Professional photographers stormed Wuse market in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to highlight its tourism potentials on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was part of the activities for the 2018 Abuja International Photo Festival themed “Photography for socio-economic development”.
While at the market, the photographers interacted with the traders and took pictures of possible spots that would attract tourists.
Osaze Ekhator, the festival director told NAN that the photo walk was a necessary tool to highlight the socio-economic potential of Wuse market.
“Photography is more than fun. It is a veritable tool in shaping conversations and telling stories in ways that words cannot.
“This is why we have embarked on this photo walk to show the world all the beauty that Wuse market has, as one of the largest commercial hubs in the FCT,” Osaze said.
He also added that this is the second photo walk the festival had embarked on.
In 2017, participating photographers went to Daki-Biu village, a satellite town in the FCT.
Similarly, some of the participating photographers told NAN that the photo walk is their own ways of giving back to the society by using pictures to tell stories.
Samuel Olatunji, a photographer said: “People do not understand that the purpose of photography transcends beyond covering events. This is why photo walks like this are important.
“From things like this, the world will get to see Nigeria and Africa at large for what it truly is; and our tourism value will improve,” he said.
Meanwhile, some of the traders at Wuse market expressed their joy at the attention the photographs might bring to their trades.
Mrs Ochuwa Ayah told NAN that she was hopeful that the photographs would bring them enough exposure for more customers.
“I am very happy that they are taking the pictures of our market. At least, more people will know what we do here and come to patronise us,” she said.
The ongoing Abuja International Photo Festival features a network of industry professionals and other stakeholders discussing ways to integrate photography in Nation building.
Tag: tourism
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Tourism: Photographers storm FCT market to boost visibility
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Quick read: 5 must-see statues in Lagos
A statue is a sculpture, representing one or more people. In Lagos, there are a number of statues of illustrious personalities dotted in different parts of the state. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, identifies the locations of some of these statues which you can visit.
Gani Fawehinmi Statue
The new, sparkling and towering statue of the late human rights lawyer, activist and sage, Gani Fawehinmi SAN is located at the Liberty Park in Ojota. The 44-feet tall statue was recently unveiled by the Lagos State Government.
Fela Anikulapo Statue
Fela Anikulapo Kuti is unarguably one of the popular and greatest musicians not only in Nigeria but across the world. Hence, it does not come as a surprise that he is honoured by a statue. Tagged the Liberation Statue, it is located at Allen Roundabout in Ikeja. The unveiling of the Liberation Statue was part of activities marking Fela’s 79th posthumous birthday and the 20th anniversary of his demise. The interesting or unique thing about the statue is that it is headless.
Herbert Macaulay Statue
Herbert Macaulay is perhaps the only one that has two statues to his credit in Lagos. The one in Yaba in front of the bookshop house. He is often referred to as the father of Nationalism in Nigeria. He is the grandson of Bishop Ajayi Crowther (the first African Bishop). Herbert Macaulay was a politician, an engineer, a journalist and most importantly a Nigerian Nationalist.
Obafemi Awolowo Statue
Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo, GCFR was a Nigerian nationalist and statesman who played a key role in Nigeria’s independence movement. He was the first premier of the Western Region. The statue is located on Obafemi Awolowo Way by the Lagos Television (LTV) junction in Ikeja.
Arometa Statue
Sculpted by Biodun Shodeinde in 1991, the three white cap chiefs was originally positioned at the point of entry to Lagos to welcome visitors to the centre of excellence. However, due to some superstitious belief and the statue being burnt down, it was moved to its present location in Epe. Even though the statue was previously meant to welcome people to Lagos, the sculpture is rich in meaning. The three chiefs represent the three kinds of traditional greetings in Lagos Island. This monument is 12 ft tall.
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Can tourism influence Nigeria’s international image?
One thing that Nigeria as a country has struggled with for decades is her international image. With due regard to the many factors that may be affecting our reputation, which needs to be addressed, tourism seems to be the ultimate solution to improve it. Hence, concerted efforts should be invested in by the government to boost and manage our international reputation.
The impact of a not very good image
The media is an agenda setter. It gives us the subjects and things to discuss and talk about. If the content of the media is negative, it rubs off on Nigeria’s international image. The impact is quick and spontaneous because very few people will brave the storm to visit Nigeria for whatever purpose due to our not very good image.
Definitely, it is not the fault of the media. It is what is happening in the country that they are reporting. Hence, every Nigerian from the top to the bottom must be involved in the reputation building of the country by what we say and do.
Flipping the coin
Almost all the country of the world have a reputation problem. It is noteworthy to say that a not too lofty reputation is not exclusive to Nigeria or Africa. However, these countries whose reputation is ‘fantastic’ have found a way to tiptoe these negative image and reverse the situation.
You see Nigerians rushing to Dubai. The fact is, Dubai is not better than Nigeria. Nigeria has lush green vegetation, mind-blowing landscapes and awesome tourist destinations but we do not sell ourselves. Dubai is in our faces so much that every Nigerian wants to go to Dubai.
We watch international stations like CNN, BBC and Aljazeera and we watch countries tapping tourism to sell themselves. They show their pristine destinations and what they have to offer tourism-wise to visitors and of course, these encourage people to visit. They also invested heavily in their tourist attractions.
If we can do same, leisure and business travellers will be attracted to the country and a business like Jumia Travel will be able to make money off them through booking of their flights, packages and hotels. At the same time, if we are hospitable, showcase our culture and take them to check out our destinations, they will return home with their minds reformed. They will pass the message to others that Nigeria is not what either the local or international media portrays it to be.
We have so much to do
Although tourism is a viable tool to invigorate or amplify our image, there are so many other things that we need to work on if we want tourism to transform it. From changing what Nigerians think and say about the country to the actions of government officials across the board and revamping tourism destination, they all combine for tourism to boost our international image.
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Budget-friendly African destinations to visit
Travelling African destinations is an experience in itself. However, it can also be incredibly expensive especially for Nigerians. From wildlife trekking to luxury safaris and expensive flights, the costs can quickly add up making it impossible to stay within an affordable budget.
Fortunately, there are some of Africa’s most popular destinations that are budget-friendly and you do not need to break the bank to visit. So, if you’re looking for an affordable escape and don’t want to venture too far, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares affordable African countries to visit on a budget!
Zanzibar, Tanzania
If you’re a beach lover and you are searching for an affordable African island getaway, then we recommend Zanzibar. You can spend your time exploring this island’s history, rich culture, and some of best beaches in the world. This said, your visit to the country is incomplete if you do not check out Zanzibar Stone Town and Prison Island.
Cairo, Egypt
Budget travel and Egypt might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this northern African country. But it’s a cheap African country to visit if you’re on a budget. You will have more money to spend on visiting the pyramids or even travelling further and scuba diving in the red sea.
Nairobi, Kenya
Featuring national parks, museums, tourist sites and safaris, a trip to Nairobi, Kenya won’t disappoint for those looking for cheap African countries to visit. The best part is that Nairobi is within close driving distance to the popular Giraffe Centre which is more than enough reason to be there.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopia is the gateway to ancient place mixed in with its growing metropolis Addis Ababa. The capital is Africa’s fourth largest city and it features some of the country’s best museums and traditional food.
Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial capital and one of Nigeria’s most affordable and famous destinations. The city offers so much notwithstanding if you are a leisure or business traveller. Among other things, the nightlife is groovy and fantastic as there are so many places to indulge and relax at the same. It is ultimately affordable to visit.
Kigali, Rwanda
Rwanda’s tragic past, rich culture and incredible wildlife make it one of the most exciting places to escape to in Africa. Kigali is the pulse of the country’s cultural attractions. With its genocide memorials and thriving art scene, it’s a must-visit for history and culture lovers. Of course, it is also one of the cheapest African cities to visit.
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Lagos can become Africa’s tourism hub – Lai Mohammed
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has reiterated that Lagos State has the potential to become Africa’s tourism hub.
According to the minister, the Federal Government will support it in developing the sector.
The minister said this on Monday in Lagos, at the Lagos Tourism Summit with the theme; “Destination Lagos: Towards a Sustainable Tourism Drive’’.
Mohammed commended Gov. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos for his interest in the tourism and creative sectors of the economy; both at the state and national level.
The minister said the Federal Government had identified the tourism and creative sectors as an alternative to oil, adding that his ministry was working toward developing the industry.
Mohammed recalled that upon assumption of office, his ministry organised a national tourism summit to provide the platform for harnessing the potential in the sector.
He said the ministry had revived the national tourism master plan to catalyse the development of the sector and also hosted a round-table on financing tourism.
The minister also disclosed that Nigeria would host the 61st edition of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)/Commission for Africa (CAF) Meeting, scheduled for June 4 to June 6, 2018 in Abuja.
He also disclosed that the ministry would partner with relevant stakeholders, particularly, the people of Ile-Ife in Osun State in hosting the 2018 “Olojo’’ festival.
“Olojo is not just only Yoruba new festival, but the oldest known festival in the world started by Ooni Ogun with the wearing of the world’s oldest monarchical crown, the sacred Aare Crown.
“The festival will bring 35 of the top Africa-American travel writers, group travel agents, travel bloggers and travel film crews to the Olojo 2018 festival,’’ he said.
Former President of Ghana, John Mahama commended Ambode for his contributions toward developing Lagos to a mega city and a potential tourism hub.
Mahama, who was the keynote speaker at the event, underscored the need for Africa to develop tourism sector in order to solving the challenge of unemployment.
He also suggested a development of integrated tour packages between Nigeria and Ghana that would attract international tourists from Lagos to Accra and vice versa.
Earlier, Gov. Ambode said that his administration was committed to funding alternative platforms, particularly the tourism sector to enrich the state.
The governor said that the tourism sector contributed N800 million to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017.
He said as parts of efforts to transforming Lagos to tourism hub, the Lagos government was reclaiming a 50 hectares of land at the Oworonshoki end of the lagoon, for aquatic tourism purposes.
He stated that the summit would help the state to develop its tourism master-plan that would be implemented within a specified number of years to turn Lagos to continental tourism hub.
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Delta state organises tourism fiesta
Delta State Government says it will hold a fiesta to showcase its tourism potentials with a view to attract both local and foreign investors.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Chinye Emmanuel, disclosed this when he visited the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) in Abuja on Thursday.
The Commissioner said the three-day fiesta, which is scheduled to hold between July and August, was expected to attract both local and foreign tourists in the state to tap from its vast potentials.
According to him, the platform will also provide an avenue for the people to also showcase their rich culture, food, music and fashion during the event.
“In view of the dwindling oil resources and economic downturn, the need to look inward and think outside the box to find other sources of revenue must be explored.
“I believe strongly that tourism is that alternative, if properly harnessed, has the capacity to rejuvenate the economy of this nation,” he said.
He gave assurance that the security of the lives and property of people, irrespective of the nationality were safe in the state.
“Today, you can walk freely in Delta state, whether you are a black or white man unlike in the past, where you hear about kidnapping.
“No more crime as such in Delta state, so with that foreigners will be free to come in and move round Delta state freely,’’ he said.
He said the visit was to garner the support from NTDC and NIHOTOUR to host tourism fairs, expos, training, cultural programmes, develop its historical sites and monuments, as well as its eco-system in other to promote domestic tourism.
Responding, the Director-General, NTDC, Mr Folunrunso Coker assured the state government of the corporation’s support in harnessing the tourism potentials in the state.
“Tourism is a business to look at in Delta state and I assure you of our support in making the event successful and promoting tourism potentials in the state and nation at large,” he added.
Similarly, the Director General, NIHOTOUR, Mrs Chika Balogun, assured the Delta government that the institute would continue to support it, especially in the training of its tourism and hospitality officers.
“We assure you of our support in training and retraining of your officers in tourism and hospitality industry to meet up with global standard to create a vibrant tourism sector,” she added.
Balogun, therefore, encouraged the state government to expedite action in developing some of its tourist sites to increase tourism in the state and reduce movement to other countries for holidays and tourism.
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Anambra begins development of culture, tourism centres – Commissioner
The Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism in Anambra, Mrs Stella Onuora, said that the state government has begun exploration of tourists’ sites in the state to boost revenue.
Onuora made the disclosure in Awka on Monday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The commissioner said that as part of her ministry’s efforts to ensure that tourism and culture was well placed in the state, leisure tourism would be explored while tourists’ sites were developed.
She identified some of the sites to include Ogbunike Cave in Oyi Local Government, Owerri-Ezukala Water Falls in Orumba South council and Agulu Lake in Anaocha Local council.
Onuorah said that Gov. Willie Obiano’s administration had improved the tourism potential of the state through its effective security network, infrastructural development and opening up of tourists’ sites.
She disclosed that tourism sector would be receiving more resources to ensure that all the sites in the state were made to standard to attract indigenous and foreign investors.
The commissioner called on unemployed youths to key into the tourism potential of the state by identifying with their culture and demonstrating willingness to work in the sector.
Onuora said that the state government would harness and showcase the rich cultural heritage and sites in the state both for economic and social reasons.
According to her, culture and tourism are both economic and social trend that holds major prospects in nation building.
“When these prospects are properly identified and harnessed, the Gross Domestic Product of the nation will be tremendously alarming because the nation will see what they have been missing for long due to lack of nature appreciation.
“If we develop tourism culture like Jerusalem, Brazil, France, and London, revenue alone from tourism will shock us and be able to solve a lot of infrastructural problems.
“Tourism and culture hype is a silent money spinning venture because it gives people relaxation needed after a long work period and rejuvenates one back to life,’’ she said.
She said that with development of the sector, the government would be giving dividend of democracy to its citizens without much cost in achieving such success.
She described culture and tourism as `catalysts for national development and big foreign earners’ for state.
The commissioner urged the citizens both at home and in Diaspora to log into Anambra State Tourism Portal initiative so as to keep abreast on issues in the sector.
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‘Tourism creates job opportunities for young Nigerians’-Ben Akabueze
Mr Ben Akabueze, the Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation says the tourism sector is capable of driving short-term growth and longer-term structural change in the country.
Akabueze said this while making a presentation; “Financing as a Catalyst to Sustainable Tourism Development’’ at the 20th Annual General Meeting and Election of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.
He noted that the tourism sector was recognized in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Federal Government as one of the ingredients needed to achieve economic growth.
“The sector offers the opportunity for job creation, especially among youths in Nigeria.
“Also, the ERGP recognizes that the rich bio-diversity in Nigeria’s ecosystem, our cultural diversity, historical cities and arts and craft are yet to be fully exploited.
“By addressing under-developed infrastructure, security challenges, lack of attractive options for vacationing at home, and insufficient investment, the sector is expected to contribute to government revenues and foreign exchange earnings,’’ Akabueze said.
Akabueze explained that the objectives of the policy was to enhance contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), increase numbers of visitors to Nigeria by 10 per cent annually from 2017 and increase volume of domestic tourism.
According to him, it is also to promote and encourage patronage of local agricultural, creative industry and manufactured products by operators in the industry and strengthen backward and forward linkages and conserve foreign exchange.
Also speaking, the former Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget said that the strategic activities to ensure the realisation of the objectives include infrastructure connectivity to promote tourism.
“Promote national calendar of festivals and events in short term and develop value proposition around major clusters, launch awareness campaign to promote tourism and ease visa requirement to increase tourist arrivals.
“Improve security to encourage domestic and international mobility and review tourism legislation and eliminate overlapping functions among regulating agencies,’’ he said.
He gave a comparative analysis on main trends in the tourism sector in Africa.
According to him, tourism’s contribution to 2016 GDP in Nigeria was less than half the world average but significantly higher than the Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) average.
He said the sector’s contribution to employment was relatively closer to the world average but significantly higher than the SSA average.
“Visitors export (spending within a country by international tourists for leisure and business travel) in Nigeria is low, close to the SSA average.
“However, travel and tourism investment in Nigeria in 2016 was higher than the world average, close to the values for South Africa and Egypt and much higher than the SSA average,’’ he said.
Akabueze noted that there were challenges that made it difficult for the sector to achieve the desired results.
He, however, he maintained that there was the need to finance tourism destinations, adding that investment had to be made.
“Airports, seaports, rail and roads needs to be developed through financing; we also need to finance good quality hotel and security infrastructure.’’
“A key reform in the 60-Day National Action Plan implemented by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council is easing the entry and exits of people.’’
The D-G of the Budget Office of the Federation reiterated that the tourism industry was a small segment of service sector but had the potential for job creation, expanding foreign exchange earnings and national output.
He said policies and strategies to support the sector as well as investment in physical, security infrastructure and skills developments were required.
“Public and private financing must `meet’ with deeper understanding of inter-linkages between investments and returns to unlock the sector’s potential.’’
Akabueze was represented at the event by his Technical Assistant, Miss Olayinka Babalola.
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NTDC, NDDC partnership seek to exploit technology for tourism development
The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has announced a partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with the aim to adapt and deploy technology in the development of tourism potentials across the country.
The Assistant Director, Press Unit of NTDC, Mrs Adamma Afanga disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja, saying “We are in the digital era; Nigeria has to explore all the tourism benefits through adaptation and deploying the best technology along the tourism value chain”.
She said the NTDC-NDDC partnership will ensure a quick intervention on some tourism assets in the South-South region.
“It was necessary to redefine the tourism sector by giving it a brand identity that is easy to sell in order to stimulate economic growth as well as re-positioning the Nigerian Tourism Industry.
“There is need to redefine the tourism sector in Nigeria; we need to start within our domain, focusing on consumption of our assets, promotion and development of domestic tourism.”
Mrs. Afanga further disclosed that redefining the tourism industry would have multiple effects on job creation, poverty alleviation, as well as strengthen the nation’s GDP and currency.
The NTDC Director called on investors to promote domestic tourism in the country, describing Nigeria as a tourism market with a vibrant and dynamic business environment.
“One of our strategic imperatives is to bring all stakeholders under one umbrella to sell a single all inclusive tour packages for Nigerians.
“We need to package tourism in a simple manner that the average Nigerian can use, if we don’t package it well, individuals cannot take advantage of it.
She also reiterated the commitment of the corporation to promote tourism potentials, which would further enhance the nation’s economy.
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Rivers State: Nigeria’s tourism and investment destination
By Simeon Nwakaudu
Endowed by nature as the nation’s treasure base, Rivers State is blessed with vast deposits of oil and gas, two functional seaports, an international airport, revived rail network, vast arable land, enhanced security network and a business friendly environment. Rivers State is Nigeria’s undisputed tourism and investment destination.
The security framework in the state has been deliberately developed by the Wike administration to ensure the growth of the oil and gas industry. Massive international and Indigenous investments in this sector have made the state the headquarters of oil and gas in the country.
With access to extensive arable land, water resources and two of the largest fertilizer production plants in the country, backed by an agricultural policy that favours public private partnership model for commercial agriculture, Rivers State provides a platform for profitable crop and fish farming for local and international investors to exploit.
The tourism industry has been robustly nurtured to attract other Nigerians and foreigners to Rivers State. Beach resorts, the New Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, an international airport, two seaports, good network of roads and railway line, tourists have found Rivers State attractive. Governor Wike since assuming the leadership of the state has created an atmosphere that promotes tourism.
Electricity supply in the industrial regions of the state has been marvelous as a result of the presence of Gas Turbines at Afam and Omoku. The power situation has been made more attractive by the investments by Governor Wike in the independent electrification of key public facilities in the state, just to free up generated electricity for business purposes.
Business concerns interested in investing in other mineral resources will find out that Rivers State is a destination of choice. It has several solid minerals in commercial quantity.
Access to quality healthcare in Rivers State is guaranteed. From tertiary medicare to primary healthcare, investors are assured of access to high class medical professionals and facilities. The Braithwaite Specialist Memorial Hospital, Port Harcourt has been upgraded by the Wike administration, while the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and hospitals owned by international oil and gas companies are open to those in need of quality healthcare services.
In Nigeria, Port Harcourt is the home of decent, classy hotels. Visitors troop into the city on a daily basis, just to enjoy the warmth, hospitality and friendship of Rivers people. Recent high-profile developments by the Wike administration have strengthened Rivers State’s position as a national hub for hospitality.
Connection into Rivers State is the easiest in the country. It boasts of all forms of transportation. Air, road, railway and marine transportation. The international airport, two seaports and the railway have created avenues in and out of the state.
This is a fertile environment for manufacturing. The Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout has been upgraded by the Wike administration to attract local and international investors to the state. Investors are trooping into the state to take advantage of the business friendly climate.
Return on investments in Rivers State is the best in the country. Investors have access to ready-made local and international markets to sell their products while the Wike administration has strengthened the security architecture and offered tax reliefs/holidays to woo new investors to the state.
If you are yet to be in Rivers State for your lifetime investments, you are missing out on the best opportunity. Rivers State at 50 is being led by a Golden Governor who has a midas touch. With the transformation on ground by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, investors will enjoy an era of financial bliss for choosing Rivers State. Make that wise choice today.
This is a New Rivers State, Nigeria’s Outstanding Centre of profitable investment.
Simeon Nwakaudu is Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media