National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has announced calls for papers for the 2024 edition of its Annual Master Lecture Series (AMLS) slated for Thursday, May 30, 2024 in Abuja.
The AMLS is established to attract Hospitality and Tourism intellectuals who will provide informative, engaging and thought-provoking lectures on myriads issues that are germane to the development of hospitality, travel and tourism sector.
The 2024 AMLS which has as its theme; ‘Sustainable Food Production from Farm to Table,’ also lists sub-themes to include; ‘Food Safety and Sustainable Health,’ ‘Food and Identity: Food as a Maker of Cultural Identity and Diversification,’ Food Science and Technology: The Science Behind Food Production, Processing and Preservation,’ Food, Politics and Power: The Politics of Food Production and Distribution,’ Food Access and Social Inequality,’ The Future of Food: Future Trends in Food production, Consumption and Distribution.’
According to NIHOTOUR, the deadline for submission is April 30, 2024 for abstracts, while May 15 is for full text of proposed papers.
The agency, however, warned that ‘plagiarism is not accepted,’ as it limited papers to a maximum length of between 300 to 3,000 words for abstract and full text, respectively.
NIHOTOUR is a research and allied Institution under the Federal Ministry of Tourism tasked with the responsibility of training and developing human capacity in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) has urged the Minister of Tourism, Ms Lola Ade-John to work towards establishing an agency solely for statistics and data gathering within in order to galvanise growth and development in the industry.
ANJET delegation meeting the Minister of Tourism, in Abuja
The proposed agency, according to the association, would help to unlock the full potential of the tourism sector in Nigeria, in terms if investments, in addition to actualizing the long-stalled Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) project.
ANJET further called on the minister to enable the firming of a grading and accreditation body to harmonise the process of hotel classification and regulation of operations of hospitality establishments in the country.
This is just as the minister, Ms Ade-John informed the visiting ANJET delegation that she has already set up a department in the Ministry of Tourism for data gathering, as she further disclosed of plans to market Nigeria’s tourism assets through virtual reality gadgets, documentaries.
ANJET which made this known in a position paper presented to the Minister of Tourism when a delegation of its members paid a courtesy visit to her office at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, March 7, also congratulated Ade-John on her resumption back to work after a three-month absence occasioned by health challenges barely weeks after her appointment to the office by President Bola Tinubu, last August.
The ANJET position paper jointly signed by its President, Mr Victor Nze and Secretary, Mrs Taiye Olayemi, and presented to the minister noted since the conclusion of the 61st Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Commission for Africa (CAF) and Technical Seminar for Tourism Statistics hosted by Nigeria in Abuja, in June 2018, which recommended TSAs for African countries, the far-reaching resolutions of that gathering have remained unimplemented by the Nigerian government further stalling growth in the sector.
According to ANJET, a Nigeria Tourism Statistics agency has the capacity to drive growth and development as investors leverage key decisions and projections and outlook on its contents.
Continuing, the association further posited that reports and data from existing statistics agencies in the country were not industry-tailored to meet the demands of potential investors, since they also do not focus on specific market operational details in their various reports.
The association, therefore, posited that creating a statistics agency in the Tourism ministry would serve to create awareness and understanding of the implementation of Tourism Satellite Accounts (TSA) which is key to tracking and keeping records of the National tourism growth and development indices, statistically.’
“The Minister needs to prioritize the matter of creating a statistics agency in the tourism ministry to be saddled with gathering essential data on the sector. Personnel to be deployed to this agency could be pulled from the existing two agencies in the ministry.
“Creating a Nigeria Tourism Statistics agency is one of the resolutions agreed upon by member nations in attendance during the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Conference on Africa (CAF) 61st Meeting in 2018, which incidentally was hosted by Nigeria in Abuja.
“Creating a statistics and data gathering agency has now become imperative, which itself is as vital as a standalone ministry of tourism in Nigeria.
“Honorable Minister, without encroaching on the NTDA Act of 2022 signed into law in 2023, we believe that the responsibility for grading and certifying hospitality establishments in Nigeria should not be allowed to weigh down on the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, as a specific agency can reduce this burden in the NTDA for effectiveness.
“We also, appeal for regular interactions with the private sector operators to be convened by the Ministry of Tourism to feel the pulse of the industry. Such fora have been missing for many years now and we believe reviving it would set a positive tone in the sector,” read the ANJET paper.
While reiterating its alignment with the position of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) on the need for the minister to urgently address the sector’s myriad of challenges, including a National Policy on Tourism, , state’s tourism masterplan, among others, which are contained in an earlier presentation made to her during the group’s courtesy visit in September, 2023, led by its President, Mr Nkereuwem Onung, ANJET assured Ms Ade-John of its commitment towards ensuring the success of programmes of the Tourism ministry, as it further pledged to support her policies aimed at repositioning the sector.
This is, however, as the association appealed to the minister for support in its activities, including the forthcoming 2024 ANJET Conference in Lagos, later in the year.
“Honorable Minister, ANJET seeks your assistance in realizing the laudable goals of this conference, as with other targets of our association.
“We also request your assistance in funding our other activities and furthermore, engaging our inputs and thoughts in your mission to driving growth and development in the Nigerian tourism industry.
“Honorable Minister, ANJET also aligns with the agenda earlier presented to you by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), of which our association is affiliated to, during its earlier meeting with you on assumption of office in September 2023 in Abuja,” the group posited.
Responding, the minister while welcoming the ANJET delegation to her office, assured of her readiness to collaborate with the private sector operators in the tourism industry, including ANJET in efforts to drive development in the economy.
On promotion of Nigeria’s tourism assets, Ms Ade-John informed the delegation that the ministry will ‘leave no stone unturned’ in marketing the nation’s products to the world using the new mode of virtual reality.
Virtual reality is the use of computer modeling and simulation that enables a person to interact with an artificial three-dimensional (3-D) visual or other sensory environment.
“Marketing and promotion of Nigeria’s tourism endowments is key and huge for us, we have began a lot in this area and among such is the use of documentaries and virtual reality gadgets to attract visitors, to boost domestic tourism.
“We are currently working on producing documentaries on tourism assets and experiences peculiar to each state. These documentaries would also spur the interest of intending tourists to visit those sites physically.
“Also, we are going to create community tourism resource centres in every city in Nigeria which will enable tourists gain access to information on their choice destinations in each city. We are still in the planning stage to upscale the industry, very soon execution of our plans will be implemented,” she said.
Ade-John, who explained the importance of having a functional website that would market the nation’s tourism assets, said plans were also underway to actualise this, added that the ministry had already engaged the National Orientation Agency, Ministry of Aviation, Nigeria Immigration Service and many other organisations to bridge the wide gap in aviation, transportation and tourism.
“We want to ensure that airfares are commensurate with what we have to offer in terms of tourism and create information desk at the airport for seamless access to vital information.
“For the immigration, we want to ensure that our points of entry are attractive enough and welcoming.
“We will be engaging the National Orientation Agency in training our tourism operators because we are aware they have the capacity to do this, they have officials who can speak over 160 languages.
“We will ensure all our plans in advancing the industry is properly executed,” she said.
Established over two decades ago, ANJET is tasked with gauging the pulse of travel and tourism industry operators in Nigeria, while interfacing with the public sector regulators in the sector.
ANJET is affiliated to the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and remains the only industry Journalists’ body in the 22-member strong private sector operators’ group. Its active members are drawn from various journalism platforms spread across the country, including the online, broadcast and print media.
Minister of Tourism, Ms Lola Ade-John flanked by the ANJET delegation during the courtesy visit in Abuja, March 7
Minister of Tourism, Ms Lola Ade-John, says plans have begun to market the enormous potential in Nigeria’s tourism industry through virtual reality gadgets and documentaries.
Minister of Tourism, Ms Lola Ade-John flanked by the ANJET delegation during the courtesy visit in Abuja, March 7
Ade-John disclosed this on Thursday during a meeting with the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET).
According to her, the ministry will leave no stone unturned in marketing the nation’s tourism assets to the world.
Virtual reality is the use of computer modeling and simulation that enables a person to interact with an artificial three-dimensional (3D) visual or other sensory environment.
“Marketing and promotion of Nigeria’s tourism endowments is key and huge for us, we have began a lot in this area and among such is the use of documentaries and virtual reality gadgets to attract visitors, to boost domestic tourism.
“We are currently working on producing documentaries on tourism assets and experiences peculiar to each state. These documentaries would also spur the interest of intending tourists to visit those sites physically.
“Also, we are going to create community tourism resource centres in every city in Nigeria which will enable tourists gain access to information on their choice destinations in each city.
“We are still in the planning stage to upscale the industry, very soon execution of our plans will be implemented,” she said.
Ade-John, who explained the importance of having a functional website that would market the nation’s tourism assets, said plans were also underway to actualise this.
“This will be done in such a way that when people type Nigeria on the internet, the first thing that will be displayed will be the nation’s tourism endowments, as obtainable in the U.S.”
She said that the ministry had already engaged with the National Orientation Agency, Ministry of Aviation, Nigeria Immigration Service and many other organisations to bridge the wide gap in aviation, transportation and tourism.
“We want to ensure that airfares are commensurate with what we have to offer in terms of tourism and create information desk at the airport for seamless access to vital information.
“For the immigration, we want to ensure that our points of entry are attractive enough and welcoming.
“We will be engaging the National Orientation Agency in training our tourism operators because we are aware they have the capacity to do this, they have officials who can speak over 160 languages.
“We will ensure all our plans in advancing the industry is properly executed,” she said.
The Minister, who noted the importance of data gathering in improving the industry, said the ministry had created a new department for data gathering.
She expressed readiness to work with ANJET and other private tourism operators in the country.
[Being Position Paper presented by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) during a courtesy visit to Minister of Tourism, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ms Lola Ade-John, in Abuja, on March 7, 2024.]
Congratulations to you the Honorable Minister of Tourism, Ms Lola Ade-John on your appointment to the office in August, last year by President Bola Tinubu. We also commend your dexterity in returning back to office after weeks of being sidelined by unforeseen circumstances.
What we do
As pulse of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) also gauges and articulates the various positions of industry players and further serve to drive advocacy adopted by the private sector operators in the sector.
ANJET also makes regular interventions in the industry by creating fora for operators and regulators to interface, while also creating platforms for industry players to exploit with a view to sustaining and growing their businesses
Honorable Minister, one of those interventions is the forthcoming ANJET 2014 Conference which has as its theme; ‘Highlighting investment and explorable business opportunities for travel and tourism private sector operators in Africa.’
The conference scheduled for March/April in Lagos is expected to gather public sector policy makers from several African countries, including the Honorable Minister who will address stakeholders on the subject.
The aim of this conference is to provide a veritable platform for private sector operators from the travel and tourism sector in Nigeria to interface with the public sector industry regulators from various African countries, including Nigeria, to gain I sight into viable investment opportunities existing in travel and tourism policies by governments of the participating nations.
This gathering is expected to open windows of opportunities for local and international players to grow their businesses.
Honorable Minister, ANJET seeks your assistance in realizing the laudable goals of this conference, as with other targets of our association.
We also request your assistance in funding our other activities and furthermore, engaging our inputs and thoughts in your mission to driving growth and development in the Nigerian tourism industry.
We seek to be carried along in your various tourism brand promotion and marketing missions across the stares of the federation, including international visits, to which we assure of our readiness to contribute immensely to the success of such professional engagements.
We also wish to reiterate the imperative of establishing an agency solely tasked with data gathering and statistics, which itself is as vital as a standalone ministry of tourism in Nigeria. Without encroaching on the NTDA Act of 2022 signed into law in 2023, we believe that the responsibility for grading and certifying hospitality establishments in Nigeria should not saddled with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, as a specific agency can reduce this burden in the NTDA for effectiveness.
Madam, we appeal for regular interactions with the private sector operators to be convened by the Ministry of Tourism to feel the pulse of the industry. Such fora have been missing for many years now and we believe reviving it would set a positive tone in the sector.
We assure you of our unalloyed commitment to helping you realize your target goals and agenda for the industry, as we are totally prepared to activate our full capacity and reach towards achieving that goal in your tenure as Nigeria’s pioneer Minister of Tourism.
We also reiterate our appeal to you to invest more interest and concern in our activities considering the vital role we play in aggregating positions of various industry operators in the country and even beyond.
Agenda setting for the industry
I. The Honorable Minister of Tourism needs to engage other MDAs of the federal government towards unlocking the country’s tourism ecosystem. This will go a long way in driving development and seamless operations within the industries. In the same way at it will actualise the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of Present Bola Tinubu.
II. We urge the minister to prioritize marketing and promotion of Nigeria tourism products which has suffered neglect over the years. Also, marketing and promotion should feature states and private sector in participation, as well.
III. Reopening of international market channels should be taken seriously. Some of these trade exhibitions include: World Travel Market (WTM) in London, IT Berlin, FITUR in Spain, and the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, the UAE, and others.
Showcasing our products in such international markets would grow and fasttrack our strive to corner the international travel and tourism market and effectively position the country in the comity of global destinations.
IV. The Honorable Minister needs to engage tourism stakeholders with a view to developing a national product planked on iconic features peculiar and indigenous to the nation.
This national product would then be marketed as an attraction for local and international tourists.
V. As a new dawn beckons for the tourism sector, it is imperative for the tourism minister to urgently address the linkage between aviation, transportation and tourism as these sectors had been operating separately.
V1. The Minister needs to prioritize the matter of creating a statistics agency in the tourism ministry to be saddled with gathering essential data on the sector. Staff to be deployed to this agency could be pulled from the existing two agencies in the ministry.
Creating a Nigeria Tourism Statistics agency is one of the resolutions agreed upon by member nations in attendance during the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Conference on Africa (CAF) meeting in 2018, which incidentally was hosted by Nigeria in Abuja.
Honorable Minister, ANJET also aligns with the agenda earlier presented to you by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), of which our association is affiliated to, during its earlier meeting with you on assumption of office in September 2023 in Abuja.
Who we are
ANJET, established over two decades ago has operated solely as the pulse and conscience of travel and tourism industry operators in Nigeria.
ANJET is affiliated to the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and remains the only industry Journalists’ body in the 22-member strong private sector operators’ group. Its active members are drawn from various journalism platforms spread across the country, including the online, broadcast and print media.
President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mrs Susan Akporiaye
Travel agencies in the country have welcomed latest move by the Federal Government, through its agency, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to commence investigations into what they called ‘unjustifiable’ fares charged by domestic airlines, describing the move as ‘a welcome development.’
President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mrs Susan Akporiaye
Reacting to the FCCPC planned investigation, President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mrs Susan Akporiaye slammed the airfares charged by domestic airlines are ‘raging and unbelievable.’
According to Mrs Akporiaye, NANTA had previously sought the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the National Assembly Committee on Aviation, in wading into the matter, which she admitted has ‘made life difficult for the Nigerian travelling public and further negatively impacting the survival of travel business operators in the country.’
Akporiaye further noted that NANTA is only acting in response ‘to the cries of Nigerian travelling public,’ as it has now taken decisive advocacy steps to finding a lasting solution to it following mounting complaints.
“NANTA is elated beyond measure by the response of the Federal Government through its consumer protection and regulatory agency to wade into this matter, which has become seemingly unending.
“We want to appreciate Government through the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, who has assured the sector that investigations would commence into the present structure of Airfares in Nigeria and bring it to an acceptable regime,” she stated.
Akporiaye described Mr Irukera’ s announcement as ‘a Christmas and New Year gift to travel agents who have borne the backlash of the fare hikes by airlines operating in Nigeria.’
“This is it, and we want to appreciate Mr. President, for gifting us an FCCPC, headed by a thorough professional, and to this end, we will endeavour to help the regulatory authority with whatever information that can help bring back sanity to fare management issues and give some respite to our Nigerian customers,” the NANTA president stressed.
It would be recalled that the FCCPC boss, Irukera, had last Thursday in Abuja, while hosting the press to the end of year party, promised to run a detailed investigation into the high airfare regime in Nigeria, noting that as important as that may sound, it is however a difficult task determining price hikes, particularly airfare.
The FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, in wading into the air fares charged by the airlines, explained that it is only fair to conduct a thorough investigation before decisive intervention steps are taken.
“There’s a provision in law against price gouging. Nigeria is a free market economy where the buyer and seller agrees to determine cost. Do we, as a regulator, have the power to impose price? No, we don’t. So one way to determine excessive pricing is through investigation,” he said.
The FCCPC boss further revealed in his usual detailed presentation that forensic studies in airfare pricing remained the most complex in the market investigation ecosystem, adding that it is possible to travel at a short distance and pay more, even with someone sitting beside you, paying something different.
Describing the phenomenon as a ‘competition issue,’ Irukera, however, noted that ‘there are many issues that must be considered when investigating hikes on airfare.’
“We believe that airfare in Nigeria is too high, but it will amount to an abuse of office by the regulatory authority to take action just because we feel the price is high. Our duty is to establish evidence and confront the body, and that’s hard work,” he clarified.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. General Christopher Musa exchanging gifts with the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. General Christopher Musa has commended the efforts made by the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe for what he described as ‘constantly reawakening the consciousness of Nigerians on the need to sustain the country’s rich cultural heritage.’
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. General Christopher Musa exchanging gifts with the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe
The CDS made this remark when he received a delegation comprising the executive committee members of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) and top management of the NCAC led by Otunba Runsewe to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on a courtesy visit.
According to the CDS, Otunba Runsewe is contributing meaningfully to the socio-political and economic development of the nation, just as he lauded the NCAC under his leadership, adding that Runsewe’s ‘passion, drive, records and achievements of the NCAC in the sector was evidently unrivalled.’
The CDS stated that he was elated to receive the delegation in his office adding that the visit provides a platform to rub minds and share experiences on ways the Nigerian military can collaborate with the NCAC to promote a robust civil – military relationship through arts and culture.
General Musa who said the Armed Forces whose cardinal role is the protection of the nation’s territorial integrity can also achieve its mandate using culture as a veritable tool.
”The defense of the territorial integrity of the nation is the defense of its culture” the CDS added.
Speaking earlier, the Director General of NCAC Runsewe commended the CDS for the remarkable gallantry of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in recent months and the efforts aimed at routing Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and all forms of crimes and criminalities in Nigeria.
Otunba Runsewe ‘maintained that the activities of criminal elements in our society have been greatly curtailed, neutralized and disseminated in recent times, leading to the relative restoration of peace, law and order in Nigeria.’
He further drew the attention of the Chief of Defence Staff to the close relationship between culture, peace and national unity, and the potency of culture for engendering sustainable peace and social harmony.
He informed the CDS that the NCAC has been complementing the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria ‘in the task of restoring peace in our dear nation, using a variety of soft approaches, including the hosting of cultural festivals, skills acquisition programmes, civil inter-face, sporting activities particularly golf and football,’ adding further that the military has been participating in some of the activities of the NCAC which it avails to the military.
Runsewe recalled that that in 2022, the Nigerian Armed Forces staged a colourful military parade and exhibition in Lagos during the 35th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) and in the same vein, the Office of the Chief of Defence staff collaborated with the Nigeria Golf Federal (NGF) under his leadership as the President, to host the first Chief of Defence Staff Golf Tournament to mark the 2022 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
Runsewe who doubles as the President of World Crafts Council for African Region also used the occasion to solicit for a stronger civil military relationship where the civil society will always see the military as friends and not foes.
He restated that the visit was to brief the CDS on activities of the NCAC and NGF and to benefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience on how the two organizations can fine-tune and perfect non-military strategies in the struggle towards building a Nigeria free of insurgency and other violent crimes.
Highlight of the event was the exchange of gifts and souvenirs between the CDS and the visiting delegation.
Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka
Lagos Government, Thursday, disclosed of plans to partner with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) with the aim of creating a welcome desk at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, to ensure seamless operations for arriving tourists.
Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka
Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who disclosed this during an interactive meeting with members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), at the Ministry’s Conference Room, in Alausa, Ikeja, Wednesday, explained that the latest decision is informed by the need to reduce the cumbersome process tourists experience in navigating their way around the state on arrival at the airport.
According to Mrs Benson-Awoyinka, the welcome desk would also cater for every traveller’s needs, including making prompt bookings for hotel accommodation, airport transfers, among others.
“This is one of the efforts the ministry is putting in place to encourage tourists’ inflow into the state.
“We are going to create an atmosphere of welcome at every entry point into Lagos at the airport.
“We are going to be working with FAAN to create a space to help tourists and travellers generally gain access to easy hotel and taxi bookings as well as need to gain access to the service of professional tour guides, tour operators and travel agents.
“We want to showcase Lagos as a choice tourism destination to the world. We will also be partnering with bookings.com for seamless hotel reservations.
“We want to upgrade our system to say destination Lagos has arrived,” the commissioner said.
On efforts made to further preserve Lagos history and relay same to tourists, Benson-Awoyinka disclosed of plans to plaque the identified heritage sites within Lagos.
“We are also thinking of plaquing the heritage sites within Lagos to relay historical facts about each of the sites.
“Also, there would be a barcode at each of the site which could be scanned on tourists’ mobile gadget and they gain access to more knowledge on the sites because plaques cannot convey all the history.
“We will take deliberate steps to ensure Lagos residents know Lagos more and the history of the state.”
The commissioner, therefore, advised Nigerians to ‘look inwards and take deliberate steps to visit tourism sites within Lagos.’
“Lagos has the best and longest coastline in Africa and there is no difference between beaches in Maldives and Seychelles when compared to what is obtainable in Ibeshe and Ilashe,” she said.
She pledged to ensure that the state provides an enabling environment and eco-system around tourism.
The commissioner further disclosed of plans by the state government to formally introduce ‘LAGRIDE’ as official tourism ride for Lagos.
“So, when visitors land at the airport, they can book their ride and the taxi will be waiting to take tourists to their destinations.
“We want Nigerians to see Lagos as a global tourism destinations, our waterway is beautiful, there is absolutely no difference between beaches in Maldives and the ones we have in Ilashe and Ibeshe.
“We should all work toward boosting our economy by visiting our tourism destinations and reduce visit to international ones,” she said.
(From left): Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja; Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Idris Aregbe and the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka at the press conference to announce the Lagos Greater Lagos Fiesta, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Friday
Over 70, 000 revelers are expected to grace the Lagos Countdown 2024’s ‘Greater Lagos Fiesta,’ as activities lined up for the show get into full swing.
(From left): Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja; Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Idris Aregbe and the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka at the press conference to announce the Greater Lagos Fiesta, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Friday
According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, this expected number of revelers represents a jump from the 20, 000 people who graced the 2022 edition of the fiesta which held across the five Divisions of the state, including; Badagry, Epe, Lagos Island, Ikeja and Ikorodu centres.
Speaking Friday, during the inaugural press briefing to formally announce the event, scheduled to run from December 29 through to January 1, 2024, Mrs Benson-Awoyinka confirmed that this year’s edition will also follow in the tradition of the previous editions by its spread across the five Divisions in the state.
The Lagos Countdown celebration holds annually to usher in the New Year and is organised by the government in partnership with private sector operators, as part of its tourism programmes geared towards boosting the sector and generating revenue for the state.
According to the commissioner, the Lagos Countdown is in line with the government’s ‘focus of deliberately positioning Lagos State to favourably compete with developed cities of the world in terms of hosting tourism and entertainment events.’
Providing more details on the fiesta, the commissioner, explained that the three-day entertainment show ‘apart from showcasing the cultural activities and nurturing up-coming talented youngsters in the entertainment and creative industry, will also positively impact the state’s economy through massive sales of goods and services to thousands of fun and entertainment lovers throughout the duration of the event.’
The press conference which held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, was attended by the Special Adviser to State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Mr Idris Aregbe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja, alongside the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Prince Adesegun Ogundeji, who represented the commissioners, as well as, the Executive Secretary, Lagos Film and Video Censors Board. Mrs Adebukola Agbamimoja, in addition to senior directors at the Tourism ministry.
The tourism commissioner who further disclosed that this year’s edition has been reduced to three days from the previous editions’ seven days of activities, however, assured that the 2023 fiesta ‘will be taken ‘to a whole new level, with three days of non-stop excitement from December 29th, 2023, to January 1st, 2024.’
According to her, the event has ‘over the years proven to be a very engaging and mind-blowing event, providing fun activities and entertainment for Lagosians in their various localities across the five Ibile divisions of the State.’
This is further as the commissioner stressed that the Lagos Countdown 2024, tagged; Greater Lagos Fiesta, has been serving the purpose of discovering and nurturing new talents, exposing young talented entertainers to bigger platforms while also serving as a mechanism for curbing youth restiveness that often characterizes the festive period.
“The Lagos Countdown 2024 #Greater Lagos Fiesta is going to be a fantastic way to bid farewell to year 2023 and welcome the new one, year 2024, with a bang. We have lined up an incredible array of music stars who will grace the stage and thrill all fun lovers from Badagry to Epe, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Ikeja featuring homegrown talents to international sensations, the best of Afro Beats, Highlife, Juju and Fuji music.
“This event is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity that Lagos State has to offer. It’s a celebration of our music, our art, and our vibrant cultural scene. The Lagos Countdown 2024 #Greater Lagos Fiesta is a platform that brings people together, transcending boundaries and fostering a sense of unity and community.
“Let me emphasize that this event is not just about the music. The Year 2023 Greater Lagos Fiesta will also showcase the best of our local cuisine, arts and crafts, and traditional performances. Participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors that make Lagos such a unique and vibrant city.
“The details of the entertainers, artists, and other special attractions for participants at the event would be made known in the next few days.
“This year’s edition of our annual end-of-the-year event, being the first in the second term in office of our Governor, will provide a non-stop 72-hour entertainment show including comedy, cultural performances, children corner, and all other entertainment components usually infused into the fiesta,” the commissioner stated.
Benson-Awoyinka, however, solicited the support of the private sector operators for participation, just as she disclosed that opportunities still abound for sponsorship of the three-day programme.
“I want to use this medium to call on members of the public, especially owners of businesses and service providers who are interested using the platform of the Lagos Countdown 2024 #Greater Lagos Fiesta to market themselves to the world, to approach the Ministry for registration.
“Apart from this, the window of sponsorship for the event is also open to interested corporate sponsors willing to collaborate with the State Government to make the event a success,” she said.
The commissioner used the platform of the briefing to express gratitude to ‘all the hardworking individuals and organizations who have made this event possible,’ just as she wooed residents of the state ‘to mark their calendars for this very unique event.’
“I appreciate Mr Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Chairman, and all Members of the State Executive Council, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly through the Chairman House Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Solomon Bonu.
“The entire Members of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture through the Special Adviser to Mr Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Idris Aregbe and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja, without your dedication and support, we wouldn’t be able to bring this incredible celebration to life.
“I call on Lagosians to mark their calendars for this very unique event, I urge the media to help us amplify the message for everyone to get ready for the Lagos Countdown 2024 #Greater Lagos Fiesta! It’s going to be an unforgettable experience filled with music, laughter, and joy. Let’s come together as one big Lagos family and make memories that will last a lifetime,” the commissioner said.
On provisions for hotel accommodations for arriving guests from outside the state for the fiesta, the commissioner said such plans will be factored into next year’s edition, as, according to her, the government will allow for demand and supply to dictate the pricing.
The commissioner also assured that the idea of designating hotels as partners to ease accommodation for arriving guests will be key to next year’s programme for the Greater Lagos Fiesta.
NCAC Director-General, Otunba Runsewe with state Commissioners and Directors of Culture/History Bureaux from across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the National Stakeholders’ Review Conference on the 35 editions of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) at the Chida Hotel, in Jabi, Abuja
[By VICTOR NZE]
Crude oil and the gas sector of the economy has continued to dominate the country’s export value, but this is largely due to reluctance of policy makers in the country to effectively exploit the untapped potential firmly domiciled in the culture and arts industry.
NCAC Director-General, Otunba Runsewe with state Commissioners and Directors of Culture/History Bureaux from across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the National Stakeholders’ Review Conference on the 35 editions of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) at the Chida Hotel, in Jabi, Abuja
This is the position of the state Commissioners and Directors of Culture/History Bureaux from across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), members of professional associations in the culture sector, the media and the general public who gathered for the recently-concluded four-day National Stakeholders’ Review Conference on the 35 editions of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).
The conference which ran from Tuesday, December 5 through to Friday 8, at the Chida Hotel, in Jabi, Abuja recommended among others, in its communiqué that Nigerian cultural products should be carefully packaged and aggressively promoted through platforms such as digital marketing, creation of galleries and the participation in travel markets, and others to drive their market value and generate revenue.
This is also as it advocated the immediate creation of skills acquisition training programmes, especially for women, the youths and the physically-challenged through structured processes of formal education, informal and traditional skills transfer, apprenticeship, and others, all geared towards economic empowerment and capacity building for operators in the sector to drive the general economy.
According to the third quarter report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria recorded a 60.78 per cent jump in trade growth recorded compared to the second quarter of 2023.
The NBS report further disclosed that Nigeria’s total trade in the third quarter of 2023 stood at N18,804.29 billion, representing an increase of by 60.78 per cent compared to the second quarter of 2023.
The NBS also disclosed in its recently-published on its website titled; “Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics (Q3 2023) International Trade Reports,” that Nigeria’s exports were valued at N10,346.60 billion while total imports stood at N8,457.68 billion in the third quarter of this year.
“Total exports increased by 60.78% compared to the amount recorded in the second quarter of 2023 (N6,435. 13 billion) as well as by 74.36% compared to the corresponding quarter in 2022 (N5,934.15 billion).
“Also, petroleum oils formed the largest export value in the third quarter of 2023,” the NBS report said.
“Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude’ with N8,535.61 billion representing 82.50% this was followed by ‘Natural gas, liquefied’ with N1,016.45 billion accounting for 9.82%, and ‘Urea, whether or not in aqueous solution’ with N109.68 billion or 1.06% of total exports.”
According to the NBS report, total imports increased by 47.70 per cent compared to the value recorded in the second quarter of 2023 (N5,726.25 billion) and by 33.33 per cent when compared to the value recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2022 (N6,343.53 billion), the report added.
According to the NBS, the significant rise in exports and imports in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the preceding and corresponding quarters was largely driven by an increase in trade activities within the period.
Meanwhile, data on Imports in the third quarter of 2023 reveals that the top five partner countries of origin for imports to Nigeria were: China (N1,973.34 billion or 23.33%); Belgium with N996.65 billion or 11.78%; India with N802.07 billion or 9.48 per cent; Malta with N561.37 billion or 6.64 per cent; and the United States of America with N502.92 billion or 5.95 per cent of total imports.
Furthermore, the value of re-export stood at N35.95 billion representing 0.35% of total exports in Q3, 2023, as crude oil remained the highest trading commodity in the third quarter of 2023.
The NBS report further indicated that Ivory Coast, Gabon, Ghana, Cameroon, and South Korea were the top five re-export destinations for Nigeria, respectively.
For export, the report said analysis by trading partners in Q3, 2023, shows that Spain recorded the highest exports from Nigeria with a value of N1,274.07 billion or 12.31 per cent of the country’s total exports.
“This was followed by India with N1,015.13 billion or 9.81%, The Netherlands with N988.66 billion or 9.56%, Indonesia with N758.59 billion or 7.33%, France with N720.45 billion or 6.96% of total exports.
Altogether, exports to the top five countries amounted to 45.98% of the total value of exports.
Furthermore, according to the NBS report for Q1, 2022, the non-oil sector grew by 6.08 per cent in real terms during the period under review, but the growth recorded was driven largely by the Information and Communication (Telecommunication); Trade; Financial and Insurance (Financial Institutions); Agriculture (Crop Production); and Manufacturing (Food, Beverage & Tobacco), accounting for positive GDP growth.
“This rate was higher by 5.28% points compared to the rate recorded same quarter of 2021 and 1.34% points higher than the fourth quarter of 2021.
“In real terms, the non-Oil sector contributed 93.37% to the nation’s GDP in the first quarter of 2022, a figure higher than the share recorded in the first quarter of 2021 which was 90.75% and lower than the fourth quarter of 2021 recorded as 94.81%,” the NBS reported.
However, despite its seeming neglect, the country’s Arts, Entertainment and Recreation sector for the same period of Q1, 2022 under review, in nominal terms, registered a growth increase of 15.01% in the first quarter 2022 (year-on-year), representing a rise of 10.07% points relative to the preceding quarter growth rate of 4.94% and an increase of 15.48% points compared with the year earlier growth rate of -0.47%.
“On a quarterly basis, growth was recorded at 44.33%, higher than the quarter-on-quarter growth of Q4 2021 recorded at 17.65%.
“The activity contributed 0.23% to the total nominal GDP in the first quarter of 2022. This contribution was slightly higher than the 0.22% it contributed in Q1 2021 and higher than the 0.14% it contributed in Q4 of 2021.
“In real terms, the activity grew by 2.30% year-on-year which was more than the rate recorded in Q1 2021 by 3.43% points, and less by 2.01% points when compared with that of the preceding quarter. Quarter-on-Quarter, growth stood at 28.94% in real terms.
“Overall, Art, Entertainment and Recreation contributed 0.30% to real GDP in Q1 2022, relatively the same as the 0.30% recorded in 2021 and higher than 0.20% recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021,” the NBS report stated.
From the facts and figures recorded by the NBS, the arts and culture is clearly low on the revenue chart of the government, but still registered a place in terms of returns.
According to the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Director-General, Otunba Runsewe, while speaking at the opening of the conference, the culture sector in Nigeria has the proven capacity to drive the economic diversification and sustainability drive of the Federal Government and further contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country, if effectively harnessed.
Delivering his welcome address at the opening of the four-day National Stakeholders’ Review Conference on the 35th Anniversary of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) held at the Chida Hotel, in Jabi, Abuja, Wednesday, December 6, Otunba Runsewe opined that his position is against the backdrop of the fact that Nigeria ‘is unarguably one of the most culturally diverse nations in Africa, rich in various cultural products,’ adding that the sector can be developed to drive a robust cultural industry.
“In view of the proven capacity of the cultural sector to contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), most nations of the world are developing strategies to integrate and mainstream cultural products to the process of economic development, Nigeria is unarguably one of the most culturally diverse nations in Africa, rich in various cultural products.
“It offers a unique opportunity for artistry, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial skills that can be developed, showcased and marketed to drive a robust cultural industry. A rich cultural industry in Nigeria will no doubt speed up our diversification drive, engender rapid socio-economic growth and development and lead to a strong and stable Nigerian currency at the international market,” Runsewe said.
It is against this backdrop therefore, that the communiqué issued at the end of a four-day National Stakeholders’ Review Conference on the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) becomes even more expedient.
The conference itself was convened to evaluate the past 35 editions of the NAFEST with a view to assessing its strength and weaknesses, as well as, how it has fulfilled its goals of uniting the nation as well articulate strategies for improving on its content and form.
It was also tasked with evolving a policy framework for aligning NAFEST with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration; enhance the visibility of the culture sector and reposition it as a key player in the nation’s economy; set agenda for the State Art Councils/History Bureaux on development of craft markets in the states, emphasizing the development of one iconic cultural product in which they have comparative advantage.
It was tasked with exploring avenues for funding assistance and partnerships for operators in the industry, platforms available for international cultural exchanges and training programmes, and others, packaging, marketing and promotion of Nigerian arts for value addition, evolve a national blueprint for uniformly driving the Arts, Culture and the Creative Industry sector to engender employment generation and wealth creation, and galvanizing the socio-economic growth of Nigeria.
A timely communiqué issued at the end of the conference side harping on creation of skills acquisition programmes spread across the states of the federation, drew attention to the need to fill the marketing gaps in the country’s cultural products, especially by carefully packaging and aggressively promoting them through platforms such as digital marketing, creation of galleries and the participation in travel markets, and others.
This is also as it identified the imperative of encouraging states to develop one unique product in which they have comparative advantage will enable the states package and market the iconic product, attract investors, increase internally generated revenue, enhance public – private – partnership and reduce unemployment.
“Cultural exchange programmes can engender unity in diversity, promote international diplomacy for peace, enhance the cross-fertilization of ideas and promote international trade. There should be structured international exchange programmes and synergy between local and international NGOs to facilitate this process. Funding for this could be sourced from government subventions, self-sponsorship, local and international donor agencies, among others.
“The importance of cultural markets in the states as a means of employment and wealth creation, preservation of the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and the establishment of one-stop-shop for cultural products. Therefore, the establishment of cultural markets in the states to be domiciled in Ministry of Culture and Tourism is strongly recommended.
“The conference identified sources of funding of the culture sector to include government, the private sector, multinational organizations, development partners, donor agencies, charity organizations and lamented that government has never taken a deliberate step to fund the culture sector. It was, therefore, recommended that these sources of funding should be explored by the states while stakeholders like Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), and. should work with relevant cultural agencies of government to mount sustained advocacy in order to push for the implementation of the National Endowment Fund for Arts. To achieve this, industry players must work together, and embark on programmes that will not only make them relevant, but indispensable stakeholders in the task of nation building.
“The conference recommended that culture and tourism should remain as one Ministry both at the Federal and State levels to complement each other and contribute meaningfully to the diversification efforts of government and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation.
“The conference observed that leveraging technology and e-marketing presents a pivotal opportunity to project the culture sector to higher height. Consequently, it was recommended that the sector should develop marketing mindset, ensure adequate marketing of identified cultural products to attract relevant funding. Identified products should be properly packaged for presentation and sellability at the local and international market place. Accordingly, states are encouraged to take advantage of e-marketing opportunities offered by ALEPH and CLEVENARD and other relevant social media platforms.
“The National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), a flagship programme of the National Council for Arts and Culture remains a veritable platform for fostering national unity, peace, mutual understanding and cooperation among Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic group, culture, creed, tribe or tongue. It should, therefore, be sustained and strengthened.
“NAFEST should be developed to the status of a festival that needs no introduction and which encompasses all-year-round activities.
“The festival should target different relevant audience such as Diaspora Community, members of the academic community and the tourism sector, etc.
“Programmes which can boost economic activities in the states should be introduced into the festival in a way that missing the hosting of the festival by a state would amount to missing a life-time economic opportunity,” the communiqué read.
Meanwhile, the participants also hailed the leadership role of Otunba Runsewe , Director General of the NCAC for ‘bringing his wealth of knowledge, dynamism and innovation to bear on galvanizing the sector to greater visibility and development,’ and also for evolving the First National Stakeholders’ Review Conference on NAFEST after 35 editions to enable stakeholders interact, brainstorm and articulate a blue print for successfully driving the sector.
A total of three papers were presented at the plenary session which included: ‘Culture As a Tool For Revamping the Economy: An Agenda Setting,’ presented by the NCAC boss, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe (OON); ‘E-Marketing Cultural Content Beyond Borders,’ by Mrs. Franca Idemudia of the Clevenard Global Media International, and another presentation titled; ‘Explore, Understand, and Appreciate Nigeria Culture Through Photography,’ by Mr. Ade Dayo.
Culture sector in Nigeria has the capacity to drive the economic diversification and sustainability drive of the Federal Government if effectively harnessed, according to the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe.
NCAC DG, Runsewe
Delivering his welcome address at the opening of the four-day National Stakeholders’ Review Conference on the 35th Anniversary of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) held at the Chida Hotel, in Jabi, Abuja, Wednesday, December 6, Otunba Runsewe opined that his position is against the backdrop of the fact that Nigeria ‘is unarguably one of the most culturally diverse nations in Africa, rich in various cultural products,’ adding that the sector can be developed to drive a robust cultural industry.
The NAFEST conference gathered at least five delegates from each state of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including commissioners for culture and tourism, permanent secretaries, and other senior ministry officials in relevant agencies at the state levels.
According to Otunba Runsewe, the cultural sector has the ‘proven capacity’ to contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.
“In view of the proven capacity of the cultural sector to contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), most nations of the world are developing strategies to integrate and mainstream cultural products to the process of economic development, Nigeria is unarguably one of the most culturally diverse nations in Africa, rich in various cultural products.
“It offers a unique opportunity for artistry, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial skills that can be developed, showcased and marketed to drive a robust cultural industry. A rich cultural industry in Nigeria will no doubt speed up our diversification drive, engender rapid socio-economic growth and development and lead to a strong and stable Nigerian currency at the international market,” Runsewe said.
The NCAC boss further disclosed that his position on the potential of Nigeria’s arts and culture further reinforces his choice of programmes at the Council.
“It is in the light of the foregoing that the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) under my leadership is vigorously pursuing cultural programmes to open up the industry, unbundle, harness and develop latent skills, talents and capacities that would lead to the emergence of a vibrant cultural economy for Nigeria,” he said.
Runsewe described the NAFEST conference as also a needs assessment forum, in addition to being a veritable platform to ‘re-assess and restrategise’ the sector so as to align it with the agenda of ‘Renewed Hope’ of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“The National Stakeholders’ Review Conference on the 35th Anniversary of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) offers an ample opportunity for me to share with tall stakeholders and industry players in the culture and arts sector, the views I have always canvassed over the years on how we can collectively chart a new course for the sector and strengthen it as an economic pillar to drive the process of diversification and sustainable economic growth and development.
“We must re-assess ourselves, restrategise so as to align the sector with the agenda of ‘Renewed Hope’ of President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” Runsewe disclosed.
In his presentation, titled; ‘Explore, Understand, and Appreciate Nigeria Culture through Photography,’ foremost photographer, Dayo Adedayo, while describing photography as a medium that can capture, preserve, and promote cultural heritage, fostering cultural exchange and understanding, stated that the art further ‘allows us to explore the world’s diversity and celebrate the richness of Nigeria culture.’
“Overall, photography is a medium that can capture, preserve, and promote cultural heritage, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. It allows us to explore the world’s diversity and celebrate the richness of Nigeria culture,” said the photographer.
According to Adedayo, by deploying photography, ‘we can raise awareness, foster appreciation, and promote the preservation of different cultures and their eritage,’ as he posited that ‘photographs have the power to evoke emotions, spark curiosity, and bridge cultural gaps, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and understanding society.’
Highlight of the opening ceremony was the constitution of syndicated groups made up of all 36 states from the six geo-political zones, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) tasked with coming up with positions to be collated into a communiqué.
The groups are tasked with coming up with positions on sub-themes such as; Skills acquisition; One state-one unique product promotion; Cultural exchanges/Training in China; Financing/funding of sector; E-marketing of tourism/cultural products; Synergy between culture and tourism; Review of past 35 editions of NAFEST; Establishment of cultural states.
