Category: Culture & Tourism

By Taiye Olayemi

Miss Tourism Nigeria, Joy Ekekwe, on Tuesday urged hoteliers to participate in marketing Nigerian historical and tourism sites.

The 26-year-old financial consultant made the call during the 19th AKWAABA Africa Travel and Tourism Market, held in Lagos from Sept. 3 to Sept. 5.
Ekekwe said that marketing historical sites should not solely be left to tour operators, noting that every practitioner in the tourism and hospitality industries must be involved in it.
She said this was the only way hoteliers could add value to other value chains within the tourism industry.
She also explained that this would  place Nigeria on the global map of tourism as nations begin to realise the ennormous tourism potential that Nigeria is endowed with.
“Nigerian hoteliers need to be patriotic to an extent that they intentionally market historical and tourism sites across the nation.
“Lodging in an hotel should go beyond mere relaxation, visitors to hotels can be encouraged to visit some historical sites,  which would help boost patronage to those sites and improve the growth of inbound tourism,” she said.
Ekekwe advised Nigerians to always take pride in everything that stands as their identity, in terms of language, dance, culture, music and all.
She said Nigerians must also begin to appreciate the tourism potential the nation is endowed which include waterfalls, monoliths, crafts, caves, game reserves, among others.
She noted that it was high time Nigerians begin to see these endowments as rare treasure and deliberately market them to woo both local and international tourists.
Earlier, Bayo Adedeji, Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow Group, advised practitioners in the tourism industry to engage technology in their operations.
Adedeji noted that technology is important to selling tourism across the globe.
“Without maximising the potential in technology, operating tourism business could be chaotic, technology enhances the business of travels and tourism.
“Government has supported us enough, we need to engage technology in all we do to perform optimally,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

 

 

Lagos:  The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured users of the Blue Line light rail of maximum security while on board the system.

Sanwo-Olu spoke as he joined the rail as its first passenger during its inaugural commercial operation, for the use of the masses in Lagos on Monday.

He acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for being the brain behind the achievement, by including the train in the master plan of the Lagos government.

The government said it had come to reality for Lagos residents to enjoy.

” So, we went to about five places within an hour to and fro; I must commend the working governor for this great project,” she said.

Speaking after a ride on the light rail, Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to the management of the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) for ensuring that safety and security of the train was properly managed throughout the journey.

He also commended the Lagos State Commissioner of Police as well as all the security agencies in Lagos for ensuring safety of lives and properties of the passengers while boarding the train.

He advised Lagos residents as well as students to obtain the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) Card and the Cowry Card, which had been integrated to board all the means of government transportation in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu said that with the light rail, he, alongside other passengers, had been able to reach many places in Lagos and return in less than an hour.

He said that the multi-modal transportation had been fully integrated in Lagos with the commencement of the blue light rail.

The Senior Special Rail Design Engineer, LAMATA, Mr Abidemi Atobatele, said that all the terminals were covered by security men and Closed Circuit Television, assuring passengers of full security within the areas.

He said that the train was electrified and pleaded with the residents not to cross over the rail area, but to make use of the pedestrian bridges.

One of the passengers, Ahmed Farida, commended the Lagos State Government for completing the light rail project, saying it would ease movement across Lagos.

“With this train, there is no stress; we are able to move around. You can work with your time, and your mental health is intact now; gone are the days we complained of traffic and all of that.

” So, we went to about five places within an hour to and fro; I must commend the working governor for this great project,” she said.

She urged Lagos residents to support government in maintaining the light rail project.

Princess Mulikat Sanni, former, President, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA) urged Nigerians to ensure they maintain the light train project.

Sanni said that the commencement of the rail would create more job opportunities and add value to the economy of the state.

The Managing Director, Lagos State
Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, had said ahead of the comnencement that with feasibility study, the train system would be conveying 175,000 passengers on daily basis.

She said that though the commercial operations would have begun in the first quarter of 2023, it was delayed to ensure that all modalities were in place.

”As you know, the first phase of the blue line was commissioned, the infrastructure completion was commissioned by Mr President (Former President, Muhammadu Buhari) in December.

”At the time, we had said to you we would start operations in March. Unfortunately, we did not, by the end of the first quarter, then it was by the end of the second quarter. Unfortunately, we had hiccups with power delivery.

”We are here to say that we are completely ready in terms of all operational infrastructure. The reason that we have been delayed is due to the fact that our power provision was delayed,” Akinajo had said.

The LAMATA boss said that the train service, which would run from Mile 2 to Marina, would run 12 trips on daily basis for a period of two weeks, and the service would gradually increase.

” We will be working according to a timetable. That timetable will be available on LAMATA’s website, that timetable will also be available at every station.

“When the train gets into any station, it will stop for no more than 90 seconds. So, you need to know, and this is it, for us to understand that it is a scheduled service,” she had said.

She said that the Blue Line Rail service had five stations which comprise Marina, National Theatre, Orile-Iganmu, Alaba, and Mile. (Flowerbudnews)

By Taiye Olayemi

Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River on Sunday declared the 19th AKWAABA Africa Travel and Tourism Market open in Lagos.

Otu commended the organiser of the travel market, Ikechi Uko, for his consistency over the years as he spoke on the need for such programmes.

“It gives me pleasure to be part of the unbroken staging and exhibition of the 19th AFRICA Travel Market event tagged AKWWABA.

“I also understand that for the second year, the medical tourism platform is being activated with a strong partnership with the Turkish group.

“This is particularly elating because for every good reason, the world needs to come together now more than ever.

“So, the 19th AKWAABA travel and tourism market is open as we all explore its benefits,” he said.

Otu hinted that the 2023 Carnival Calabar scheduled for December would have its theme as “The Season of Sweetness”.

He said the state was ready to host revellers across the globe, as a formidable team of dancers and entertainers have  been been put in place to excite visitors.

According to him, the carnival will exhibit rare colours, costumes, floats, pyrotechnics, magic, acrobatics and more through the 12 kilometre carnival route.

He said these were by no means overt expressions of the state and people’s heritage of hospitality and Africa’s warmest welcome.

“I am very pleased that we are here again to share that moment of joy that Calabar, Cross River State, offers the world as Africa’s warmest welcome.

“Carnival Calabar represents the most tangible tourism product in the calendar of events of Cross River state and in Nigeria in general.

“It was and still is a strategic plan for the actualisation of the vision of transforming Cross River State socio-economically through the instrumentality of the performing arts.

“Today, we are here to witness another theme unveiling, which stands our carnival out as an intellectual platform to entertain, educate, and inform our publics and audiences,” he said

The governor said moving forward, his administration would work on rejiging the carnival as efforts would be made on sustainability and inclusion to achieve set goals, exploring a robust public private partnership framework.

“This is to achieve mutually beneficial relations in naming rights, endorsements, sponsorships, merchandising and activations.

“It is in the realisation of these waiting opportunities that I have directed that the children’s carnival, aqua show and the exciting and colourful night of Kings and Queens to return to the carnival calendar.

“This is to create more opportunities for sponsors’ visibility.

“May I also thank the band leaders for their creativity to breathe life into the carnival themes in the past and for a job well done.

“We thank the sponsors, especially our broadcast partner, MULTICHOICE- DSTV, for a wonderful relationship through the past years,” he said.

Earlier, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Leader of the Seagull Band, said the past editions of the carnival had explored topical themes like Africanism, climate change, industrialisation and more.

Ita-Giwa said individuals should desist from perceiving the carnival as mere dancing activities as it entailed telling beautiful stories that educate through dance and costumes.

She said in the processes of organising the carnival, people’s level of creativity is improved, most especially when crafted images had to be made to relay the stories.

“I am happy that we have a governor that is ready to uphold the carnival.

“Carnival Calabar has come to stay, it is not just about dancing but it is all about telling stories through our custumes and dances,” she said.

Earlier,  Uko said that no fewer than 2,500 delegates were attending the three-day AKWAABA Expo. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

 

By Ahmed Kaigama

Bauchi:   The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged journalists to always report the continued violation of International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS) .

Mrs Josephine Dayilim, State Coordinator of NAFDAC in Bauchi, made the call at a one day orientation for Media practitioners and social media Influencers.

The meeting was on promotion and biannual meeting for reporting to amplify Maternal Infant and Young child Nutrition (MIYCN) activities, organised by Alive and Thrive FHI360.

Mrs Daliyam said the agency needed the support of journalists to monitor and report violators of national regulations by manufacturers of BMS products Code

She said NAFDAC would prosecute and ensure that violators were jailed for a period of two years and that such companies or individuals would forfeit the offending items on conviction.

She said the implementation of the Code was designed to protect, promote and support breastfeeding and prevent health caregivers from aggressive marketing of breast milk substitute by infant food manufacturers.

The coordinator noted that lack of awareness of stakeholders, including the media, had also contributed to the gravity of violations currently being practiced .

She then appealed to journalists to report such cases of violators and as well create awareness on the code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitute,

On his Part, Mr Asimobi Chidi, state Focal Person Alive and Thrive FHI360, advised the public to desist from promotion of breast milk substitutes as food for infants less than six months and also go for local complimentary meals after six months.

He noted that BMS posed risk of not having breast milk’s protective qualities through the high risk of contamination that could lead to life-threatening infections in young infants.

He said the objective of the Food and Nutrition was to focus attention on the need to integrate actions to improve maternal, infant, and young child nutrition across the different stages

“Window of opportunity” from preconception through pregnancy, the period of exclusive breastfeeding (0 to 6 months) and the target age for complementary feeding 6 to 24 months.”

Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, noted that Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) is not a sustainable approach in curbing the menace of malnutrition among infants and babies.

Mohammmed, represented by Mr Dahiru Mahmood, Director, Disease Control and Immunization of the healthcare agency, said the agency would engage communities on dangers of poor nutrition on human development.

He also urged the media to disseminate key messages using correct information to create awareness. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

Oyo Gov Approves Selection Of Prince Ghandi Olaoye As The New Soun

By Adewale Owoade

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, has approved the appointment of Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun-elect of Ogbomosoland.

This was made known by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, in a statement issued and signed by Hon Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Saturday.

Olayiwola said that the announcement followed the long-drawn processes specified under the law.

“His Excellency congratulates the new Soun-elect on his ascension to the throne of his forebears,” the statement said.

The Commissioner said the exalted position has placed the monarch-elect in the position to facilitate harmony, understanding and tolerance amongst his people.

The Commissioner also urged all sons and daughters of the ancient city of Ogbomoso to work with the monarch to consolidate the successes of his forefathers.

 

By Taiye Olayemi
Lagos:  The Nigeria- China Business Council has honoured Chief Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), an award as the Chinese cultural bridge builder on Friday.

Dr Matthew Uwakwe, Chief Executive Officer of the Council, at a ceremony to mark the Council’s recognition and award dinner in Abuja said Runsewe had worked tirelessly to build a strong cultural tourism relationship between Nigeria and China.

Uwakwe in a statement said Runsewe had, in various ways, convinced the world that Nigerian culture in its diversity had capacity to foster unity and peace among the people of both countries.

He noted that the Chinese Consulate and the Chinese community in Nigeria were pleased with the pace, passion and diplomatic harmony Runsewe had brought to bear on his assignment as Nigeria culture chief.

He said this had made him to sustain cultural relationship between Nigeria and China.
Delivering his keynote address titled: “Strategy For Promoting Cultural Integration Among Nigeria and China”, Runsewe drew attention to the need to activate all aspects of cultural ties between Nigeria and China.

He also recommended the organising of regular cultural troupes performances and exhibitions between the two countries.

“Nigeria and China enjoy one of the best bilateral diplomatic and cultural relationships in the world.

“This bilateral relationship has existed for half a century and was formally promulgated with the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971 and rejuvenated by the strategic partnership accord in 2005.

“Even recently, China and Nigeria demonstrated their continued commitment to this robust, healthy, progressively dynamic and holistic relationship when they signed the governmental Memorandum of Understanding during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Beijing Summit.

“China remains one of Nigeria’s key allies, with key bilateral trade and strategic cooperation, as well as trading import and export partnerships.
“With 80 per cent of Nigeria’s population indicating a positive perception of Nigeria-China relation, Nigeria is clearly one of the most pro-China nations in the world,” he said.

Runsewe, who doubles as the President, World Crafts Council, African Region, said: “Both countries share similarities with regards to their strategic positioning in their respective continents, their political and economic influence as well as population strength.

“This fosters a mutually beneficial and harmonious atmosphere full of opportunities for sharing, understanding and exchanging of cultural commonalities and diversities among the two countries.”

Runsewe also identified factors that enhance mutual benefits between Nigeria and China as both countries share the same national day – October 1.

It will be recalled that Runsewe is currently China Man of The Year and Chairman , Africa China Culture Exchange Society. (NAN) (nannews.ng) (Flowerbudnews)

Flowerbudnews

By Thompson Yamput

Lokoja:  The Kogi Government has commended the initiative and efforts of Mercy Corps International , a Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) in building useful youths in the state.

The State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Alhaji Idris Musa, gave the commendation on Thursday when the Youth Peace Network established by USAID-Funded Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP) Programme implemented by Mercy Corps paid him an advocacy visit in his office in Lokoja.

“Gov Yahaya Bello is aware of the tremendous job the corps is doing for the state in building peaceful and useful youths through this initiative.

“We are very happy to hear about the giant strides of the corps’ youth network in promoting peaceful coexistence in the state toward stimulating growth and development.

“This is why this government is emphasizsng on the need for all youths to embrace this network and work together to ensure a peaceful and prosperous society for all, ” he said.

Musa appealed to the members of the network to show leadership by example and also accommodate other youths into the network while working in unison as regards the organizational goals set by Mercy Corps.

The commissioner also tasked the youth network to do more in the areas of drug abuse on youths, internet fraud, cultism, which he said have become very critical challenges facing our society today.

He advised the network to visit schools on enlightenment and sensitisation campaigns because a lot of young persons have been locked away in recent times either because of drug-related offences or criminal offences like robbery, cultism etc.

According to him, young persons are expected to be the drivers of the change we desire in our communities because the youths can propel development as no society can develop without the input of productive youths in developmental strides.

Musa further advised that as the Nov. 11 Governorship election draws closer, youths must not allow themselves to be used as tools for destabilisation and destruction.

Earlier, Mrs Ene Omoha, Mercy Corps’ Network Coordinating Team leader, the Youth Engagement Officer of CIPP, said that the Youth Peace Network is a group of young person’s working under the CIPP program in various communities to ensure peaceful coexistence and peace building in the various communities they are resident in.

Omoha explained that the networks were from four Local Government Areas of Lokoja, Dekina, Igalamela and Yagba West creating tremendous impact in the areas.

She passionately appealed to the commissioner and the entire members of his team to embrace the Youth Peace Networks and ensure that they were keyed into the ministry’s future projects.

“We in Mercy Corps believes that investing in young persons will help transform the society for good and this is the reason for the establishment of the Youth Peace Network.

“This is because with sustainable peace, comes development and with development comes positive change in any given society.

“We indeed thank the youths and sports ministry for operating an open door policy for young persons.

“We do hope that this new relationship entered into by the Youth Peace Network will be the turning point for a more robust and positive change in the state as the youths will take the center stage on the drive for a peaceful society,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the various youth peace network expressed themselves before presenting their recommendations including Terms of Reference (TOR) and appeals of the advocacy visit to the government through the commissioner.

The network also presented a Peace Shirt, Cap, and CIPP Folders and Factsheets to the Honorable Commissioner as a mark of appreciation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

Flowerbudnews

By Aisha Gambo

Kaduna:  A 25-year-old house wife, Ruqayya Mukhtar on Thursday told a Shari’a court sitting at Rigasa, Kaduna that her husband had not slept with her for two years .

The complainant who prayed court to dissolve her marriage to one Naziru Hamza also complained that her husband assaulted and insulted her.

On his defence, the defendant denied all allegations saying he tried his best to satisfy his wife sexually.

“Since I go out to seek for daily bread, I sometimes come home late and tired but my wife doesn’t understand, she always demands intimacy.

“I oblige many times and sometimes beg her to be patient till the next morning and I don’t beat her,” he said.

The Judge Malam Anass Khalifa asked the complainant if she had witnesses and she said yes.

He adjourned the matter until Sept. 5 for the complainant to present her witnesses.(NAN)/ Flowerbudnews