Category: Culture & Tourism

The South – South Zone of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria is set for the inauguration of its new Executive Council scheduled to hold on November 17, 2025, in Port Harcourt, Rivers.

In a press statement by FTAN Vice President, South-South, Mrs Faith Esohe Essien, the inauguration will mark the commencement of full pledged activities by the Federation in the zone, following the recent assumption of office the Federation’s new national Executive Council headed by Dr Aliyu Badaki, as President.

‘‘This ceremony marks the official commencement of a focused, regional drive to transform our sector, positioning tourism as a strategic solution to some of the region’s long-standing economic challenges,’’ noted Essien.

‘‘The “Green Horizons” Imperative: Our Inauguration will be held under the critical theme: “GREEN HORIZONS: Unlocking the South South’s Natural Wealth for Inclusive and Sustainable Prosperity,” she added.

Further, ‘‘This theme is not merely ceremonial; it represents a policy commitment to use tourism to drive economic diversification, advocate for responsible coastal conservation, and elevate our cultural assets as sustainable alternatives to resource dependency.’’

Billed to hold at Ogeyi’s Place, GRA, Port Harcourt, the inauguration will attract members of the federation, stakeholders, government officials and the travelling public from across the South – South (Edo, Delta, Cross, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states) and other parts of the country, with the National President of FTAN, Badaki, leading the national officers of FTAN and others to the inauguration ceremony.

Nigeria’s tourism industry received a major boost recently as the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) celebrated distinguished Nigerians whose contributions have shaped and sustained the country’s tourism and hospitality landscape.
At its annual conference and awards ceremony held at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel, themed “The Role of International Hospitality Brands in the Growth of Nigerian Tourism and Economy,” ANJET recognised several pioneers and trailblazers whose work has advanced the sector and inspired new generations of practitioners.
Among those honoured were former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, who received the award of Most Impactful Nigerian Minister of Culture and Tourism; former Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, who bagged the title Pillar of Nigerian Tourism and Culture; and Chief (Mrs.) Abimbola Bode-Thomas, former Assistant General Manager of Eko Hotels, who was named Hospitality and Hotel Management Amazon.
Others included veteran tour operator Chief Jemi Alade, recognised as National Trailblazer in Inbound Tour Operations; immediate past President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, who received the Icon of Consistency and Resilience in National Tourism Leadership award; Engr. Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun (Tarzan), National Icon in Tourist Boat Operations and Water Transportation; Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, Foremost National Tourism Builder and Creative Mind; and the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, honoured for 40 Years of Impactful Contribution to Nigerian Tourism and the Economy.

Sheraton Lagos at 40: International Brands as Drivers of Growth

Delivering the guest address, Professor Wasiu Babalola, Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality (FIH), described Sheraton Lagos as “a beacon of global standards” and “a living classroom for the Nigerian hospitality industry.”
Babalola said Sheraton’s 40 years of uninterrupted operation in Nigeria symbolised resilience, leadership, and commitment to excellence, noting that international hospitality brands have played a vital role in shaping the nation’s economy through job creation, skill development, and foreign investment.
“When Sheraton Lagos opened its doors in 1985, it became a gateway to Nigeria — the first impression for many international travellers,” he said. “Beyond being a hotel, it has been a symbol of Nigeria’s readiness to engage the world, a training ground for professionals, and a pillar of the nation’s hospitality identity.”

The hospitality scholar emphasised that the hotel’s influence extends beyond accommodation, citing its impact on sectors such as transportation, agriculture, logistics, and entertainment.

“For every ₦1 million spent in the hospitality sector, an additional ₦1.6 million is generated in indirect and induced economic activity,” he noted.
“The sector connects aviation, food supply chains, construction, and entertainment, making it a true engine of growth.”

Babalola also credited Sheraton and other international brands—such as Marriott, Hilton, Radisson, and Ibis—for elevating service standards and shaping national tourism policies through collaboration with agencies like NIHOTOUR and the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

While celebrating their achievements, he urged industry stakeholders to tackle persistent challenges like infrastructure deficits, inconsistent regulations, currency instability, and workforce skill gaps.

He called for a collective commitment to five key priorities: deepening local content, institutionalising skills transfer, championing sustainability, embracing digital transformation, and preserving institutional memory.
“The next era of tourism must be green, inclusive, and digitally driven,” he said. “We must build systems that record and retain institutional knowledge, because when memory is lost, legacy is weak.”

Babalola praised ANJET for its decades-long contribution to the growth of tourism reportage in Nigeria, describing the association as “the archival voice of Nigeria’s tourism story.”

“The hospitality industry is more than a business; it is a bridge between nations, cultures, and economies. If nurtured properly, it can surpass oil in its contribution to Nigeria’s GDP,” he said.

Celebrating those who built Nigeria’s tourism visibility

In his welcome address, ANJET President, Mr. Okorie Uguru, said the awards were not just about recognition but about preserving institutional memory and appreciating those who laid the foundation for Nigeria’s tourism development.
“The individuals and distinguished Nigerians we are honouring today are among the people who built the visibility and growth the industry is enjoying. They have contributed and are still contributing to the sector,” Uguru said.

“As holders of institutional memories and archivists of this industry, we know the roles they have played in the development of Nigerian tourism. Years after some have left office, we still call them back to celebrate their legacy.”

Uguru also described the honourees as mentors whose work continues to inspire the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals.

Runsewe: Nigeria must stop talking, start acting on tourism

Receiving his award, Otunba Segun Runsewe, who has led both the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and NCAC, lamented the lack of concrete action in the sector despite decades of dialogue.
“I stopped talking for some time because there’s too much talk in tourism and no action. We come, speak big grammar, and go back. If this country manages tourism well, no child should be jobless,” he said.
“After agriculture, tourism is the biggest employer of labour. Yet we are still playing games, still telling ourselves stories.”

Runsewe, who has been an outspoken advocate for integrating culture and tourism, noted that many untapped opportunities—such as religious and medical tourism—could transform Nigeria’s economy if properly harnessed.
“People think tourism is only about travel. No. When the late Pastor T. B. Joshua held his international crusades, there were over 20 private jets at our airports. That was religious tourism, but nobody keyed into it. We are sitting on a goldmine.”

Ogbuewu: Culture is our tourism’s strongest asset

Former Minister of Culture and Tourism and ex-Nigerian Ambassador to Greece, Amb. Frank Ogbuewu, stressed that culture remains Nigeria’s most potent tourism asset and should be the foundation of the industry’s revival.
“If Nigeria plans to sell its tourism potential globally, then we must showcase our culture. Our culture is what makes us unique; it’s what visitors come to experience,” Ogbuewu said.
“They’re not coming to see skyscrapers—they have those already. They’re coming to see what makes us magical: our heritage, traditions, and way of life.”

He also urged continuity in government policies, warning that the absence of follow-through has hindered progress in the tourism sector.
“The problem we have is lack of continuity. When you get into office, continue from where your predecessor stopped. That’s how nations grow,” he advised.

A call for synergy between media and hospitality sectors

In his keynote address, Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Abisoye Fagade, called for stronger collaboration between the media and hospitality sectors to drive professionalism and reposition Nigeria as a top tourism destination.
“Other countries that are not half as blessed as Nigeria are thriving on tourism. We must build a skilled workforce that meets global standards and change our mindset towards collaboration,” he said.

A night of recognition and reflection

The ANJET Awards 2025 was attended by key industry stakeholders, government officials, and leading hospitality figures. Beyond the glitz, the event became a platform for sober reflection on Nigeria’s unrealised tourism potential and a renewed call to action for both government and private players.

As Uguru summed it up:
“Our role as travel journalists is not just to report tourism but to help shape it. By celebrating these icons, we are preserving Nigeria’s tourism story—and reminding the nation of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.”

Former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, has called on the federal government and stakeholders in the tourism sector to prioritise continuity of programmes and policies to ensure sustainable development of culture and tourism in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview, Ogbuewu lamented that many impactful initiatives introduced in previous administrations, including the Abuja Carnival, were abandoned instead of being sustained and improved upon.
“Whenever you get an appointment, try to continue from where the other person stopped. Continuity is important. There is no reason why Abuja Carnival should die the way it did after all the work we put into it,” he said.
Ogbuewu, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Culture and Tourism between 2003 and 2006, noted that tourism remains the second-largest employer of labour globally after agriculture, yet Nigeria has failed to fully harness its potential to tackle unemployment.
He recalled how the Abuja Carnival created jobs and business opportunities across all strata of society, stressing that tourism can serve as a catalyst for economic growth if given proper attention.

States Should Drive Tourism Development

Reacting to the recent call by the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, for youth involvement in tourism, Ogbuewu said the responsibility does not rest solely on the federal government.
According to him, all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory possess unique tourism assets that should be developed and promoted.
“Every state and local government area has products with comparative advantage. If governors take tourism seriously and promote these products, the sector will expand tremendously and Nigeria will become a global discussion,” he stated.
He stressed that youth participation would grow naturally once state governments provide organised platforms and enabling environments.

Implementation, Not Just MoUs

On how to boost the tourism sector beyond policy declarations, Ogbuewu insisted that the ministry must focus on implementation rather than signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) without follow-through.
“What we need now is action. Implementation of those MoUs — that’s all,” he remarked.

Tourism and Technology
While acknowledging the global shift toward Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ogbuewu advised that Nigeria should first consolidate on its strengths in traditional tourism development before fully embracing digital innovations.

Award and Tribute to Obasanjo
Ogbuewu, who was recently honoured with the ‘Most Impactful Nigerian Minister of Culture and Tourism’ award by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), expressed gratitude for being remembered 18 years after leaving office.
He dedicated the award to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, crediting him for supporting the establishment of the Nigerian Council of Tourism and promoting the Abuja Carnival during his tenure.

Final Message
Ogbuewu reaffirmed his appeal to policymakers:
“Any good programme, let them continue with it whenever the person that introduced it leaves. Continuity is the key.”

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has moved to strengthen
strategic engagements with Turkish Embassy with a courtesy visit aimed at promoting international tourism cooperation .

The visit to the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Nigeria, H.E. Mehmet Poroy, marks a new phase in Nigeria’s tourism diplomacy efforts .

Led by FTAN President, Dr. Aliyu Badaki, the visit marks the first in a series of strategic engagements under the President’s 3-Pillar Tourism Transformation Mandate.

The visit was held in partnership with NTT Global Destinations, FTAN’s newly designated Partner for International Relations and Strategic Engagements, reflecting a fresh and proactive leadership approach to global collaboration.

Discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in tourism, investment, and cultural exchange between Nigeria and Türkiye, two nations bound by shared aspirations for sustainable growth and people-to-people connectivity.

“This engagement represents a new chapter in Nigeria’s tourism diplomacy.
Our goal is to position FTAN as a credible bridge between government, the private sector, and our global partners ensuring that tourism becomes a pillar of international cooperation and national prosperity”, Dr Badaki said.

Chief Executive Officer of NTT Global Destinations, Elizabeth Agboola,
added that:
“It is an honour to support FTAN in this strategic mandate. Türkiye’s global tourism success offers valuable lessons, and this partnership creates space for meaningful collaboration that connects Nigeria’s tourism ecosystem to international opportunities.”

The Türkiye visit signals FTAN’s renewed commitment to structured engagement with diplomatic missions, setting the tone for similar high-level collaborations across regions in the coming months.

Ahead of the much-anticipated Argungu International Fishing Festival, which is scheduled to hold in February 2026, in Argungu, Kebbi State, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) alongside the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) have pledged support, participation and promotion of the festival.

This commitment was given during a recent visit of the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, to the Minister in her Abuja office. The Emir also used the occasion to extend official invitation to the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, FTAN, NTDA, and NCAC, alongside other stakeholders, to the celebration.

The Emir disclosed that the Argungu Festival, which has earned the recognisation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), as an intangible cultural heritage, represents reconciliation, friendship, and cultural pride, forming an integral part of the identity and heritage of his people.

Mera noted that the festival continues to grow in participation and scale, creating an urgent need for improved infrastructure and expanded facilities at the event venue.

He highlighted ongoing efforts by the Kebbi State government to enhance the festival grounds and appealed to the Minister to mobilise relevant agencies and the private sector to support and strengthen next year’s edition.

In her response, the Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, expressed deep appreciation to the Emir and his delegation for the visit and the honour of the invitation.

She commended the Emir’s steadfast commitment to preserving the Argungu Festival as a symbol of Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity and unity, assuring that the federal government remains fully committed to ensuring the festival’s continued success.

Musawa further stated that the Ministry, in partnership with other relevant agencies and the FTAN led private sector bodies, will support the upcoming event through venue upgrades, collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works for the rehabilitation of access roads, logistics support, and enhanced national and international marketing.

She charged FTAN to mobilise its members to actively participate in promoting and supporting the festival.

In his remarks, the DG of NTDA, Ola Awakan commended the Emir for sustaining the legacy of the festival and reaffirmed NTDA’s commitment to ensuring the event’s success.

While the Director General NCAC, Mr Obi Asika, lauded the Emir’s efforts in keeping the festival vibrant and globally relevant.

He noted that Argungu Fishing Festival has all it takes to position Nigeria prominently on the world’s cultural tourism map and assured that NCAC will be fully represented and supportive throughout the event.

In his remarks, FTAN’s President, Dr Aliyu Badaki assured the Emir and the Minister that the private sector would play an active role in promoting the event. He further pledged that FTAN would mobilise travel agents, tour operators, and other key stakeholders within the private tourism sector to ensure the success of the festival.

The high point of the visit was the official presentation of the Argungu Festival Compendium to the Minister.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with traditional institutions, state governments, and the private sector in promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and advancing the nation’s tourism industry.

By Onyeka Ezike

The President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), **Mr. Yinka Folami**, has expressed optimism that the dollarisation of the aviation sector will soon become a thing of the past. According to him, the era of selling airline tickets in foreign currency is gradually coming to an end as the government works to address the underlying challenges in the sector.
Speaking on *Creative Nigeria*, a cultural and tourism programme aired on Mainland 98.3 FM, Lagos, and hosted by award-winning journalist ,Frank Meke, alongside Bunmi Bade-Adeniji, Mr. Folami reaffirmed that “there is no need to sell in foreign currency again,” describing the practice as an outdated system that will soon fade out in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He urged Nigerians to support **Air Peace** as a national pride, emphasizing that the outlook for the nation’s aviation industry remains stable and promising.
During the engaging discussion, the NANTA president described cross-border trading in foreign currency as “a crime against the economy.”
He praised Air Peace for “taking the bull by the horns” by launching its London route, calling it a patriotic responsibility for Nigerians to support and pray for the airline’s success and sustainability.
“Those of us in the aviation space understand that until we have a strong Nigerian carrier to stand in the gap, these issues will persist. I am happy to inform Nigerians that the government is squarely addressing the issue of ticket sales in foreign currency, and that is the latest update on the matter,” Folami said.
He commended the federal government’s ongoing reforms and the **Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for stabilizing the naira and promoting transparency in the foreign exchange market.
“The outlook for Nigeria is stable, and even the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have commended the economic policies of this government. The gap between the official and parallel market rates is closing, liquidity has improved, and there is more transparency in the process,” he added.
Folami emphasized the need for stakeholders in the aviation and travel sectors to complement government efforts through proactive collaboration.
“We must congratulate the government, but the best way to do that is for us — industry players — to give life to whatever the government is doing. The government will not come into our sector to make the change; it is our responsibility to build on the progress already made,” he said.

The NANTA president noted that the association has over 3,500 members, with 70% of them being youths. He maintained that government reforms at the micro level can translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians if more citizens are encouraged to patronize local travel agencies and airlines.

However, he lamented that the sale of tickets in foreign currency still excludes many NANTA-certified members from direct trade with airlines despite their international qualifications.

In his contribution, **Mr. Yusuf Babalola**, a journalist with expertise in the aviation industry, pointed out that the challenge has always been the implementation of government policies. He said despite reforms, several foreign airlines continue to charge in dollars — a practice the government is aware of.

> “No airline is being owed; they make their money and repatriate it. Yet, they keep doing what they’re doing,” Babalola said, sharing an example from his experience in Japan. “In Japan, it is against the law to spend foreign currency. From entry, you must exchange your money for Yen. It’s even considered a sin to spend the dollar in Japan. We need political will to enforce similar policies here.”

Another journalist, **Chinelo Agina-Obogo**, cited Section 20(5) of the **CBN Act of 2007**, which makes it an offence for any individual or organization to accept the dollar as a means of payment within Nigeria. She emphasized that enforcement remains the key issue for relevant government agencies.

Also speaking, **Mr. Chinedu Eze** commended Air Peace for its Lagos–Heathrow route, describing it as a major milestone that showcases Nigerian culture and tourism. He, however, criticized the inconsistency of government policies, which sometimes enable foreign airlines to flout local laws.

> “What makes Air Peace’s London operations special is the government’s full support. Without that, local airlines cannot attain such heights. However, some foreign airlines use public relations tactics to sway narratives in their favour. The government must remain firm in supporting local carriers,” Eze said.

Program host **Frank Meke** also praised Air Peace for its resilience, calling on stakeholders to uphold fairness and transparency in the aviation sector.

“Until we begin to name names and correct the wrongs, we will keep going in circles. Many travel agencies are frustrated by this dollarisation issue, but with Air Peace in the mix, there’s hope. If the foreign airlines can’t play by our rules, they should ship out,” Meke stated.

He noted that the policy reform that enabled Air Peace to secure its London route was hard-won, given the international politics involved. Folami, in his closing remarks, urged airlines to improve their technology systems and review the harsh **Airline Debit Memos (ADMs) and penalties imposed on agents, describing them as “outrageous and counterproductive.”

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), South East Zone, has called for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to drive tourism growth across the region.

This call was made during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism, Anambra State, in Awka on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

Leading the delegation, Mr. Wilson Uche Ugwu, Vice President (South East) of FTAN and Chairman, FTAN South East, said the visit was aimed at strengthening partnerships and aligning with the Soludo administration’s tourism agenda.

“Ours is to ensure mutual cooperation between public and private practitioners,” Mr. Ugwu stated. “FTAN stands to project and protect the interests of private operators while promoting inclusive growth in the tourism sector.”

He noted that FTAN is working to create platforms where investors can easily identify viable opportunities within the tourism value chain. The association, he said, will also partner with the state to document tourist sites, events, and cultural heritage assets — ensuring better visibility and access to reliable tourism data.

Mr. Ugwu praised the Soludo administration’s focus on security and infrastructure, stressing that “a safe environment is the foundation for a thriving tourism industry.” He also described the launch of the Anambra Fun City as “a step in the right direction” and expressed optimism that more investment-friendly policies would follow.

He added that the South East remains the most visited region in Nigeria during festive seasons, noting, “No other part of Africa experiences such massive homecoming as Alaigbo.”

As part of the outcomes of the visit, FTAN and the Anambra State Government agreed to host a South East Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum on November 4, 2025 —

Awka Session: Golden Tulip Agulu Lake Resort, 10:00 a.m.

Onitsha Session: NITDA/Oba Ji Centre, 3:00 p.m.

*Commissioner’s Remarks*

In his response, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism welcomed FTAN’s visit and applauded the group’s effort to bridge the public-private gap in the sector.

He outlined the state’s key achievements under Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, including:

Mapping of five priority tourist sites for immediate development;

Launch of Solution Fun City;

Improved state security; and

Introduction of an annual tourism and culture event calendar.

“Statistics is very important. We’ll involve the Bureau of Statistics to enhance data management,” the Commissioner said, referencing upcoming events such as the 100-year anniversary of Igwe Orizu, which is now part of the ‘Onwa December’ calendar.

He added that Anambra has witnessed remarkable transformation in recent years — with better roads, improved nightlife, and more events now hosted locally. “People who used to host traditional marriages and festivals in Lagos or Abuja are now proudly celebrating them at home,” he noted.

Encouraging FTAN’s involvement, the Commissioner said:

“Practitioners should support government by guiding investors with their experience and professionalism. Ogbunike Cave, Owelle Ezukala Cave and Waterfalls, and Agulu Lake are ready for investment. I can boldly say that Anambra is working again.”

About FTAN

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) is the umbrella body of over 23 government-approved private tourism associations in Nigeria. It serves as the collective voice of the tourism industry, promoting sustainable development, professional standards, and strong public-private collaboration nationwide.

Lagos — The National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Dr. Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun, has called on the Federal Government to extend greater support to tourism practitioners, especially those operating along the nation’s waterways, to enhance the growth of the tourism economy.
Balogun, a pioneer in Nigeria’s water-based tourism sector and Chief Executive Officer of Tarzan Marine Enterprises, made the appeal in Lagos when a delegation from the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) visited him to present a letter of nomination for an industry recognition award.
While commending the Federal Government for its ongoing efforts to develop inland waterways and improve safety standards, Balogun stressed that genuine industry players need stronger institutional backing to thrive.
“If government truly wants to grow the tourism and marine sectors, existing operators should be supported and encouraged, not sidelined,” he said. “We cannot build a sustainable tourism industry by discouraging those who have invested years of work and resources in it.”
He lamented that bureaucracy and personal interests among some civil servants continue to stifle progress in the sector, warning that such attitudes discourage private investment and innovation.
Balogun praised the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for initiatives aimed at improving safety, including the recent distribution of 42,000 free life jackets to boat operators.
“You cannot enter Tarzan boats without a life jacket. Beyond the government’s support, I have personally procured additional safety equipment for passengers. ATBOWATON was the first association to enforce compulsory use of life jackets at its jetties,” he noted.
He also urged operators to complement government’s efforts by adhering strictly to safety rules, adding that public confidence in water transport and marine tourism depends on consistent safety standards.
Balogun recalled his advocacy for a dedicated fuel station for boat operators on Nigeria’s waterways, which he proposed to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, noting that such facilities are essential for tourism transport efficiency.
Presenting the award nomination, ANJET President, Mr. Okorie Uguru, described Balogun as a tourism ambassador whose leadership has enhanced safety awareness and professionalism in water-based tourism.
Veteran travel journalist, Frank Meke, also lauded Balogun’s contributions, describing him as “an institution whose passion and consistency have shaped the story of marine tourism in Nigeria.”

  

Makinde presents instruments of office to Ladoja as 44th Olubadan

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

Former Oyo State Governor, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, has been crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

 

The Oyo State Government deployed more than 2,000 security operatives to ensure a smooth ceremony, which drew dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu.

In his speech, President Tinubu also congratulated Oba Ladoja, noting that it was a great honour to witness his coronation as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

Tinubu, who described Oba Ladoja’s perseverance, resilience and reliability as impeccable, reminisced on their days in the Nigerian Senate, his travails during his impeachment as governor of Oyo State and his comeback, praying to God to grant the new royal father long life and success on the throne so that he would be celebrated as one of the rare gems to ascend the throne.

 

Tinubu also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future

Presenting the staff of office, Gov. Seyi Makinde described the monarch’s ascension as “a fulfillment of destiny and a continuation of Ibadan’s proud cultural heritage,” noting it was a unifying moment for the people.

 

He maintained that all challenges associated with the Olubadan Chieftaincy System in recent years are over, even as he prayed that the reign of Oba Ladoja would usher in peace, progress and development in the city.

 

Gov Makinde congratulated all the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, noting that the era of Oba Ladoja has begun to witness positive developments.

Similarly, in their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, Olubadan Coronation Planning Committee, Chief Bayo Oyero; President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII)), Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole and the Agbaoye of Ibadanland, Chief Kola Karim, appreciated Governor Makinde for his support and commitment to tradition, describing the coronation of the 44th Olubadan as a blessing to Ibadanland.

 

The trio prayed that the reign of the new Olubadan would bring more growth, progress and prosperity to Ibadanland and Oyo State.

 

In his acceptance speech, Oba Ladoja said Ibadan is blessed with highly resourceful people both indigenes and residents in the city and that its forefathers made great decisions in accommodating leading federal establishments and private businesses, which must now give back to the people of Ibadan.

The new Oba pleaded with President Tinubu to make the creation of Ibadan State from the current Oyo State a reality before May 2027.

 

Oba Ladoja declared that his reign would be about service to Ibadan, Oyo State, Yorubaland, Nigeria and Africa, stating that he would serve the people to the best of his ability, as according to him, all that is left for him to do is service to humanity, since God spared his life to witness his 81st birthday and also attain the throne of Olubadan.

 

The event had in attendance wife of Oyo State Governor, Engr (Mrs) Tamunomini Makinde; the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke; Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji; Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; and Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji.

 

Also present were former Governors of Ogun State, Senators Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun; former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; former Governors of Kano State, Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankaso and Ibrahim Shekarau; former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and a wife of the former Governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja.

 

Oyo State Government functionaries, who attended the event include the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Debo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Kazim Adeniyi; members of Oyo State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Special Advisers and chairmen of Local Governments from Ibadan.

 

Notable royal fathers from all parts of the country, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, among many others, also graced the event.

 

Also in attendance were the Forum of Former Governor’s Wives in Nigeria (2003-2007), service commanders and religious leaders, among others.