Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture Otunba Segun Runsewe with the Doyen of the diplomatic community, His Excellency Salahedine Abass who is also the Cameroonian Ambassador to Nigeria at the presentation of Nigerian ultra-modern Arts and Craft village to the diplomatic community in Abuja
Diplomatic community in Nigeria has commended the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, for rebranding and Nigerian arts and culture and refocusing the sector towards meaningful contribution to the socio-political and economic development of the nation.
Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture Otunba Segun Runsewe with the Doyen of the diplomatic community, His Excellency Salahedine Abass who is also the Cameroonian Ambassador to Nigeria at the presentation of Nigerian ultra-modern Arts and Craft village to the diplomatic community in Abuja
High Commissioner of Cameroon to Nigeria, Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahim made this remark when members of the diplomatic community in the country were hosted to a dinner during a tour of facilities at the new ultra-modern Arts and Craft Village in Abuja recently
Ambassador Abbas who was full of commendations for the NCAC, noted that the passion, drive, records and achievements of Runsewe at the NCAC ‘is evidently unrivalled,’ adding that ‘this is evident in the support and confidence the diplomatic community has reposed on him.’
According to Abbas , ‘the Director General remains a blessing to the sector and urged Council to open up vistas of collaboration where the Diplomatic community can tap in to showcase their cultural strengths.’
In his welcome address, Otunba Runsewe, announced that his vision is to present Nigerians with the best cultural market in Africa with its launch of a new marketing strategy which includes a toll gate, a night cultural market, a pharmacy offering free blood sugar tests to visitors of the market, and a birthday shop.
“The Cultural Night Market is the first of its kind in Africa. Between six and nine months of operating the village, we will dovetail into a night market. Everywhere in the world you cannot start a night market without practicing the market during the day before delving into the night market.
Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe flanked by members of the diplomatic community, at the presentation of the ultra-modern Arts and Craft Village in Abuja recently
“You have to operate during the day first, get people acquainted with the idea so that everybody can used to it before extending it into the night shift.
It is intended that when the market is fully operational, one can leave the office at 5pm to the cultural village to shop and feel safe and comfortable when he is there,” he said.
The NCAC boss expressed the hopes that the diplomatic community will have unhindered access to the cultural market
Runsewe also stated that the council in partnership with a world standard pharmacy will host a pharmaceutical space with free medical tests including blood sugar tests for visitors to the space.
Other proposed facilities in the cultural hub include an information/complaint centre-to enhance quality products and services; and a quarterly media interaction session on developments within the village.
There were goodwill messages from ambassadors of various countries including the United States, China, Bulgaria, Mexico, Jamaica, Spain, Cameroon, Cuba, and others who attended the event.
President of the Federation of Tourism Associations in Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, has thrown his weight behind growing global calls for green economy, as he advocated the need for decarbonisation and promotion of green industrialisation by operators in the tourism and trade sectors on the continent.
FTAN President, Mr Onung
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the of the 1st Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum (ATCAF), organized by the Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation of Mrs. Abigail Olagbaye, which held at the Bishop Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, last Friday, November 24, the FTAN President further emphasized on the need for operators to invest in renewable energy sources to power accommodation and transportation systems.
According to Mr. Onung, this will involve the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, or the use of biofuels for vehicles and planes.
The FTAN President, who was represented at the event by the Coordinator of the association’s Ekiti State Chapter, Dr. Abioye Adedipe, therefore, appealed to operators to work together to prioritize decarbonization and green industrialization in tourism and trade, ‘and show the world that Africa is leading the way in sustainable development.’
“Additionally, by promoting sustainable travel practices among tourists, such as encouraging the use of public transportation, supporting local businesses, and reducing waste, can help minimize the industry’s environmental footprint.
“Embracing green technologies and sustainable practices in the tourism and trade industries will not only mitigating the impacts of climate change but also creating new opportunities for growth and development.
“This will require collaboration between governments, businesses, and communities to ensure that we can build a resilient and sustainable future for Africa.
“By doing so together, we can reduce our carbon footprint, create new jobs, and protect our precious natural resources for future generations.
“Let us work together to prioritize decarbonization and green industrialization in tourism and trade, and show the world that Africa is leading the way in sustainable development,” Onung said.
The inaugural edition of the ATCAF in Ekiti State held under the theme of: ‘Decarbonisation and Green Industrialisation of Tourism and Trade in Africa.’
The opening ceremony of the forum attracted notable dignitaries from the state, as well as, from the country, including; the Conservator-General of Nigeria, Dr Ibrahim Goni, who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Ntuyang; state Commissioner for Environment, Ekiti, Tosin Aluko, represented by Mr. Tunde.
Others are: Executive Secretary, Ekiti State Forestry Commission, Mr. Matthew Famuagun; Senior Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Green Economy on Climate Change, Dr. Akinyemi Akinyugha; Director General, state’s Bureau of Tourism Development, Ekiti State, Wale Ojo–Lanre, among others.
Minister of Tourism, Ms Lola Ade-John with FTAN President, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung during a recent meeting in September, in Abuja
Next edition of the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, United Kingdom, in 2024 will fully feature Nigeria travel and tourism operators, according to the President of the Federation of Nigerian tourism Associations (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung.
Minister of Tourism, Ms Lola Ade-John with FTAN President, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung during a recent meeting in September, in Abuja
Mr. Onung who disclosed this in a statement released, Monday, while reacting to the unexpectedly low-key participation of the country at the just-concluded annual WTM trade exhibition in London, assured that there will be an improvement come next edition in 2024, as he further stated that the country ‘will be fully and better represented.’
The World Travel Market (WTM) held for three days of Monday, November 6 through to Wednesday, 8, at the ExCel London, in the London City Airport area, and traditionally gathered the biggest travel trade professionals who network and gain industry insight into the latest industry trends.
The event remains the biggest platform to showcase exhibit travel and tourism products by participants from across the world at the trade exhibition. The WTM also showcases private sector operators in travel related industries including; hotels, airlines, car rentals, tour operators, cruise lines.
However, as well attended as the exhibition was, the country was unable to attend, as only the representation made by the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), and a private operator, Wakanow, flew Nigeria’s flag at the trade show. Incidentally, another private sector operators’ group, the West Africa Travel Organisation (WATO) also lifted the sub-region’s presence at the trade expo in separate stand.
The Nigeria government did not officially put up an exhibition stand at the 2023 trade expo, which would served as a general platform for all private and public sector operators in the industry to showcase their products.
Reacting to the situation, the FTAN President, in a statement, explained that the absence of the Nigerian delegation is a temporary setback, adding that the original plan of the Federal Government was for the Minister of tourism, Ms Lola Ade-John to lead the Nigerian delegation to the trade show, in line with pledge made to the private sector operators in September this year of government’s renewed commitment towards growing the industry.
“The original plan was for the minister lead the Nigerian industry delegation to the trade show. The plan was for the Minister of Tourism, Ms Lola Ade-John to lead a high-powered delegation of private sector operators in the industry to storm the 2023 WTM in London and fully showcase Nigeria’s products from all perspective.
“However, due to unforeseen challenges, mostly having to do with the minister’s health, as well as logistics issues, that plan was temporarily shelved but not discarded.
“The government, from what I have been reliably informed will still fulfill its original plan for at the just-concluded WTM 2023 by the next edition in 2024. So we expect that Nigerian travel and tourism operators will be given the room to demonstrate their capacities by way of showcasing their enormous travel and tourism products at the next edition of the trade exhibition in London.
“I can assure that this was not planned. We had intended to make a bigger showcase of Nigeria’s tourism and travel potential but then happened the setback.
“The Federal Government, through the minister had assured stakeholders of an improved investment and participation in the industry, and it is not relenting on this assurance, hence, we assure that the next edition will gather an expanded delegation of operators to attend and showcase our offerings at the expo.
“The WTM is still world’s biggest platform to meet and network among travel industry most reputable operators and we cannot afford to be absent at the expo come 2024,” said Onung.
The FTAN President further appreciated and hailed NANTA, WATO and Wakanow and others who exhibited at the WTM 2023 trade show which gave Nigeria a good representation.
“The NTDA Director General, Folarin Coker represented the Minister at the WTM expo, but I appreciate NANTA and others like WATO, Wakanow, for the wonderful showcase on behalf of the Nigerian tourism operators. They indeed flew our flag really well from reports I have read on the trade exhibition. We hail them. And also the WATO and Wakanow teams which showed their presence during the event,” Onung continued.
It would be recalled that earlier in September, this year, while receiving FTAN chieftains in Abuja shortly after inauguration, Ms Ade-John disclosed that the Federal Government has recommitted to enabling private enterprise participation in growing the tourism sector of the country.
The FTAN delegation led by its President, Onung also comprised the Directors General of the two agencies in the ministry; the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, as well as, his counterpart at the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr Folusho Folarin-Coker.
The minister used the meeting to restate her task of making the tourism industry viable and attractive to private investors, which she said tops the list of focus she has been tasked with by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the minister, ‘tourism is set to take the number one space in revenue generation in the country,’ which she stressed, can only be achieved through effective collaborations and result-oriented partnerships with private sector business and think-tank groups like FTAN.
NTDA D-G, Mr Folusho Folarin-Coker
Ade-John further reechoed President Bola Tinubu’s charge to all the ministerial appointees to revitalize their sectors, even as she thanked the FTAN delegation for the courtesy visit to her office ‘despite the tight space in the meeting room.’
The minister assured FTAN of her commitment to ‘push in ways and modalities to make tourism in Nigeria work,’ with the cooperation of the private sector enterprise stakeholders like the group.
On the issue of carrying FTAN along in government attendance at international events, the minister assured that she is working closely with all the parastatals and the ministry to attend those events in order ‘to tell the world that Tourism in Nigeria is back.’
On partnership with private sector operators in the industry, the minister assured of her readiness to ‘gladly talk to FTAN anytime’ and FTAN should feel free to come to the office to see her anytime.
Members of the FTAN delegation in the courtesy visit to the Tourism minister’s office included the executive committee officers, and some presidents of affiliate associations.
At the WTM 2023 the Director-General of the NTDA, Mr Folusho Folarin-Coker represented the Minister, while the NANTA team was led by its President, Mrs Susan Akporiaye, including Vice President, Eastern zone, NANTA, Mrs Chinyere Umeasiegbu; Vice President Lagos, Yinka Folami; and National Publicity Secretary, Mrs lola Adewole, as well as, journalist and member of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), Mr Frank Meke.
The next edition of the WTM London is expected to be held in November 2024.
There has been no time in the socio-economic evolution of Nigeria that the naira, the nation’s national currency, has been under such a severe pressure than as it is today. With the exchange rate of one US dollar to less than one naira in the 1970s, the exchange rate of the local currency against the dollar today has floated around and past the N1,000 mark.
Otunba Segun Runsewe, NCAC DG
This phenomenal fall in the value of our currency beginning from the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) era, till today, has continued to negatively impact on all spheres of our national life, challenge our cultural values and call for a comprehensive value re-orientation.
As a free market economy, the value of our nation’s currency would ultimately be determined by the market forces of demand and supply. This has implication on our level of consumption of foreign goods and services and by extension, our values. In those days when the naira commanded remarkable economic power at the global market, our values were right; our attitudes were positive and our personal dispositions were supportive of our developmental aspirations. We were a nation committed to agriculture as the mainstay of our economy while aggressively embarking on solid minerals exploration to drive a diversified economy.
We were a people imbued with positive sense of purpose and productive hard work was our national work ethics and our unique selling point. We were proudly Nigerians in our attitude to work, in our consumption, our dress culture and in all that we did. We witnessed relative economic stability, social harmony and development because we believed in and espoused the tenets of our culture.
Today, the story is different. We have thrown our cherished cultural values overboard. In place of hard work, we have embraced laziness, idleness and the get-rich-quick syndrome.
We are no longer proud of our rich cultural values and their diverse manifestations. For example, we have relegated the Nigerian fabrics which projected our cultural identity in the yesteryears and sustained a booming garment industry, for foreign dresses like the French suits, Hollandian fabrics and Senegalese attires. It is now fashionable for our educational institutions even at the elementary level to import school uniforms to educate our children away from our culture, both in content and in form. Our educational curriculum has become largely alien and non-reflective of our socio-cultural background.
It is unfortunate that today, we export Nigerian hide and skin to Italy and Spain only to import Italian and Spanish shoes made with Nigerian raw materials. Aba-made shoes has lost domestic patronage except when exported to Dubai and imported back into Nigeria with the brand “Made in Italy”. China has made alarming in-road into the Nigerian traditional fabric industry and imported Chinese tie and dye originally rooted in Osogbo culture is now in vogue in Nigeria. The story is endless.
There can be no sustainable economic development when the values and orientation of the citizenry are at variance with the culture on which the society is founded and where the general pattern of consumption is conspicuously alien and brazenly extravagant.
For us to attain economic growth and the stability of the naira therefore, we must return to our cherished cultural values and harness our cultural resources to engender national development.
Examples abound of nations which utilised their cultural strength to enhance the developmental process. It took men and women of vision, courage and commitment to conceive, pursue and realize the American vision rooted in the firm belief in America as a virgin continent magnificently endowed by nature. With a strong culture of patriotism and commitment to the growth of America, the USA rose from the ashes of a people with diverse ethnic nationalities, ravaged by a civil war and racial segregation to become the world’s foremost super-power. Those who crafted the American dream upon which the continent was born were not angels from above. They were Americans who believed in the vision of a great continent and patriotically committed themselves to ensuring that the vision became a workable reality. Today, when America sneezes, the rest of the world catches cold.
China presents another example of a people who believed in themselves and looked inward to collectively reinvent their nation.
From the dark trenches of the global depression of the 1930s through the Sino-Japanese war of 1937 to the Great Leap forward and the famine 1957, China has emerged the second largest economy in the world, with firm belief in their history, culture and heritage.
India, like Nigeria, was a British colony. Unlike Nigeria however, India has used the scientific and technological expertise of Western education to develop its nation, holding jealously on to the Indian cultural heritage. They dress Indian, eat Indian, talk Indian and live Indian.
In view of the proven capacity of the cultural sector to contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Products, most nations of the world are developing strategies to integrate and mainstream cultural products to the process of economic development.
Nigeria is unarguably 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 derive a robust cultural industry. A rich cultural industry in Nigeria will no doubt speedup our diversification drive, engender rapid socio-economic growth and development and lead to a strong and stable Nigerian currency at the international market.
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 that will 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.
In the last six years, the NCAC under my leadership has executed skills acquisition programmes through the platform of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) and the International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo. In these and several other programmes, over ten thousand Nigerians, especially women, youths and the physically challenged, have been trained and given start-up grants. We have successfully ingrained skill acquisition in metal production, hair weaving, wood carving, local fabric making, soap and bead making among others, into our flagship programmes.
To open our cultural industry to the international market, we have continued to run INAC with the theme; “Networking Nigerian Crafts to the World” while targeting members of the Diplomatic Community as our primary audience.
This effort is deliberate because foreign trade enquiries starts from the embassies in the host countries. For us to have an in-road into the global cultural market, we must cultivate the attention and partnership of members of the diplomatic community while honing our skills and enhancing our design, finishing, packaging and presentation to meet global market standard. It is through product improvement that we can raise the value of our arts and crafts industry to become truly attractive and earn the confidence of the international consumers necessary for a robust cultural economy that can create employment and wealth for our nation.
Accordingly, we have introduced the concept of comparative advantage in our efforts to tap into the cultural uniqueness of the respective states through the 37 wonders of Nigeria. This programme is anchored on the economic policy of one state, one product.
In the efforts to expand the frontiers of our cultural industry, we cannot afford to be in competition but in active collaboration and complimentary. The 37 wonders of Nigeria was launched by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the National Festival of Arts and Culture in Lagos last year with emphasis on one state, one product.
The cultural wonders of Nigeria is a brand identity and marketing concept premised on peculiar tangible manifestations and intangible expressions unique to the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Each of these constitutes the wonders of natural endowments or amazing evidence of human creative interactions. Together, they have evolved to become iconic emblems of Nigeria tourism destinations and technological processing.
For example, the Zanna Cap of Borno, the Akwa-Ocha dazzling white traditional woven fabric of Delta State, the queen Idia head of Benin, Edo State, the Ikogosi Water Spring of Ekiti, the Nok Culture of Kaduna State, the Dye Pits of Kano, the Itoguntoro traditional weaving heritage of Kogi State, the Dada pottery of Kwara State, the brass works of Niger State, to mention but a few have all assumed unique cultural brands that can be enriched, repackaged and aggressively promoted as aspects of Nigerian cultural brands at the international market place.
In addition to the above, Nigeria is one of the richest countries of the world in terms of cultural festivals. Our fascinating cultural festivals and dance include; Ohafia war dance in Abia State, Ekwobi dance in Cross River State, the Nwa Umu-Agbogho of Ebonyi State, the Odo Masquerade festival of Enugu State, the Eyo Masquerade of Lagos State, Argungu Fishing festival of Kebbi State, the Osun Osogbo festival of Osun State, Igue Festival of Edo State, the boat regatta of Rivers and Bayelsa states and so on.
These cultural festivals can be repackaged into a cluster and a national festival calendar created to ensure that tourists in search of leisure and entertainment can experience several of these festivals in a particular cluster during one visit.
I, therefore, wish to call on all stakeholders and key players in the arts and culture sector to begin to apply their energies towards optimizing the huge potential in our vast arts and culture sector.
It is my hope that if our cultural resources are carefully harnessed and productively channeled, it will open up our cultural economy, engender rapid socio-economic growth and lead to the emergence of a strong and stable currency that will command the required purchasing power at the international market.
*Otunba Runsewe is the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC)
Irishman and Japan-based chef, Alan Fisher has dethroned Nigeria’s Hilda Baci as the new holder of the Guinness Book of Records for longest cooking time by an individual, barely five months after the Nigerian had set the record in Lagos.
Irishman and Japan-based chef, Alan Fisher
Mr Fisher beat Ms Hilda Baci’s time of 93 hours and 11 minutes set in June, this year by over 24 hours to claim a new time of 119 hours and 57 minutes at his restaurant in Japan, penultimate Tuesday.
Fisher’s new time is more than 24 hours longer than the previous record held by Hilda Baci.
Alan then claimed the longest baking marathon (individual), with a time of 47 hours 21 minutes.
The previous record holder was Wendy Sandner (USA) with a time of 31 hours 16 minutes.
What’s even more impressive is that Alan took on both attempts back to back, meaning he was at work in the kitchen for over 160 hours with just over a day of rest in between!
On the year of his graduation from Dublin City University in 2008, Alan was looking for a challenge. By going through an overseas graduate programme, which introduced Irish graduates to companies in Asia, Alan received a job offer at a company in Tokyo.
About six years later, Alan had established himself well in Tokyo, and also met his wife (and to-be business partner). But something didn’t feel right for him.
“After the wedding, saying goodbye to 30 friends and family who came over, I remember a feeling of being trapped, thinking to myself, ‘Is this it? Is this my life now, to have kids and work in the same company?’ It was time for the next challenge,” he said.
So in August 2014, Alan took the leap of faith and decided to start his own business; it was not difficult for him to pick Irish food and culture as the main themes of the business.
Alan’s restaurant, Kyojin Stewhouse, focuses on the mainstays of Irish households: stews, soups, homemade breads, and potatoes.
According to Alan, customers would not only feel like they’re in Ireland, but also feel as if they are in his home.
Alan learned about the longest cooking marathon record in March while he was participating in the “I Love Ireland” festival in Tokyo.
During this festival, Alan stood inside a rented kitchen car and stayed overnight twice.
During a break, he searched on the internet to find out that the record at the time was held by Lata Tondon (India) with a time of 87 hours 45 minutes.
Then in May, Alan realized that Hilda Baci had extended the record to 93 hours and 11 minutes.
Meanwhile, Alan was still trying to recover from the difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When Omicron spread, a sudden dining out advisory from the local government meant I lost all my reservations for the month of July 2022 and needed to take out a pandemic support loan just to pay bills,” he said.
“I was broke and heartbroken. To have worked so hard for so long, to give up your own savings, your own salary and then still need a loan simply to stay in business with no guarantee things will recover. That was a tough pill to swallow.”
Despite the recent easing of restrictions, Alan continued to carry this negative energy as he continued with his work.
“Lata and Hilda’s achievements served as an inspiration,” he said.
In order to channel his frustration and negativity into something positive, Alan decided to take on the record-breaking journey himself.
The record attempt proved to be extremely challenging, even during the preparation phase. In particular, Alan had to make a food distribution plan so that there would be no wastage of the food he cooked.
“Everything must be for human consumption. My attempt would only be successful if the people of Matsue got behind what I was doing and showed up to support the challenge.”
In addition, Alan needed to film the record his attempt for evidence. He was thankful that TSK, the local TV provider, came to help.
“I know that they needed to allocate staff and resources to support this challenge. This costs time and money and is definitely not lost on me. I’m incredibly grateful to them,” he added.
During the record attempt, Alan had to overcome different types of obstacles as time went by.
During the longest baking marathon (individual) record attempt, it was his back that caused him trouble. Because Alan was mixing dough by hand, his posture got distorted, and as a result, his back got tight and sore.
Towards the end of the longest cooking marathon (individual) record attempt, Alan had to endure fatigue and sleepiness.
“I peeled roughly 300 kg of potatoes during the cooking marathon. For the first few days, I would look forward to this each evening as it gave me a chance to sit down.
“Towards the end of the cooking marathon, however, as fatigue started to take hold, I would find it more and more difficult to stay awake whenever I sat down to start peeling.
“The rhythm of the peeling would almost hypnotize me. I had one hallucination on the second-to-last day. I turned to ask someone to pass me something, like I would on any normal day only to realize there was no one there.”
Despite the challenges, Alan says it was the people of the town who supported his record attempt who gave him the push to carry on.
“It got to the point where I definitely couldn’t give up. In my mind, I was representing myself, my family, and Irish food, and through these attempts, I was sharing our story. As time went by it became clear that many people in Matsue were also wishing me well. As if I had been adopted into this community over 9,000 km from my home. How could I not persevere? That was the only option.”
After nine days of baking and cooking, Alan had made 357 kg worth of soda bread and 590 kg worth of dishes (3,360 portions consisting of 32 recipes).
But it was all worth it when he received his two world record certificates.
Stranded hotel guests of Protea Hotel in Owerri, Imo State went on rampage over refusal by the management to allow them access to their already book reservations.
The incident which occurred, Thursday, and was subject of a viral video on social media, at the 90-room Protea in Owerri flagged by the Marriott Hotel Group, however, appears to have been resolved as the aggrieved guests were reportedly reallocated rooms later by the management.
The incident follows report that the Imo State Government had earlier directed major hotels operating in the state to cancel all previous room reservations and reallocate same to preferred but unnamed politicians arriving in the state for next week’s governorship elections in the state, on November 11.
The guests, said to members of the famous Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Owerri Old Girls, had arrived the hotel from across parts of the world for their annual gathering only be denied learn of the cancellation of their reservations reportedly made months back.
In the viral video, a voice was reporting: “A deeply regrettable incident occurred at the Marriott Hotel in Owerri where reservations for the Federal Government Girls College, Owerri, who had gathered for their 50th global reunion, were left disheartened.
“What we have learned is that, despite reservations made several months prior to this date, at the last moment, the hotel management gave the reserved rooms to politicians who arrived, leaving many former students of the Federal Government Girls College, Owerri, stranded in the lobby with no place to rest and no accommodation to stay.”
However, attempts to get the hotel management restore their reservations turned awry as the women went physical with the facility’s staff in their rage.
The hotel management could not provide a valid explanation to the frustrated guests as to why the reservations made earlier by the women was cancelled without notifying them, leading to the ensuing chaos which saw much of the concierge staff seeking cover while abandoning their front desks.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that the Imo State Government had directed major hotels to cancel previous reservations and reallocate same to it as prepares to accommodate its own guests arriving for the November 11 governorship election in the state.
The Imo Commissioner for Tourism, Jerry Egemba, had in a memo addressed to all Chief Executive Officers of all the hotels in the Owerri metropolis, informed that the state government would pay for all the rooms in the hotels starting from November 4 to November 11.
The memo, dated November 25, requested all the CEOs of the hotels to forward details of their hotels and accommodation bills on or before Thursday, October 26 for payment by the state government.
Meanwhile, weighing in on the hotel guess incident, Vice President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Odunayo J. Ogunyemi , said he believes the incident is political related, as according to him, ‘it’s just to scare the opponent from accessing accommodation during the election.’
“Let me throw more lights to what transpired between Protea Owerri and Federal Government Girls College old girls.
“There was reservation made by the state Government to reserve all Hotel rooms in Owerri between 4th November and 11th November, 2023.
“This letter was dated 25th October, 2023.
“The old girls arrived the hotel a day before the video went viral and requested for their rooms which were reserved months back, they were told that the rooms were not available instead of telling them that the rooms were not ready.
“This got the old girls angry since that they know that the Imo State Government had booked all the rooms, hence the video you saw.
“These rooms were available for the old girls but were not ready as at the time they arrived.
“The old girls were later accommodated in the same hotel, though there was delay in the check in.
“Note that, Government reservation states 4th -11th Nov. and the old girls reservation was for 1st November, no clash in the reservation.
“Also note that the reservation made by the Imo State Government is a political reservation, there is no way Government could book all the rooms in Owerri. I think it’s just to scare the opponent from accessing accommodation during the election.
“I have advised Protea to grant a press briefing on the issue to clear the air,” stated Mr. Ogunyemi
Also reacting to the incident in Owerri, President of FTAN, Mr Nkereuwem Onung, aligned with his Vice President, adding that the Protea incident ‘appears to be a new tactic by incumbent governments to outplay opposition during elections.’
“This appears to be a new tactic by incumbent governments to outplay opposition during elections. This is also happening in Kogi state.
“We need to get the correct perspective on the issue in Owerri.
“Hospitality has grown on its own without much help from the government, we should not allow them to destroy the business,” said Mr. Onung.
However, reacting, Secretary of the Nigeria Hotels Catering Institute (NHCI), an affiliate body of FTAN, Mr Victor Kayode, opined that latest incident in Protea Owerri is not ‘new in the Hospitality Industry as government reservations for public good overrides every other reservation be it Federal or State.’
This just as Mr Kayode faulted the Protea Hotel management for not communicating effectively with the guests ‘to enable them make a date change.’
“There is a problem if the memo referred to was date November 25th when today is 3rd Nov.
“However, issued like this are not new in the Hospitality Industry as government reservations for public good overrides every other reservation be it Federal or State.
“The error was that the Management of the Hotel should have communicated this scenario to the Old Girls leadership to enable them make a date change. It is unfortunate that the Marriott hotel Management goofed in that situation and should be take full responsibility.
“Whether this breach is actionable in Court or not can only be confirmed by the BOT Chairman- Chief Alabi. But if the management communicated to the old girls, then they are on their own. Government orders for public interest overrides every other interest,” he said.
The latest incident in Imo State follows barely days after another incident involving the brutalization of the National Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero by suspected thugs in full view of stationed police operatives at a protest ground in Owerri, on Wednesday.
The police had even checked in the brutalized the NLC president into a hospital for treatment following horrible injuries inflicted on the latter by the political thugs sent in to disperse NLC members protesting over 20 months unpaid salary arrears and allowances by the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led administration in the state.
Protea Hotel by Marriott, themed; ‘Owerri Select,’ opened for business in Owerri, the Imo State capital, in September 2021.
The 90-room hotel was developed by African Capital Alliance, a leading investment firm, and Kunoch Limited.
Hospitality giant, Marriott International Group leads hotel operations in Africa, and currently operating over 140 hotels in 20 countries, including Nigeria.
(From left): Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu flanked by Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka (left); Elejinrin of Ejinrin, Oba Rafiu Babatunde Balogun (right) and other dignitaries during the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Lagos Film City project in Ejinrin, Epe, Wednesday
Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has performed the official groundbreaking of the proposed Lagos Film City in Ejinrin, in Ejirin-Ikosi Local Council Development Area (LCDA), in the Epe Division of the state, Wednesday.
(From left): Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu flanked by Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka (left); Elejinrin of Ejinrin, Oba Rafiu Babatunde Balogun (right) and other dignitaries during the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Lagos Film City project in Ejinrin, Epe, Wednesday
According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the US$100 million project sited on a 100-hectre land along the Epe Waterfront in the state will be financed through a Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with the state government providing a seed capital of N4.3 billion already captured in this year’s budget allocation.
The proposed Lagos Film City project is a project of the state government alongside creative partners drawn from the EbonyLife Academy, Del-York, and Ogidi Studios, among others, and is expected to executed in three phases which includes; an academy, a production facility, and a theme park.
Speaking at the ceremony, in Ejinrin, Wednesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu enthused about the potential entertainment and tourism potential the project portends for the state’s economy, just as he highlighted the job creation opportunities which it stands to provide, not just for the state in particular, but the entire country.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos Film City will position ‘the state as a force to reckon with in the entertainment and creative industry across the globe.’
“Today, we embark on a journey that will redefine the landscape of the film industry in Lagos State. As we break the ground for this $100million film city covering a land area of 100 hectares of land and which will be executed on the Private Public Partnership model, we are laying the foundation for a creative hub that will serve as a catalyst for innovation, talent discovery, and storytelling excellence. This film city will be a testament to our commitment to nurturing the arts and supporting the dreams of aspiring filmmakers, actors, and technicians.
“The film industry has the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together. It has the ability to inspire, entertain, and educate. Through the magic of cinema, we can showcase the rich cultural heritage of Lagos State, tell stories that reflect our shared experiences, and amplify the voices of our diverse communities. This film city will serve as a canvas for these stories, providing a platform for our talented artists to shine on both local and global stages.
“Furthermore, the First Film City in Lagos State will create numerous job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and attract investment. It will be a hub for film production, post-production, visual effects, and all the ancillary services that support the filmmaking process. We envision a film city that is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, sound stages, editing suites, production offices, and everything necessary to bring the magic of the silver screen to life.
“But this film city is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about the people who will walk through its doors and breathe life into its spaces. It is about the dreams that will be realized, the stories that will be told, and the impact that will be made. Our creative community is the beating heart of this film city, and we are committed to providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
“As we embark on this journey together, I call upon all stakeholders – filmmakers, investors, educators, and the community at large – to join hands and contribute towards the success of this film city. Let us work together to build an ecosystem that nurtures creativity, fosters collaboration, and empowers our artists to push the boundaries of their craft,” the governor said.
On her part, state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the Lagos Film City in Ejinrin-Epe as ‘an all-in-one facility, with leisure, entertainment, and learning infrastructure.’
“It will also have accommodations and numerous state-of-the-art studios to support television, radio and film, ranging from pre-production, production, post-production and distribution, among others. The Lagos Film City will be the biggest in Africa, not in name only, but also in the content and quality of its offerings to the creative industry The fact that a project of this magnitude is being undertaken via a public-private-partnership initiative is an excellent testament to the integrity and robustness of the Lagos State Government economic policies and finance,” he commissioner said.
According to her, the project was conceived five years ago by the Mr Sanwo-Olu under his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda.
“The film city is a further testament of the commitment of the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration ‘to invest in the infrastructure, and create an enabling environment, for the global ‘new economy’ to thrive in Lagos State. All over the world, the creative, entertainment and tourism sectors have contributed exponentially to all economies that took decisive steps to court and nurture it, just like we are here to do today
“The Lagos State Government has been deliberate in its various steps in this sector, it has committed huge sums to upscaling the various tourist centers across the state. For this year 2023, a total amount of N4.635 billion was specifically allocated for this purpose. Among the list of beneficiaries are the recently commissioned J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture, and the Agia Tree project.
“It is my utmost believe that by the time ‘Lagos Film City’ come on stream, the spiral-effect on the State profile as a tourist destination of choice, economy, employment opportunities, etc. will be appreciated beyond the entertainment sector,” she said.
Remarking, Founder of Del-York Group, Mr. Linus Idahosa, said allocation of private equity to investors in the project development underscored the Governor’s understanding of key partnerships required to deliver the vision and enhance growth in the creative sector.
“This idea of strategic collaboration between the Government and stakeholders is what it takes to push the country forward. The future of this country will be determined by the creative energy we are about to harness through the Film City project,” said Idahosa.
Director of the EbonyLife Group, Ms Temidayo Makajuola, described the groundbreaking of the Lagos Film City as a ‘symbolic gesture,’ which she added, ‘signifies a monumental leap forward in our pursuit of becoming a global powerhouse in the entertainment and creative industry.’
Similarly, in his goodwill message, Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, representing the Anyiam-Osigwe family expressed pleasure at the groundbreaking which he described as a testament to the dreams conceived by his late sister and founder of the African Movie Awards (AMA), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.
Also remarking, the traditional ruler of Ejinrin, the Elejinrin of Ejinrin, Oba Rafiu Balogun, said the occasion marked a new dawn for the natives, describing the Film City as the “first modern project” to be brought to the town, decades after the colonial masters left.
“Talents and endowment deposited in Ejinrin can now be enhanced for national development,” the monarch said, thanking the Governor for citing the project in the town.
Popular movie star, Femi Adebayo, who spoke on behalf of Nollywood, said the project represented the collective enthusiasm of theatre practitioners and creative community, stressing that the infrastructure would elevate professionalism in cinematography and entertainment.
A roll call of Nollywood personalities and notable theater practitioners who attended the ceremony included; Alhaji Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), his son, Femi Adebayo; Prince Jide Kosoko; Tade Ogidan; Prof. Sola Fosudo; Adewale Elesho; Saheed Balogun; Kunle Afolayan; Victor Osuagwu; and National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr Emeka Rollas; veteran director, Zeb Ejiro, in addition to other movie directors and young filmmakers.
The event also had in attendance traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic community, who expressed their excitement seeing Lagos launching a world-class infrastructure to tap into the global entertainment market.
Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe has hailed the ‘achievements of a remarkable man,’ and one of the Nigeria’s pioneer tourism administrators, Dr. Franklin John Adejuwon, who celebrated his 80th birthday anniversary, last Wednesday.
Dr. Franklin John Adejuwon
The event which held in Lagos gathered a host of top industry operators both from the public and private sectors of the economy to pay homage to the man who guided the country’s tourism sector, often sacrificing himself as a bridge and mediator in the comity of global tourism operators.
Dr Adejuwon is generally credited with crafting the first National Tourism Masterplan for the country which was officially launched in 2006 by the then Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr Adetokunbo Kayode SAN, in Abuja.
A former Director of Research and Planning, and later Chief Executive of the defunct Nigeria Tourist Board (NTB), as well as, a one-time Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Tourism in the 80s, Dr Adejuwon has also had a stint at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources as Minister of State.
He was the country’s Consultant and Member of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). He was a Member and later Chairman of the Technical Committee for Programmes and Coordination (TCPC) of the General Assembly of the UNWTO.
He was born incidentally on September 27, 1943 and holds the first Tourism PhD degree in Nigeria.
In his speech at the birthday celebrations, Director General of the NCAC, Otunba Runsewe who hailed the celebrant as a ‘pillar of tourism,’ said the occasion is better described as Pa Adejuwon’s ‘Oak Jubilee.’
Runsewe who described himself as one Pa Adejuwon’s protégés, who has followed the imprints of his gigantic strides, stated that remains an honor for him to deliver the felicitation encomium, just as he expressed a deep gratitude for the profound impact the celebrant has had on his life, including ‘those of countless others and indeed the growth and development of our great country Nigeria, especially in the Tourism Sector.’
Otunba Segun Runsewe
Continuing, Runsewe celebrated Pa Adejuwon for his ‘indomitable spirit,’ which, according to him, used to his advantage as ‘he championed the cause of promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to the world.’
“Through his tireless efforts, he not only succeeded in putting Nigeria on the global tourism map, but also inspired a generation of young professionals to follow in his footsteps.
“Under his leadership, the Nigerian Tourism Industry flourished. He spearheaded numerous initiatives to develop infrastructure, preserve historical sites, and promote sustainable tourism practices. His strategic partnerships with international organizations created opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. The tourism sector experienced unprecedented growth, attracting visitors from around the world and generating employment opportunities for countless Nigerians.
“Beyond his professional achievements, Pa Adejuwon’s greatest legacy lies in his mentorship and guidance to succeeding generation of Cultural Administrators. He has been a beacon, a source of inspiration. His wisdom, experience, and generosity have shaped the careers of many individuals, including mine.
“His leadership style was characterized by humility, empathy, and inclusivity. Frank was never one to seek the limelight or take credit for the accomplishments of others. He recognized and celebrated the achievements of his team members, always encouraging everyone around him to reach for the stars. His ability to bring out the best in people and create a supportive work environment fostered a sense of camaraderie and collective responsibility in the sector.
“Furthermore, Pa Adejuwon’s impact extends far beyond the borders of Nigeria. Through his participation in international conferences, seminars, and workshops, he has become a respected figure in the global tourism community. His insightful contributions and expertise have earned him accolades and recognition from industry leaders worldwide.
“In fact, he has undoubtedly been instrumental in shaping tourism policies and practices, not just in Nigeria but also on the international stage.
The NCAC praised the celebrant for his ‘remarkable foresight,’ which helped him ‘to recognise the immense socio-economic benefits that tourism could contribute to the growth and development our nation.’
Concluding his speech, Runsewe prayed for Pa Adejuwon, as expressed the wish that the celebrant’s ‘light of inspiration and leadership continue to shine for many more years to come.’
Pa Adejuwon was also in the news only recently when on the occasion of the World tourism Day (WTD) celebrations on September 27, 2023, posited that the country ‘could have been anything and everything in the realm of tourism development considering a serious and purposeful follow up of her antecedents in the sector.’
Commenting on the WTD celebration, last Wednesday, Dr Adejuwon remarked the country’s immense tourism potential have yet to fully explored and tapped into.
“Today September 27, marks another World Tourism Day (WTD) as set up by the UNWTO (World Tourism Organisation) and approved by the United Nations Organisation. The idea of a World Tourism Day, incidentally and proudly, was first muted by a Nigerian, late Ignatius AtigbI, the main pioneer of the tourism industry in Nigeria. He raised the importance of the United Nations Organisation having a day assigned to the emerging economic sector at the World Tourism Organisation general assembly in the early 1970s.
“I have deliberately alluded to the above instance to remind us that Nigeria could have been anything and everything in the realm of tourism development considering a serious and purposeful follow up of her antecedents in the sector.
“Tourism is an amalgam of most economic sectors and understanding it as such is most important. It encompasses the entire cycle of national planning and physical development, economic growth and wellness of the people. We refer to this sector as the largest employer of labour worldwide and the largest earner of foreign exchange exceeding earning from petroleum.
“Benefits from the sector are immeasurable hence prosperous countries take its development very serious, protect and respect the sector. It is beyond entertainments and jamborees as often insinuated here in Nigeria. Today, we are celebrating the world tourism day in Lagos State but this should not be by the lips only,” he said.
Tour of Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo by FTAN delegation, Friday, Sept 29
Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Friday, concluded the three days of activities lined up to mark the 2023 edition of the World Tourism Day (WTD) with a tour of the expansive Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, in Uyo, as well as the Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene.
The celebration included an Award Night, the WTD day celebration, a pre-celebration dinner/cocktail hosted by the state-owned carrier, Ibom Air.
This year’s WTD celebration was hosted by the Akwa Ibom Government which also used the occasion to celebrate its 36th Anniversary as a state.
The theme of this year’s world tourism day celebration is ‘Tourism and Green Investment,’ and there was no other place to put this into action than the lush green and serene nature of the Ibom Icon Hotel which is a host to over 80 per cent of both foreign and local tourists that visit Akwa Ibom for leisure and the sport of golf.
The FTAN delegation on the tour which also included members of the Uyo City Hikers (UCH), concluded the day’s tour with a visit to the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel located in Ikot Ekpene local government area of the state.
“Again FTAN has gone to prove that there is more to celebrating an international event like the UNWTO annual event than just conferencing and reading of speeches.
“No wonder it is said that the onus to drive the tourism industry lies with the private sector,” remarked a member of the delegation in the entourage.
Commissioner of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Uyi Malaka (Second right), Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Iryna Omorogieva Esq (second from left) with others during WTD event in Benin City, Wednesday
Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Uyi Oduwa-Malaka, Wednesday, disclosed that Governor Godwin Obaseki has made tourism a major backbone of his reforms, leveraging the state’s rich arts, culture and tourism potential to boost internally generated revenue (IGR) and drive economic development and growth.
Commissioner of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Uyi Malaka (Second right), Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Iryna Omorogieva Esq (second from left) with others during WTD event in Benin City, Wednesday
The Commissioner said this while speaking during the commemoration of the World Tourism Day (WTD) celebration in the state, which held at the Ogba Zoological Garden and Parks, in Benin City, the state capital, Wednesday, under the theme of; ‘Tourism and Green Investment.’
Noting that the government has prioritised the sector on the back of its enormous economic benefits, the Commissioner said the governor set up a Tourism Agency for effective operationalisation of the tourism sector.
“In Edo, we must lay the praise for our tourism development and budding success at the deserving feet of Governor Godwin Obaseki, who to begin with, made culture and tourism, a major backbone of his seven-point agenda. He soon enough started to unfold his vision by building the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative hub, the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA), among other tourism infrastructure.
“We have a very engaging Heritage Policy process in place; engaging stakeholders in matters involving, identification, preservation and protection of our tangible and intangible heritage,” said the commissioner.
Oduwa-Malaka further said the Obaseki-led administration is working with stakeholders to drive traffic to its heritage sites in the State.
“We are partnering with the hospitality industry, security outfits, and film producers. In the last one month, we have been involved in shooting two major films and I understand that about four others are incubating.”
In his keynote address, a tourism expert, Mallam Alasa Hanson Ikhelowa, who applauded the state government, acknowledged the deliberate and well-coordinated steps to develop the tourism sites in the State.
“Many of the tangible assets that abound in different States have not been fully developed. So also the intangible assets should be worked on to turn them into a money spinning venture,” Ikhelowa said.
