music, and dance, as the students showcased their talents and celebrated their heritage.

Some of the students who participated in the storytelling contest relayed traditionally, the essence of hard work, perseverance and dedication, as key to success.

For the debate, the students explored the topic: ‘The role of technology in the preservation of African culture’.

Earlier, Aisha Adamu-Augie, Director-General of CBAAC, emphasised the importance of nurturing Africa’s future leaders and honouring the resilience and potential of the African children.

Adamu-Augie urged the children to always aspire to achieve greatness and soar higher regardless of their limitations.

“Today, we honour our children. We believe in their ability to shape the continent’s future and make a positive impact globally.

“As you can see, it’s all about you today, our children. Today you are the president, the chairman, the mother of the day, the chiefs.

“We are here to celebrate the African child, and we celebrate you because you are beautiful, you are brilliant, you are resilient, you are extremely outstanding.

“I encourage you today, to jettison every obstacle to soar beyond your limitations.

“I also encourage you to be inspired positively with all that would be done here today, to be great representatives of your families, to be great representatives for your siblings, because we’re all here to make the world a better place,” she said.

Patrick Imhakhawo, a User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) designer enlightened the students on the essence of creating intuitive and impactful digital experiences.

He encouraged the students to be engaged in the technological space while they explored the platform to promote African culture through designs.

Chima Agu, Software and Mobile App Developer, educated the children on programming for the future and how software can be developed.

Eventually, Ilogbo Junior Grammar School bagged the first position in the Debate competition, STC College emerged winner for the Dance Drama while Ebenezer Baptist Nur. and Pry. School clinched the first position in the art exhibition competition.

Special recognition awards were conferred on the best traditional ‘chanter’ and storyteller from STC College.

CBAAC also encouraged three students with a scholarship in the technology space.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day of African Child is a day earmarked to commemorate the Soweto uprising of 1976 when students in South Africa protested against apartheid and educational injustice.

It is usually celebrated every June 16.

By Taiye Olayemi

Nollywood actress, Damipe Adekoya, has revealed plans to bring the extraordinary life of legendary Queen Moore Oronsen to the stage, to celebrate African women’s resilience and hardworking nature.

Adekoya, the Chief Executive Officer of Zevicar Productions, disclosed this during a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

She said the play, put together to depict the life and times of the legendary queen, is entitled “Moore Oronsen (The Mystical Queen)”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Queen Oronsen is a deity from Yoruba mythology, who was the spouse of Olowo Rerengejen, the traditional ruler of Owo Kingdom in Ondo state, over 600 years ago.

The annual Igogo Festival in Owo is celebrated in her honour annually in September.

Adekoya noted that the play would be staged five times from Feb. 22, 2025 to Feb 23, 2025, at the Alliance Francaise, Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to her, the play will highlight the African women’s legendary nature of hard work, and how their important roles in the community are being passed down through generations.

She said this was meant to take people down memory lane, to bring history alive and celebrate the legend who is still being worshipped in Owo.

Adekoya said that the theatrical experience would honour Queen Oronsen’s historical legacy, shedding light on her remarkable journey and unwavering dedication to success.

“I am someone who loves stories that talk about women in general and in my research as a writer, I found out that we rarely hear the history of the majority of our female legends.

“We just hear bits and pieces of stories about them.

“This is a deliberate effort to reinforce Queen Moore Oronsen’s historical legacy, I have tried doing this three times right from 2012, I am glad this is gaining traction.

“This is an attempt to start telling stories about women in general. I am the voice of the African woman.

“I want to project women in general. As a girl’s girl, a woman’s woman, I like to always project what a woman is, whether emotionally, financially, or anything,” she said.

Making reference to how the love story between Queen Oronsen and her husband, Olowo Rerengejen, led to war, Adekoya said Africans could draw inspiration from such intriguing story.

According to her, the play production will delve into Queen Oronsen’s struggles, triumphs, and visionary leadership, showcasing her unwavering commitment to her community.

“The play is aimed at educating audiences about Queen Oronsen’s remarkable legacy, inspire dialogue about women’s contributions to history, foster a sense of community and shared heritage as well as empower women and girls through Queen Oronsen’s story.

“Queen Oronsen’s legacy is a testament to the strength and resilience of women. This production is a tribute to her courage and a celebration of the unbreakable spirit that defines women.

“I want to encourage women to always be at the forefront of success as exemplified by Queen Oronsen,” she said.

Also speaking, Emmanuel Adejumo, the Artistic Director for the play, said Africans should watch out for how the famous Odudu dance peculiar with Owo people in Ondo State would be transformed.

Adejumo said there would be a display of modern and traditional ways of rendering the dance in the course of presenting the play.

Oluwasegun Adeyemi, the Choreographer for the production, assured that he will seamlessly integrate contemporary and traditional dance techniques to create distinctive and captivating dance styles tailored specifically for the play. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Taiye Olayemi

Prince Adetunji Fadina, a tourism consultant and Chairman, Awori Tourism Development, has described Ota community in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun as a viable choice international tourism destination.

Fadina, whose father was a former Olota of Ota, Oba Oloyede Fadina, called on local and international tourists to vist the community for tourism purpose.

Fadina made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

According to him, Ota is an ancient Awori kingdom, dating back several millenniums.

He explained that with Ota’s rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, the ancient town is poised to become Nigeria’s next tourism hotspot.

He noted that the town boasts of an array of exciting attractions, including the second-largest Church in Nigeria, known as the Saint James Anglican Church Cathedral, built in 1842.

“There is Ijamido healing stream, where cold and warm water meet, like the Ikogosi Warm Spring in Ekiti state.

“People visit the stream while they use the water to fortify themselves against evil spirit and to solidify any kind of covenant between two parties.

“This is unknown to many, the spiritual significance of the water is that, women seeking divine help to have children go there and they become fruitful.

“We have the Ile-Aje shrine where people visit to be enriched. The town is endowed with vibrant cultural festivals, showcasing the town’s rich musical and artistic heritage.

“Also, Ile-Nla built in 1947 by the ancient Osugbo Chiefs in Ota, around the 5th century, it is known as power house for the so called witches and wizards.

“Visiting Ota will make people know more about the Awori. Awori people are more than what people think. The first Mosque in Ota is also a place to be, built in 1787 and it is known as Okemale Mosque,” he said.

Fadina described Ota as an ancient town that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, more than just a destination.

“It is an experience, we want local and international tourists to come and discover the warmth, beauty, and rich heritage of this incredible town.

“Historically, Ota’s rich history dates back to 300 BC, and this provides unique cultural depth that enhances appeal for tourists.

“The town is also known as Nigeria’s hub for religious tourism, accomodating largest service auditoriums for the Muslims and Christians.

“There is Ereta Odu-Ifa in Ota, a site for Ifa divination, which is a traditional Yoruba system of divination, as this is unique to Ota town,” he said.

Fadina disclosed that he had established the Awori Tourism Development in 2018 as part of his contributions toward creating visibility for the Awori kingdom.

According to him, the brand focuses on spreading the knowledge of Awori people, culture and tradition. (NAN) (nannews.ng)