Culture
Celebrating Ẹ̀kà In Òkè-ìlá Orangun
Published
2 years agoon
By
akonitv
Recently, the ancient town of Òkè-ìlá Orangun joyfully gathered to celebrate another significant cultural event, before the final ISINRO festival, which the forefathers of the town, in their wisdom, registered as Ẹ̀kà.
This cherished occasion, according to Oba Adedokun Abolarin, serves as a poignant reminder of the tenacious dedication, dogged sacrifices, and remarkable contributions made by his esteemed fathers and predecessors who once graced the throne in Òkè-ìlá Ọ̀ràngún kingdom.
“From Ọ̀ràngún Ajagunla Ifagbamila, the revered grand progenitor of our town, to the most recent king, each monarch has left an indelible mark on our history and collective consciousness. It is important we remember them,” says Kabiyesi Abokarin in a post on his social media handles.
Òkè-ìlá Orangun embraces its rich history, tracing its roots back to the reign of Ọ̀ràngún Ajagunla Ifagbamila. A visionary leader and wise ruler, he laid the foundation for the kingdom’s prosperity and unity. “From the earliest days of our town’s existence, the crown has passed from one generation to the next, each king leaving a unique imprint on the culture and governance of Òkè-ìlá Orangun. I am grateful to all of them. And I am earnestly dedicated to their good legacies and that is to see Òkè-Ìlá Orangun of our dream materialise even in my lifetime by the power of Olódùnmarè, the Adániwáyé,” the Kabiyesi stated.
During the Ẹ̀kà celebration, the monarch recalled that his people reflect on the accomplishments and legacies of the various kings who have before him graced the throne over the ages.
From warriors who defended the kingdom against invaders (like Ajagunla) to peacemakers who fostered harmony among neighboring communities (like Orangun Ogboye), each king had a distinct role in shaping the town’s destiny.
“Their memories remain evergreen in the hearts of my people, and their stories are recounted with reverence and admiration by the Àyán galú, which I call “the chronicler of our history”.
Ẹ̀kà is not just a mere ceremony; it is a sacred tradition rooted in profound symbolism.
As Ẹ̀kà ìn Òkè-ìlá Orangun reached its climax, Oba Abolarin says the town stands united, proudly embracing its past and looking towards to the future with hope and determination.
The commemoration of the old kings’ work, sacrifices, and contributions is not just a ritual; it is a testament to the resilience and spirit of our people.
“With heads held high, hearts full of gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose, we move forward, carrying the torch of our ancestors’ legacy, ensuring that their memories endure for eternity in the tapestry of Òkè-ìlá Orangun’s history.”
Source: www.theculturenewspaper.com/celebrating-eka-in-oke-ila-orangun/
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Culture
FG to develop diaspora city to reconnect Nigerians abroad
Published
1 day agoon
February 10, 2025By
Lanre
The Federal Government is developing Diaspora City to help Nigerians abroad invest and reconnect with their roots, Minister Hannatu Musawa announces.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to develop *Diaspora City*, a tourism and investment hub aimed at reconnecting Nigerians abroad with their roots.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, **Hannatu Musawa**, made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja during the launch of *Motherland 2025*, an initiative celebrating Nigeria’s cultural heritage and economic potential.
According to Musawa, the project goes beyond tourism—it aims to strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and its diaspora while fostering cultural exchange and national development.
“Our vision extends beyond attracting global visitors; it is about ensuring that the creative and tourism sectors serve as critical tools to improve the lives of the Nigerian people,” she stated.
The *Motherland 2025* initiative is designed as a fully immersive cultural experience, featuring **state pavilions, exhibitions, and showcases** that highlight Nigeria’s innovation, business landscape, and cultural heritage.
A key component of the project is the creation of *Diaspora City*, which will serve as a **thriving tourism and investment hub** where members of the diaspora can seamlessly engage in economic activities, reconnect with their heritage, and settle in Nigeria.
“This year, we open our doors to the global diaspora, inviting them to immerse themselves in our rich traditions, explore investment opportunities, and witness the remarkable transformation unfolding across our nation,” Musawa added.
Chidinma Nwakwo, Managing Director of *Discover Motherland Africa*, described the initiative as a **transformative movement** aimed at deepening Nigeria’s connection with its diaspora while unlocking business and tourism opportunities.
“This is the beginning of a movement that not only reconnects Nigerians abroad with their roots but also fosters investment and cultural pride,” she said.
With *Motherland 2025* and the planned *Diaspora City*, Nigeria aims to position itself as the epicentre of **global Black and African culture, commerce, and community**.
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Culture
Governor Bassey Otu’s vision for Cross River: tourism, agriculture, digital economy
Published
6 days agoon
February 6, 2025By
Lanre
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, outlines his administration’s plans for economic growth, tourism development, food security, and digital transformation, emphasising shared prosperity and sustainability
Governor **Bassey Otu** has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic growth and tourism, particularly through the **2024 Calabar Carnival**, themed **”Shared Prosperity.”** Emphasising the need for **economic inclusivity**, he stated:
Also read: Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Abubakar Robert Ewa, Passes Away
> *“Unless there’s some equality of purpose in every society, there will be no peace… Shared prosperity is the key to achieving progress.”*
Despite **economic challenges**, Otu assured that the **Calabar Carnival** remains a **major cultural and economic event**, attracting investment and boosting local businesses.
Plans are also underway to **reintroduce the international segment** in the coming years, including a **diaspora band** to enhance global participation.
Tourism Development: Upgrading Cross River’s Attractions
Tourism remains central to Otu’s **economic blueprint**, with significant efforts being made to:
Upgrade **key tourism sites**
Enhance **hotel and transport infrastructure**
Train tourism professionals **locally and internationally**
Stabilise **product pricing** to encourage investment
The governor assured that **Obudu Ranch**, one of Nigeria’s premier resorts, is undergoing **a major restoration project** in partnership with **Marriott Hotels** and **international investors**.
*“We are bringing our tourism infrastructure to 21st-century standards, ensuring easy access to tourism sites and stabilising product prices,”* he said.
Tackling Hunger and Revamping Agriculture
Governor Otu has prioritised **food security**, acknowledging that agriculture was once **Nigeria’s economic backbone**. His administration is:
Conducting **soil mapping** to determine ideal crops
Launching a **5,000-hectare cassava farm pilot project**
Expanding **oil palm and cocoa farming**
Providing **microcredit schemes** for smallholder farmers
*“We are doing everything to revamp agriculture,”* Otu emphasised.
**Digital Economy: Training Youth for the Future**
Recognising the importance of **technology in economic transformation**, Otu is spearheading initiatives to:
Train **youth in digital skills**
Establish **technology incubation centres**
Integrate **agriculture with digital innovations**
Combat **cybercrime and ensure ethical tech practices**
*“The future lies in balancing digital advancements with agricultural productivity,”* he stated.
**Cross River’s Economic Future: A Bold Vision**
Governor Otu remains **optimistic about Nigeria’s economic reforms**, drawing from his experience in the **Senate’s Finance and Banking Committee**. He assured citizens that despite **current economic hardships**, positive changes will emerge.
With ambitious plans for **tourism, agriculture, and digital transformation**, Cross River is poised for **sustainable growth and economic prosperity**.
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Lagos State tourism commissioner discusses collaboration with Nigeria immigration service
Published
6 days agoon
February 5, 2025By
Lanre
Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, met with Mrs. Kemi Nandap, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, to discuss ways to improve the immigration process at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, paid a courtesy visit to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nandap, at her office in Abuja on Friday.
Also read: Lagos State launches monthly landmark tours to boost tourism
During the meeting, both officials engaged in constructive discussions focused on fostering collaboration between the NIS and the Lagos State Government.
A primary area of concern was optimizing the immigration process at **Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA)**.
Both parties acknowledged the importance of simplifying entry procedures at the airport to enhance the overall experience for visitors.
They highlighted the critical role this would play in supporting the expected surge in tourism, particularly after the successful tourism campaigns of the fourth quarter of 2024.
Several strategies were explored to improve the immigration process, including:
– **Faster processing lanes** for international arrivals
– **Clearer communication** regarding visa-on-arrival policies
– **Enhanced training** for immigration personnel
The aim is to create a welcoming atmosphere that would encourage international travellers to see Lagos as a prime destination.
Both Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka and Mrs. Nandap agreed that a smooth and efficient immigration process is essential for solidifying Lagos’ position as a leading hub for cultural, artistic, and recreational tourism, contributing to the state’s economic growth and enhancing its global image.
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