It was a fun-filled weekend for more than 150 persons who embarked on a tour of some iconic tourism sites in Lagos under the Lagos Summer with Mr. Nonso tour package.  The tour which took places, yesterday, August 22, kicked off from the Lagos mainland and ended up at the Elegushi beach with a bonfire night and party.

The group’s first point of call was the popular Nike Arts Gallery in Lekki where the group immersed themselves in both history and contemporary Nigeria arts and craft.

 The positive vibe from the tour of the gallery took the group to the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Arts at Pan Atlantic University, near Epe. At the university, the Lagos Summer group had a picnic surrounded by the beautiful green ambience of the museum, before going on a guided tour of the museum.

There was also a special adire tie and dye teaching class for the tour group at the museum. The trip ended at the Elegushi beach for the bonfire night party.

The organizer of the tour, Mr. Chinonso Emmanuel Uche (Mr. Nonso), said the tour package was  part of his initiative to encourage Nigerians to patronize tourism back home. “It’s just for us to sell Nigeria before we start inviting outsiders. We need to consume what we have, and push it out there. So it’s part of the program. I do it every summer, either before the summer or after the summer, to encourage people to patronize tourism in Nigeria,” he said.

He said the Summer Tour has been on in the last four years and that he has, in the past, organized tour of Abuja, Enugu, and Imo State, and this year’s edition was the fourth tour of Lagos.

He said the idea was to bring together people from different areas of life to come, tour and appreciate the tourism assets of the country and also have fun. He said: “The target audience is everybody across board, across all nations, and Nigerians. Let Nigerians also understand what we have first because we have everything and people don’t even know where to go to in Nigeria. So, it is to encourage people in Nigeria to explore of tourist attractions, when they go, take pictures, post online, it has also have an impact. When you see them on their social media, Facebook, Instagram, and even their professional pages, it will encourage foreigners to start patronizing our place. So that’s the idea.”

Mr. Nonso said the response and participation by both Nigerians and expatriates has been positive and that it has encouraged him to continue: “We would have had more than this number, but because of the places we chose for this year, we are working with just 150 people. We had more, more than 150 people. We had to prune it down so that we can manage the people. But next year, we’ll increase the capacity.”

On what he believes is the top draw for Lagos, Mr. Nonso said: “Lagos as a whole and as a name, a brand name is already sold to the world. If you mention Nigeria, it’s just like Naija, it’s sold to the world. People know Nigeria, even when they have not been to Nigeria. And when you mention Africa, the next thing you’re going to hear is Nigeria. And when you mention Nigeria, the first thing people outside the world are going to hear is Lagos, even within us in Nigeria here. A lot of people dream to visit Lagos. Not just because of the beach around, but because of the urban city. It’s our commercial city, and it has a lot of historical places inherited from our colonial masters: the slave trade artifacts, the beach, the Yoruba cultures, and the infusion of the Western culture, you can remember the Brazilian things. So, there are a lot of things to experience in Lagos. Apart from safari, every other thing you’re looking for in tourism is in Lagos.”

He explained that the sites the group visited were carefully curated for a rich experience of Lagos: “We are at Nike Art Gallery. Most people know Nike Art Gallery, and majority here have not visited. Then we are also introducing Shyllon Museum which is in Pan-Atlantic University. So, because of where it’s located, most people don’t go there. In fact, they have more visitors outside from Nigeria than Nigerians going there. So, that’s why we chose that place.”

Mr. Nonso said Nigeria has everything to be a top destination that is why efforts are being made to to expose these hidden but interesting sites: “I hate to compare Nigeria or what we do with other destinations. You will see when you go to the coastal part, the Mediterranean part of the world and the Western part during summer, you will see a mass number of people gathered in a particular place for two, three days. So, my dream is that during summer or even off-summer, December period, whenever we have holidays, families can gather by the beach and  stay three, four days, and we will feel secured, and would have fun, network, and meet people.”

Activities during the tour include a quiz segment in which the Regional Manager of Rwandair for West and Central Africa Ginette Kadigiri quizzed members of the tour group on their knowledge of Rwandair activities. She also gave out prizes to winners of the quiz.

The Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) is set to hold the 2026 annual ANJET Conference and Awards with the theme ‘Nigerian tourism industry and Tinubu administration’s immigration reforms.’ The event will hold at  Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on October 22.

As part of the activities for this year’s conference and award, international hospitality giant, the Radisson Group and the Chairman of the Avalon Group, Chief Tajudeen Owoyemi and others will be honoured.

ANJET President Okorie Uguru explained that the awards to both Chief Owoyemi and Radisson Group is in recognition of their contributions in the Nigerian hospitality ecosystem  in the last close to 25 years. He said both Owoyemi and the Radisson Group have made so much positive the hospitality industry in Nigeria.

On Chief Owoyemi, the ANJET President said: “For close to 25 years, Chief Tajudeen Owoyemi has quietly, but steadily influenced and shaped the Nigerian hospitality landscape with his conceptualization and building of top hospitality outfits that have helped to redefine hotels’ services and infrastructure.

“In 2005, when there was dearth of privately owned top hospitality outfits outside  Lagos and Ibadan, Chief Owoyemi changed the landscape by opening the Avalon Hotel Offa under the management  Mr. Trevor Ward’s W Hospitality. Avalon Hotel became the reference point in hotel’s excellence in facilities and excellent services.”

He said despite the massive investment and contribution to the growth of the hospitality industry in Nigeria, Chief Owoyemi always stays under the radar: “Chief Owoyemi works quietly.   After Avalon, he embarked on even bigger projects, adding the Radisson Hotel, Radisson Blu Ikeja, and Park Inn by Radisson in Victoria Island, Lagos. Currently, he has other hospitality developments in the pipeline.

“Chief Owoyemi, through his investments, has employed thousands of Nigerians and created job opportunities for others through ancillary services to these hotels.

By investing in the country’s hospitality landscape, Chief Owoyemi has helped the profile of the Nigeria as a business and leisure destination.”

Okorie Uguru also spoke on the contributions of the Radisson Hotel Group in Nigeria which has earned the company an award. He said Radisson Group has shown such much consistency And belief in Nigerian economy making it expand so its property portfolio in the country. He continued: “The Radisson Hotel Group made its footfall in Nigeria in 2011 when it started managing the Radisson Blu Anchorage Victoria Island, Lagos at the hotel’s inception.

“In the last 15 years it has added Radisson Hotel and Radisson Blu Ikeja, Park Inn by Radisson Victoria Island, Park in By Radisson Abeokuta, and has about five other properties in the pipeline in Lagos, Abuja, Benin, and Aba.

“Over the last 15 years, the Radisson Blu has shown so much loyalty to the Nigerian economy by continue to expand the number of bed spaces it is managing even during difficult economic turmoil.

“As a means passing knowledge, Radisson has opened a hospitality academy to bridge the skills gap in the Nigerian hospitality industry. It is for these and other positive services to Nigeria that ANJET is honouring the Radisson Hotel Group.” 

Ekiti State has uncovered another potentially significant heritage-tourism site in Aramoko-Ekiti. What initially appeared as unusual formations detected through satellite mapping has now been found to exist physically on the ground, following a field investigation by archaeologists and heritage researchers in collaboration with the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development.The development has raised fresh hopes that Aramoko may be sitting on an important, but hitherto untapped, archaeological and heritage resource capable of adding another dimension to Ekiti State’s growing tourism portfolio.

The team, comprising Dr Opajide Segun and Mr A. Uranta Opuada of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), Benin City, alongside Mr Bamidele Joseph of the Ekiti Biodiversity Survey Project, had earlier identified intriguing formations around Aramoko through satellite imagery.Following their initial engagement with the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, the Director-General of the Bureau, Wale Ojo-Lanre, promptly facilitated a physical visit to Aramoko to establish whether the features captured remotely could actually be identified on the ground.

The archaeological team, guided by the traditional institution, physically observed landscape features corresponding with those earlier identified through satellite mapping, thereby providing an important basis for further professional archaeological investigation.

Before departing for Aramoko, the team visited the Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare, who is himself a native of Aramoko-Ekiti.Prof. Bakare. He was visibly delighted by the development, describing the initiative as welcome, progressive and capable of opening a fresh window into the rich history of Aramoko. He noted that the ancient town possesses numerous cultural and heritage assets that have remained largely undocumented and insufficiently exposed. According to him, the intervention of professional archaeologists could assist greatly in identifying, documenting and promoting some of these resources for the benefit of Aramoko, Ekiti State and future generations.

From the Commissioner’s office, the delegation proceeded to Aramoko, where it was warmly and enthusiastically received by the Regent of Aramoko-Ekiti, Regent Sherifat Owolabi Adeyemi, alongside chiefs and other traditional stakeholders.Regent Sherifat Owolabi Adeyemi expressed excitement over the visit and welcomed the interest being shown by the experts in the history and heritage of the community.

The archaeologists subsequently held an extensive dialogue lasting about one hour with the Regent and the chiefs.During the interaction, the researchers explained the purpose of their mission, the nature of the formations previously observed through satellite imagery and the importance of combining modern archaeological techniques with oral tradition, community memory and indigenous knowledge.

The Regent and the chiefs also shared valuable historical information about Aramoko and its landscape with the visiting researchers.Thereafter came the defining moment of the exercise.Regent Sherifat Owolabi Adeyemi, accompanied by the chiefs, personally led the archaeologists and Wale Ojo-Lanre to parts of Aramoko associated with the formations earlier detected from space.

At the locations visited, the experts were able to physically identify landscape features corresponding with what had earlier been observed through satellite imagery.The exercise represents an important archaeological process known as ground-truthing — physically inspecting and verifying features initially detected through satellite imagery, aerial photography or remote-sensing technology.

Although the physical confirmation is encouraging, the researchers stressed that more detailed scientific work would still be required to determine the age, origin, extent, construction technique and historical function of the features.The formations may potentially represent an ancient moat, defensive earthwork, historic settlement boundary or another form of human-modified landscape, but further archaeological investigation will be required before a definitive conclusion can be reached.

The significance of the latest development, however, lies in the fact that the satellite-mapped features are not merely digital impressions — corresponding physical formations actually exist on the Aramoko landscape.Dr Opajide Segun, Mr A. Uranta Opuada and Mr Bamidele Joseph assured Regent Sherifat Owolabi Adeyemi and the people of Aramoko that the preliminary exercise would not end with the visit.They indicated that further work could involve detailed mapping, documentation, oral-history research and other archaeological studies aimed at establishing the true nature, extent and historical importance of the heritage landscape.

The MOWAA team also commended the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq., for being one of the key drivers of the initiative and for appreciating the potential significance of the satellite findings from the outset.They praised his proactive approach in immediately connecting professional researchers with government, the traditional institution and the host community instead of allowing the information to remain merely an interesting satellite observation.The experts noted that heritage resources could remain unknown or disappear altogether where there is no institutional consciousness or official willing to take the necessary first step towards research and conservation.

Ojo-Lanre described the development as another piece of good news for Ekiti tourism, noting that it reinforces the belief that many valuable tourism resources in the State are still waiting to be properly identified, researched and developed.He said:“What makes today particularly exciting is that something first observed through satellite mapping has now been physically located on the ground. That gives our archaeologists a tangible landscape to investigate further.“We must not run ahead of science by making conclusions about its exact age or historical purpose at this stage. Let the professionals do their work.“But there is every reason for Ekiti to be happy that another potentially significant and previously untapped heritage resource has been identified within our State.”Ojo-Lanre said tourism development should extend beyond the conventional emphasis on hotels, festivals, mountains, waterfalls and resorts.

According to him, archaeology, ancient settlements, historic landscapes, oral traditions and the footprints of earlier generations are equally powerful tourism resources capable of attracting researchers, students, historians and heritage tourists.He added that should subsequent investigation establish substantial archaeological and historical importance, Aramoko could eventually emerge as an important destination for archaeological tourism, heritage tourism, educational excursions, academic research and community-based cultural experiences. Such development could also generate economic opportunities for the local population through guiding services, transportation, accommodation, food services, arts, crafts and other tourism-related enterprises.The Director-General said the initiative is in tandem with the broader tourism development vision of the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, which continues to encourage the identification, preservation and productive utilisation of Ekiti’s natural, cultural and historical resources.

The Bureau maintained that the next stage should focus on deeper scientific investigation, professional documentation, conservation and sustained community participation.For Regent Sherifat Owolabi Adeyemi and the people of Aramoko, the development could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the documentation and appreciation of their ancient community.For Ekiti State, it is another reminder that some of its greatest tourism treasures may still be lying quietly beneath its soil and within its historic landscapes, waiting for science and heritage research to bring them to light.Ekiti may indeed have gained another potential heritage-tourism treasure.

Today, it will be difficult, if not impossible to contact Otunba Wanle Akinboboye. It is the day he cuts off the noise, the criticism and adulation to regress back into his inner self in deep introspection.  It is the day he regresses back in time into his inner self. He returns mentally back to his natal factories setting in introspection and retrospection. He  takes stock of the essence of his being, and returns with  a clear unambiguous vision of the next stage of his journey in life.  It is his birthday.

For Akinboboye, the vision is not personal, but rather how to impact most meaningfully on people, his community, the environment, and the continent. This is what has made Akinboboye an enigma in his chosen part in life-tourism.  

One of the most difficult things about writing on Otunba Wanle Akinboboye is to try to circumscribe him. One can only write about what one knows, but whatever one knows, or thinks one knows about this enigma is infinitesimal in the totality of his being. He is a tourism trail blazer, a cultural icon, a quintessential business man, and many more.

How does one describe a man who has been consistent in the business of tourism in for more than four decades? How does one describe a man who is never satisfied with the present best,  but is continually reinventing himself, always challenging his creative concepts, and who is always in competition with himself to produce a better version of anything he is doing?

In no place is this more manifest than in flagship La Campagne Resort, Ikegun, Lagos, Nigeria.  An ancient Roman writer, Pliny the Elder once wrote: “Ex Africa, semper aliquid novi”, meaning Out of Africa, there is always something new. Thanks to Akinboboye, one could equally say, “Ex La Campagne Tropicana, semper aliquid novi.” There is always new concept, new idea, and new innovation whenever one visits La Campagne Tropicana Resort. That is the secret of the resort’s more than 40 years consistency in the luxury leisure  business.

Akinboboye is always in competition with himself to create something better. he is a man who personally carries the burden of economic emancipation of the continent of Africa. Despite several disappointments, he is indomitable. He has refused to give up on the continent of Africa but keeps on reinventing and conceptualizing innovative ideas to uplift the continent.

Otunba Wanle Akinboboye is a trail blazer in luxury resort development in Nigeria. He is also a trail blazer in private security in Nigeria. His foray into private security, Corporate Guards, changed private security business in Nigeria, creating a template that private security operations in Nigeria are run on even today. 

Akinboboye was born 16 August 1958.  He attended St. Joseph College Ondo, Ondo State, and then Kaduna State Polytechnic Nigeria. He later moved to Bowie State University and Florida International University all in the United States of America (USA).

He founded the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Ikegun, Lagos State, Nigeria in 1984 to promote African themed luxury beach resort. It was the first of such. He has subsequently commissioned additional resorts in other destinations, such as in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, Wolyta Soddo in Ethiopia and Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, Nigeria, and the La Campagne Resort Ecotourism Farm and Resorts Taraba State, Nigeria. He created and produces the popularannual Ondo Hillstop Carnival and  Mare Festival for Ondo State government in Nigeria.

He is currently an Advisor to the African Union Economic Cultural and Social Council in Nigeria (AUECOSSOC),  Akinboboye has consulted for several state governments in Nigeria to develop their culture and tourism sectors. He is also the Tourism Ambassador for the Conference of World Mayors, and the founder of the IPADA Initiative.

Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Mrs. Hannatu Musa Musawa, has reaffirmed her support for Nigeria Fashion Week (NFW) 2026, scheduled to hold from 2–4 October 2026 in Abuja.
The Minister gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from Legendary Gold Limited, organisers of NFW, accompanied by Qualitrend Group, the event’s official strategic partners, government relations, tourism and investment integration partner, alongside members of the organising committee led by Lexy Mojo-Eyes – the Chief Executive Officer of Legendary Gold Limited.
The Minister reiterated her ministry’s commitment to positioning Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries as major drivers of entrepreneurship, economic growth, job creation, exports, and global competitiveness, particularly for women and young people.
Speaking during the meeting, Lexy Mojo-Eyes described fashion as a powerful expression of Nigeria’s cultural identity and an important economic sector that supports tourism, investment, manufacturing, and thousands of businesses across fashion, garment, textile, leader, hair and beauty value chain. These entrepreneurial ventures, he said, have the capacity to create millions of jobs to young people across Nigeria if well harnessed.
The engagement also featured a strategic working session to deepen collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Legendary Gold Limited, and Qualitrend Group as they work towards delivering a world-class Nigeria Fashion Week 2026.
The partnership is expected to further position Nigeria as one of Africa’s leading fashion and creative economy destinations, attracting greater investment, tourism, international collaborations, export opportunities, and institutional partnerships. It will be implemented through strategic
collaboration between government and private-sector partners committed to advancing Nigeria’s fashion, tourism, and creative economy agenda.

Now firmly established as a premier international fashion business platform, Nigeria Fashion Week 2026 will bring together an exceptional gathering of Nigerian and international fashion designers, buyers, retailers, investors, manufacturers, media professionals, policymakers, creative entrepreneurs, development partners, diplomats, and fashion enthusiasts from across Africa and around the world.
With the theme “Beyond the Runway: Fashion and Culture at the Heart of the Green and Blue Economy (Going Green 5),” this year’s edition will spotlight the growing role of fashion as a driver of sustainable development, environmental responsibility, innovation, job creation,
cultural diplomacy, and economic growth.

Far beyond a traditional fashion showcase, Nigeria Fashion Week has evolved into a strategic platform that connects creativity with commerce, promotes Made-in-Nigeria excellence, strengthens regional and international trade, and creates opportunities for emerging and
established fashion businesses to access new markets.
A Global Platform for Fashion Business Nigeria Fashion Week 2026 will feature six major runway showcases presenting collections from
some of the finest designers from Nigeria and around the world. These collections will reflect the richness of African creativity while embracing contemporary global trends, innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainable fashion practices.
The event will also host an extensive exhibition featuring textiles, garments, accessories, footwear, leather, beauty products, manufacturing technologies, fashion services, and creative innovations, providing businesses with direct access to buyers, distributors, retailers, investors, and consumers.
A major highlight will be the Nigeria Fashion Awards, which will celebrate outstanding achievements and recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s fashion and creative industries.

The oeganisers said the Nigeria Fashion Week 2026 is commitment to environmental sustainability through its flagship Going Green Collection, one of the event’s signature runway showcases dedicated exclusively to designers producing collections using recycled, upcycled, eco-friendly, and
sustainable materials.
The event will also feature the Trees for Nigeria Campaign, bringing together designers, government officials, diplomats, development partners, celebrities, students, participants, and international delegates to plant trees as a lasting environmental legacy and demonstrate the fashion industry’s commitment to climate action and environmental conservation.
Through these initiatives, Nigeria Fashion Week reinforces the importance of the circular economy, sustainable manufacturing, responsible consumption, and environmentally conscious fashion production.
It said one of the most significant opportunities emerging from Nigeria Fashion Week 2026 is its strategic collaboration with Bizness Group, creating a pathway for selected Nigerian fashion brands and
manufacturers to gain access to one of the world’s largest retail ecosystems.
According to the organisers, the NFW will,through this collaboration, will give outstanding designers and fashion entrepreneurs opportunities to explore export readiness, international retail standards, supply chain
development, and potential access to Walmart’s extensive global marketplace through Bizness Group’s business facilitation platform.
This initiative represents a major step in positioning Nigerian fashion businesses for international competitiveness by connecting local creativity with global commercial opportunities, encouraging increased exports, manufacturing growth, employment creation, and foreign exchange earnings.

The African Travel Commission [ATC) has announced the appointment of Mr. Dine Bouraima, President of the Benin Republic Tourism Federation, as Co-Chair of the commission.

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was approved by the leadership of the Commission in recognition of Mr. Bouraima’s outstanding contribution to tourism development in the Republic of Benin and his commitment to advancing regional and continental tourism cooperation.

Mr. Bouraima is widely respected within West Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry for his leadership in promoting sustainable tourism, private-sector participation, cultural heritage preservation, and destination marketing. His extensive experience in tourism administration and stakeholder engagement is expected to further strengthen ATC’s mission of fostering a more integrated, competitive, and prosperous African tourism industry.

Announcing the appointment, Dr. Lucky Onoriode George, Executive Director of the ATC, described Mr. Bourama as “a distinguished tourism leader whose experience, vision, and commitment to African tourism development will add tremendous value to the work of the Commission.”

“Mr. Dine Bouraima has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting Benin as an emerging tourism destination. His appointment as Co-Chair reflects ATC’s confidence in his capacity to contribute meaningfully to the continental tourism agenda and to support stronger collaboration among African tourism stakeholders,” Dr. George stated.

In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Bouraima expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and reaffirmed his dedication to promoting tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, cultural exchange, and regional integration across Africa.

“I am honoured by this appointment and look forward to working closely with the leadership and members of the African Travel Commission to advance intra-African travel, strengthen tourism partnerships, and position Africa as a leading global tourism destination,” he said.

As Co-Chair, Mr. Bouraima will support the Commission’s strategic initiatives, including policy advocacy, tourism investment promotion, destination branding, research, capacity building, and the implementation of programmes aimed at enhancing cross-border tourism and regional connectivity.

Speaking, Mr. Ola Awakan, the Co-Chair of the ATC and Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority [ATC], Nigeria’s national tourism agency praised the section of Mr. Dine to work with him in expanding the frontier and building bridges that will propel the tourism sector to prosperity.

According to him, Benin, Nigeria and indeed Africa have the potential to make tourism as a preferred driver of many more national economies across the continent.

Mr. Dine letter of appointment was presented to him by the duo of Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, Board member of the ATC and Mr. Christian Pascal Couthon, Technical Adviser for Tourism and Hospitality who represented Mr. Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Tourism and  Foreign Trade, in charge of Industry and the Promotion of Private Investment of Benin Republic. Before the presentation, Mr. Couthon made a brilliant presentation of what Benin Republic has been doing, what has been put in place and the plan for the future of how the West African country has transformed the country infrastructure and the general upgrade of all major tourism attractions, whilst some are still on going and call on Africans to take advantage of the free visa policy to all Africans to visit the country.

In attendance was His Majesty, Daagbo Hounon Tomadjlèhoukpon Hounwamènou Mètogbokandji II of Quidah, Mr. Kazeem Balogun, Vice President for Communication and International Relations of Africa- International Tourism and Economic Council [AITEC World] and some executive members of the Consortium Touristes Par Millions Au Benin amongst others.

The African Travel Commission believes that his appointment will deepen collaboration between public and private sector tourism stakeholders across West Africa and the wider continent, while reinforcing Benin’s growing role in Africa’s tourism landscape.

The Chairman, Hospitality and Tourism Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSCN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung has pledged to work with the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun to improve the industrial tourism skills within the Nigerian tourism ecosystem.  Onung made the promise during the handing over ceremony of the National Sector Skill Council to the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

The handing over formally ended years of institutional rivalry between ITF and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) over the regulation of Nigeria’s skills development system, unveiling a new framework that separates the responsibilities of the agencies.

The reforms, facilitated by the Office of the Vice President through the National Council on Skills, transfer the administration of the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework, the Secretariat of the National Council on Skills and the Secretariat of World Skills Nigeria to the ITF, while the NBTE will focus exclusively on regulating formal technical and vocational education institutions.

Onung arrived the venue of the event at the Skills House, Maitama, Abuja the headquarters of ITF In a significant milestone for skills development and workforce transformation in Nigeria, the Chairman of the NIHOTOUR–Hospitality and Tourism Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSCN), Onung Nkereuwem, accompanied by NIHOTOUR Management Staff, attended the official handover of the Sector Skills Councils of Nigeria from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). The landmark ceremony was held at the Skills House, Maitama, Abuja, the headquarters of the Industrial Training Fund.

The event brought together key leaders of Nigeria’s skills development ecosystem, including the Director-General of ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun; the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje; the Chairman of the Committee of Chairmen of Sector Skills Councils, A. B. Nagode; and other distinguished stakeholders.

The Sector Skills Councils provide industry leadership and ensure that occupational standards remain aligned with labour market demands, fostering a highly skilled workforce that meets the needs of employers and drives national economic growth.

to overlapping mandates, public exchanges and concerns among stakeholders about duplication of responsibilities.

Declaring an end to the dispute, Bugaje said the two institutions had finally reached an agreement that clearly defines their respective roles.

 “The conflict between NBTE and ITF over the regulation of the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework is over. ITF is now in charge of the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework. They are regulated on the overall, while NBTE will limit itself to education and educational institutions,” he said.

The HTSSCN, with Mr. Onung as chairman, was recently inaugurated by the Director General of NIHOTOUR Aare Abisoye Fagade with the mandate to drive competency standards, curriculum enhancement, accreditation systems, labour market intelligence and globally aligned certification frameworks for the tourism and hospitality sector.

A member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of  the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), and also the newly re-elected President of the Association of Tourism Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) Dr. Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun has called for peace and unity among members of FTAN.

Tarzan made the call while delivering a goodwill message on behalf of his association during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the federation recently held in Abuja recently. Tarzan said the federation would only make progress in an atmosphere of peace and unity.  His words: “I am appealing to all of us here, whatever the differences we have, for the sake of tourism, I just want us to forget these differences, so that we can unite ourselves, we can work together, because they say ‘united we stand, divided we fall. ’ I am going to ask some questions now: where is Mr. Frank Meke? Where is Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, our former president? We need to work together. I expected the see the ex-President of FTAN right here. The truth is bitter, but we need it. The chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Samuel Alabi is here. I am ready; I am pleading, let’s work together. Yesterday, there was a mistake that was done, but today it has been corrected

“Those days, when come to a gathering like this, all the associations will be mentioned. Yesterday, it was not like that, but today, it has been corrected. That is what we want. We should not expose our dirty linen outside. We need to work together.”

Tarzan ended his speech by appealing to the presidents of the member-associations to throw away their differences to work for the good of the federation: “Please, I am appealing to everybody. All the presidents of associations, whatever differences we have, let us throw them aside so that we can work together”

The protracted dispute surrounding the Ogba Zoological Garden and Nature Park in Benin City has evolved beyond a mere contractual disagreement into a defining test of government credibility, environmental stewardship, and the viability of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Nigeria’s ecotourism sector.

At the heart of the controversy lies a troubling mix of land encroachment, alleged breach of contractual obligations, and the continued non-enforcement of a legally binding arbitral award delivered nearly a decade ago. For stakeholders, the case raises a fundamental question: Can private investors trust the sanctity of agreements entered into with government authorities?

Established in 1966 as part of the Ogba Forest Reserve and expanded into a zoological garden in 1971, Ogba Zoo was conceived as a hybrid ecological and recreational facility—combining wildlife conservation, botanical preservation, and environmental education within an urban setting.

For years, it operated under the Edo State Government but struggled under the weight of inconsistent funding and bureaucratic inefficiencies.

In a bid to revitalize the park, the government adopted a PPP model, granting a management franchise to Everal Services Limited in collaboration with a conservation-focused NGO. Under this arrangement, the private operators assumed full financial responsibility for the zoo’s operations, including staff welfare, infrastructure, and animal care, while also remitting agreed rents to the state.

The expectation was clear: efficiency from the private sector and regulatory protection from the government.

However, the partnership soon deteriorated. Central to the dispute is the government’s alleged failure to uphold its contractual obligation to secure the zoo’s boundaries. Originally spanning 320 hectares from the 53 square kilometres of the Ogba Forest Reserve, the protected area has been reduced to less than half a square kilometre due to persistent encroachment and illegal land-grabbing.

The consequences have been severe. Critical infrastructure,
including staff quarters and animal enclosures has reportedly been demolished by trespassers, even as legal proceedings were ongoing. For the franchise holders, this represents not only a breach of contract but a direct assault on their investment and operational viability.

On November 3, 2016, a sole arbitrator ruled in favour of Everal Services Limited, awarding ₦36.5 million in damages and directing the Edo State Government to construct a perimeter fence to safeguard the facility. The ruling was clear, binding, and intended to restore both order and confidence in the partnership.

Subsequent attempts to compel compliance through the Edo State High Court have been stalled, with recent proceedings adjourned to October 26, 2026, partly due to the absence of legal representation for the state government. This delay has only deepened concerns about institutional accountability and respect for the rule of law.

The implications of this unresolved dispute extend far beyond the confines of the zoo. Economically, the uncertainty has stifled investment and curtailed the park’s growth potential. Opportunities for eco-tourism expansion, such as eco-lodges, hospitality services, and increased visitor traffic, remain unrealized. Local vendors and service providers who depend on the park’s ecosystem have also felt the impact.

Moreover, the failure to pay the ₦36.5 million in damages has deprived the franchise operators of much-needed capital for maintenance and upgrades, further compounding operational challenges.

Socially and academically, the effects are equally profound. Ogba Zoo has long served as a vital field laboratory for students of forestry, zoology, and environmental science. The ongoing instability threatens its accessibility and integrity as a research hub. School excursions and public education initiatives have also declined, weakening efforts to promote environmental awareness among younger generations.

Perhaps most damaging is the erosion of public trust. When governments fail to honour contractual agreements, it sends a wrong signal to potential investors and undermines confidence in PPP frameworks, an essential tool for infrastructure and service delivery in developing economies.

The Ogba Zoo case underscores a critical principle: the success of PPPs depends on mutual accountability. While private partners are expected to deliver efficiency and innovation, governments must provide a stable, legal, and regulatory environment.

Respecting contractual agreements is not merely a legal obligation. It is a cornerstone of economic development. Investors, both foreign and domestic, rely on the assurance that agreements will be honoured and disputes resolved in accordance with established laws.

Failure to do so risks deterring future investments, particularly in sectors like ecotourism and environmental conservation, where long-term commitments and substantial capital outlays are required.

As the legal battle drags on, the need for decisive action becomes increasingly imperative. Enforcing the arbitral award, securing the zoo’s boundaries, and restoring the integrity of the partnership are essential steps toward resolving the crisis.

Beyond Ogba Zoo, this case presents an opportunity for the Edo State Government—and indeed, governments across Nigeria—to reaffirm their commitment to the rule of law and to the principles that underpin effective public-private collaboration.

The fate of Ogba Zoological Garden, therefore, is not just about a park in Benin City. It is about the credibility of governance, the absence of credibility signal successive governments sent to investors,
the protection of national heritage, and the future of sustainable development initiatives in Nigeria.

Until these issues are addressed, Ogba Zoo will remain not just a conservation site under threat but a symbol of the high cost of willful broken agreements by authorities that should have known better.

From Chris Akhabue, Edo

As the rainy season peaks with rising water levels and increased pollution, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has moved to sensitize waterfront communities in the Federal Capital Territory on safety and environmental protection.The NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office on Wednesday, July 28, staged a Marine Safety and Environmental Protection campaign at Abaji Area Council.The exercise re-emphasized safe navigation practices and environmental stewardship for residents living on and around the waterways. It is in direct alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the provisions of federal law which enshrine zero tolerance for waterways transportation accidents and infractions.

Speaking at the event, the Area Manager, Hajia Aisha Eri, thanked the host communities for their cooperation. She assured them of NIWA’s sustained commitment to protecting the nation’s inland waters and the lives and livelihoods of those who depend on them.

The Emir of kwali HRH Alhaji Adamu Saba Aguma, also commended NIWA for the intervention. He pledged his community’s full support to safeguard the waterways and ensure strict adherence to all safety regulations.Other district heads, John Dogole, district head of kundu, SarkinTungbufu, Mohammed Yusuf, Ayahaya Nassarawa, the sarkin Nassarawa, Musa wabai, Sarkin kutara, Musa Alanana, the Sarkin kwago and Padama and Abdullahi kwakwa , the Sarkin kwakwa , all expressed their appreciation for the enlightenment campaign and gave assurances of full compliance with the safety measures taught.

The sensitization is part of a nationwide mandate from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, to ensure dedicated and regular engagement with littoral communities. The Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, has directed all Area Offices to accord the directive top priority.The Abuja Area Office team is expected to extend the campaign to other littoral communities within and around the FCT next week.