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    Culture and Tourism: One year of painful agony

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    Minister of Tourism, Ade-John Inspects Ongoing Renovation at Obudu Resort

    President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is certainly a strategic thinker. He possibly could pass as the Aristotle of Nigerian politics, and many people wonder at his many socioeconomic and political interventions, some of them begging for interpretations.

    Out of the blue, Mr. President gave us two ministries, Culture, Arts Creative economy, and Tourism. The development, though inspiring, provoked bitter and sweet reactions.

    How could culture, arts and a creative economy that oxygenate tourism be separated from each other? The arguments raged and trust some of our pranting noisemakers who couldn’t see beyond their noses, they premised everyone who called on the President to do a rethink on the separation of the twins as noisemakers and rude to Mr. President.

    The President, who is ever willing to listen, waded into the controversy and explained that he wanted to use the creation of the two ministries to stimulate jobs and offer space for more hands in baking the cake for the Renewed Hope agenda.

    If creating jobs in the cultural tourism industry is the focal expectation of the agenda, then the President has hit the bull’s eyes but on political job offerings for the sake of boys and girls in the political space, then there must be a rethink, considering the huge plundering of the nation by ex-political appointees.

    Unlike 2015, when President Buhari came with sweeping brooms to audit the Ministry of Tourism and found the cupboards empty without any documentation to help his government restructure the economy, which, consequently, led to the renaming the Ministry as Information, Culture and National Orientation, with Tourism, sadly, on a desk profile, Lai Mohammed, who took over the ministry, shadowed tourism as the voice of Jacob to culture.

    Indeed, and in truth, culture played a significant and pivotal role in shaping our tourism space with the National Council of Arts and Culture, under the watch of enigmatic Otunba Segun Runsewe, occupying the Nigerian economic space even beyond the tourism rendition.

    With a proven track record of delivery as Nigeria’ s tourism chief years ago, Runsewe rallied and glavernised all Nigerians, particularly members of the National Assembly and state governors, to buy into the Nigerian cultural landscape. He didn’t wait for any presidential council on tourism or any fancy overhyped cultural policy.

    Matthew Olusegun Runsewe is a man of faith and, within a space of two years in office as Nigeria’s cultural ambassador and marketer, won over the hard doubting minds of Nigerians to value the chains in our cultural economy.

    The President’s economic eggheads didn’t consult the cultural tourism maestro, and it was a grave oversight.

    Ever strategic, futuristic, innovative and authoritative, Runsewe didn’t square in the make-believe gallery of cultural spin doctors but carefully took our cultural products to the owners, the Nigerian people

    And with an abiding faith in Nigerian tourism press in particular and the entire national media landscape, Runsewe launched out with culture as the new oil, rebranded National Festival of Arts and Culture, and brought the world to Nigeria through cultural diplomacy to trade in Nigeria’s biggest cultural market, the International Arts and Crafts market.

    Abuja, in five years, danced like an excited peacock and became the global cornerstone for cultural tourism diversity, which opened doors for all-expenses-paid international cultural invitational trips for some outstanding state cultural troupes to showcase our cultural values to the world. Significantly, INAC became a breeding ground to export our cultural diversity to the world and bring the world to our doorstep. It was counted for Runsewe!

    There were also gains in training opportunities offered by countries such as Turkey and China. Indeed, Nigerian rural communities were targeted beneficiaries of skill acquisitions in arts and crafts, fashion designing, traditional hairmaking, shoemaking, cloth weaving, and so much more. There are living testimonies, no abracadabra!

    At each of the two unfailing calendared cultural events, the youths, particularly the womenfolk, were mentored to acquire skills to reinvent the sector. The records of beneficiaries gave vent to eggheads around the President to rethink and birth an exclusive cultural economy. Unfortunately, they didn’t consult the maestro, and that led to our agonies.

    From Kaduna to Rivers, Plateau, Edo, Ekiti, and Lagos states, Runsewe, in partnership with the governors, delivered on the socioeconomic strength of Nigerian culture and arts economy. For a week’s duration, the festival took place in those states, and it’s evident that both local and international attention were focused on the gains of the iconic festival.

    This report today is to audit the ministries of culture and tourism under Hannatu Musa Musawa and Lola Ade-John, respectively, and to submit with evidence the two beautiful women failed this administration and put to flight our expectations on the renewed gains in the two sectors. My verdict is that they should look for jobs elsewhere or go back to their Egypt.

    Both Hannatu Musawa and Lola Ade-John do not have depth, charisma and the guts to take us across the Jordan to the promised renewed land of hope in Culture and Tourism trade.

    Let me situate that Musawa as Minister of Culture, Arts and Creative Economy amputated the Nigerian cultural movement through her unbelievable swoop on all the 11 heads of parastatals under the newly created ministry of culture, an effort that caused a heart failure of the Nigerian cultural movement.

    Though changes are inevitable in the journey of life, it is sad for a minister to bitterly knife through the souls of the best we have in the system out of mere political shenanigans, certainly showcasing ingenuity in scandalous self-worth.

    Runsewe was not only the big star in our cultural firmament, there were also Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed and Ado Yahuza, who turned around the fortunes of the National Troupe of Nigeria and National Institute for Cultural Orientation ( NICO), respectively, before the coming of Musawa.

    Ahmed literally burnt midnight candles, went round the country, sought out the best creative young persons, and on the flooded planes of Iganmu,lagos office of the agency, breath life back into our moribund National Troupe, set it off on global showcase and insisted that Nigeria must welcome her foreign guests with the best of culture dances and drummings on showcase.

    Hannatu killed that dream, but today, she wished to appropriate the gains as landmarks of her key performance metrics. The case of Ado Yahuza at Nico is equally worth mentioning because we must build on gains and not distractions packaged to deceive the public.

    Nico also rose from the ashes of misplaced and misappropriated priorities. As a tested human resources manager, Ado Yahuza took Nico’s training school out of the lethargy of focal mission, affiliated it with Nassarawa state University, breeding certificated cultural officers for the good of nation and for export to global cultural knowledge market.

    Under Ado Yahuza, Nico tackled headlong the discomforting cultural malaise among Nigerian young persons, took our languages to the barracks, and schools across the country and flourished cultural revival through cultural clubs in secondary schools. Our children become proud again about our way of life.

    Ado Yahuza also worked hard with the encouragement of UNESCO and got Nigerian heritage values , sango festival in oyo State, and our midwifery system listed on UNESCO representative calendar. Nico thematic workshops targeting the academic community and Sundry professional groups produced detailed essays and materials for generic documentation to find solutions to national cultural setbacks. Hannatu again nailed Ado Yahuza on head for outstanding performance but would turn around to document his achievements as one of her great achievements in one year.

    In a recent publication sighted last week in a national newspaper and written by one Dr Deji Ayooola, an anthropologist, his deliberate delivery of what was clearly an attempt to credit Hannatu Musa Musawa with scores of achievements she bitterly repudiated by sacking these patriotic Nigerians , is nauseating. It was an anthropological fallacy written to curate Hannatu as our cultural messiah. It failed to click and register against her failed efforts so far.

    Though Hannatu was quoted to gleefully admit that the remarkable achievements and milestones in the culture space were the handwork of “ her predecessors” in the sector, it is, however, rankling to the mind why Hannatu choose to sack the best, the “ predecessors “ (DGs) and sought their replacement with girls and boy scouts! In a hurry to assert her lordship in the sector, she pulled down pillars unto honour, and she wanted us to clap for her?

    The truth is that Hannatu Musa Musawa has added no values to whatever she met on the ground in the culture space and should be shown the way out of this government. There was no inclusivity in the way she ran the ministry and which evidently ambushed critical ongoing gains before she came.

    Her first stakeholders meeting at Villa ended terribly in chaos when the creative community told her to regard herself as a mere passenger and not as chief pilot in the fast-moving nigerian creative train. The media was awash with the apologies of our amiable vice-president, kashmi shettima, who promised the culture and creative stakeholders that this government will respond positively to their neglect over the years. Hannatu didn’t get the message!

    Hannatu’s effort to reap from the Grammy Awards nominations of some Nigerian acts and whom unfortunately lost out to a South African listed nominee drove nails between the minister and Nigerians when she out of desperation called for an African Grammy Awards replica.

    Certainly, it won’t be out of place that Hannatu’s one year in office attracted most stringent controversies ever apart from the edugate affair. The public opprobrium against her many public missteps is a tail sign that she is surplus to requirement in this administration.

    For want of repeating myself, it’s funny that someone somewhere in present day Nigeria, in our culture space, will deliberately mark up the ongoing refurbishment of National theatre, a private business, owned by the Bankers Committee as one of Hannatu’s pindown achievements. It is a hilarious, unbelievable, desperate movie script written to mock our intelligence.

    Moonlight jobs and GDP sweet songs

    I was gripped with fear on the anthropological submission that about 257, 754 “ new jobs” were harvested by Hannatu in one year and to the Gross National domestic productivity, Hannatu’s classical ingenuity scaled up the GDP by a share of 0. 37 per cent from 1. 3% to a current GDP share of 1. 67%. This abracadabra figures from certainly a heinous research beats my imagination considering the fact that the minister and her new team are struggling on all fronts. She held her first retreat with her team barely three weeks ago, so where did magic figures come from?

    There were other generated statistics from the synagogue of Satan, unbelievably outlandish and programmed to deceive unassuming Nigerians.

    Soft power magic!

    It was again written by our anthropologist that the ministry spearheaded Nigeria cultural influence from 2. 5 % to 46% in the period under review and the brand index perception from 1. 5% to 18%. I dey laugh the devil. What? Under Hannatu’s, the clueless minister of culture? Wonders shall not end with infertile imaginations of some Nigerians. Watch out from this week advertorials, press releases, and paid opinions on the achievements of day dreamers in this government.

    On the stakeholders’ belt, the ministry and minister “organised” successfully about 18 stakeholders’ meetings spread through workshops and public engagements by CEBAAC and Nigerian Gallery of Arts. Really? When and where? Hannatu held a creative sector meeting under the office of the vice president, and just on Friday, May 10th, the Nigerian film and Censors Board, headed now by Dr Shaibu Husseini held a strategic stakeholders meeting in lagos. Two is the number and not 18, as generously and ingeniously claimed by the magical anthropological hand.

    Certainly, the game to justify their appointments is here, and the fear of their removal for poor performance will beyond measure the pushing out conjured figures to the public space. Except for Dr Shaibu Husseini of Nigeria films, movies, and censors Board, nothing good has come out of the Culture House of Hannatu.

    Hannatu sadly is her own problem. She was not circumspect and wise to clearly work with the best she met on the ground, but today, without fear of posterity, has aligned with the achievements of those she pushed under the bus in the desperation to have an absolute grip on the sector.

    We won’t be surprised to see the same fabulous fallacious ecosystem emanating from some of her appointees to just justify their obvious failings. Unfortunately, Hannatu can not save the failures as the blind can not lead the blind.

    In the tourism sector, Lola Ade John should just go and take a deserved rest somewhere. She is not in tourism, not cut out for it, can not interpret her mission, and is too laid back to confront the two monsters under her struggling ministry.

    Madam lola is a victim of her fear. She is feeble, weak, and afraid to effect changes and drive collaborations that can advance the course of the sector. She has walked into a deadly trap, and it’s too late for her to escape the hammer of non performance.

    Her spin doctors are well-known industry buccaneers . They will give you a shoulder to cry on for a fee or reward. Ade John came to seek a sympathetic tourism crowd, and they have been praising her to high heavens and justifying her very grave failings.

    I won’t waste my time because lola Ade John has no technical tourism structure of her own. She is in the wrong place, pretending that she can do the job. Lola Ade John can’t do anything for tourism. That is truth and the only truth. We won’t be surprised to see her Bill Boards all over Abuja, lagos, and Ekiti states, showcasing her soft power in cutting red tapes to declare open grandiose tourism projects primed to confuse the uninitiated.

    I don’t know why people lie openly to justify just a stay in public office, to which they are unfit to run. Is it a crime to throw in the towel if the ring is too hot and unbearable?

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    Opinion

    Ondo monarch calls for tourism investment to boost Nigerian economy

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    Tourism Investment in Nigeria

    Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin, Owa Ale of Ikareland, urges Nigerian leaders to prioritise tourism investment for economic growth and cultural preservation.

     

     

    The Owa Ale of Ikareland, Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin, has called on Nigerian government leaders to strengthen the country’s tourism sector, highlighting its potential to drive economic growth.

    Addressing attendees at the 2024 Olokemeji Tako-Tabo Festival in Ikare, Ondo State, he urged federal, state, and local governments to promote tourism as a sustainable source of employment and revenue generation.

     

    Also read: Ondo Governor celebrates Ulefunta festival to drive economic growth

     

    Speaking at the annual festival, which drew visitors from within Nigeria and abroad, the monarch underscored the economic and cultural benefits of tourism, describing festivals as vital for fostering local pride and identity.

    “Our culture is our pride. Government support in tourism investment would not only generate revenue and employment but also enhance our economy,” he remarked.

    The Olokemeji Tako-Tabo Hill, the festival’s focus, holds cultural and historical significance as a symbol of resilience and protection for the Ikare people, dating back to times of inter-tribal conflict.

    The monarch lamented that Nigeria often overlooks its heritage in favour of Western influences, stressing that cultural preservation is essential for national identity.

    Highlighting the growing interest in Yoruba cultural festivals, he praised the community’s dedication to revitalising local heritage, which he said was evident in the large turnout and enthusiasm at this year’s festival.

    A tourist, Peter Ijigbo, also spoke passionately about the cultural importance of such festivals. “Despite my faith as a Christian, this is our heritage, and we cannot turn our backs on it.

    I visited last year, and this festival has always been a spiritual and cultural sanctuary for us,” he said.

    The Olokemeji Tako-Tabo Festival and similar events in Nigeria offer promising avenues for both economic growth and cultural preservation.

    With strategic investments and support, Nigeria’s tourism sector could serve as a significant pillar of the national economy, providing jobs, fostering community engagement, and celebrating the country’s diverse cultural heritage.

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    Opinion

    Stakeholders urge sustainable tourism plans for Nigeria

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    Sustainable tourism in Nigeria

    At a World Tourism Day event in Abuja, stakeholders called for sustainable tourism plans to protect Nigeria’s natural and cultural resources, support local economies, and enhance visitor experiences. They stressed the importance of clean environments, such as Jabi Lake, to boost tourism and create economic opportunities, while minimising environmental harm.

     

    Stakeholders in Nigeria have emphasised the need for sustainable tourism strategies to protect the country’s natural and cultural resources, boost local economies, and improve visitor experiences.

    This call came during a press briefing held to commemorate World Tourism Day in Abuja, following a clean-up exercise at Jabi Lake.

     

    Also read: Nigeria eyes N12.3 trillion tourism gains by 2032, 2.6 million jobs expected

     

    The event was organised by the Eco Club, in collaboration with Jabi Boat Club, Jabi Mall, and Jabi Park.

    World Tourism Day, observed annually on 27 September, highlights the significance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value.

    The theme for 2024, *Tourism and Peace*, underscores the role of tourism in fostering global understanding and reconciliation.

    Speaking at the event, Aisha Yusuf, Creative Director of Hayche Network and Senior Special Adviser on Sustainable and Accessible Tourism to the Executive Director of Tourism Volunteer Network, advocated for sustainable solutions to maintain tourism in Nigeria.

    “We need to create awareness about sustainable tourism and take ownership of keeping our environment clean,” she stated, calling for both individual and government action to protect destinations like Jabi Lake.

    Omoefe Tawiyah, Managing Director of Platinum X Media and organiser of *Abuja I Believe*, highlighted the economic benefits of a clean and well-maintained Jabi Lake, noting its potential to attract significant tourism investments.

    He remarked, “If properly cleaned, Jabi Lake will become a key destination for tourists and boost the Federal Capital Territory’s economy.”

    Phil Roberts, Executive Director of Tourism Volunteers Network, urged for turning Abuja into a tourism hub. He highlighted the need to enhance infrastructure tourism, which complements natural beauty by developing facilities that attract and sustain tourists.

    “Abuja has numerous tourist sites, and Jabi Lake can become a major tourism destination with the right investment and infrastructure,” Roberts explained.

    The speakers agreed that preserving the environment is essential for sustainable tourism growth, which can contribute to job creation, economic development, and peacebuilding.

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    Opinion

    Nigeria’s 1,091 Tourist Sites Undergoing Revitalisation -Minister

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    Nigeria Tourism Gains by 2032

    Ms. Lola Ade -John, Minister of Tourism, has said that Nigeria has 1,091 tourist sites across the 36 States of the Federation, adding that many of these tourist sites are currently being revitalised.

    Ade-John, who stated this at a pre-summit webinar in preparation for the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#30), organised by the Tourism and Hospitality Industries Thematic Group (THITG) of the Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Creatives, Culture, and Sports Industries Policy Commission (THECCSPC) of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG),

    highlighted the importance of domestic tourism to Nigeria’s future.

    She noted that these notable sites include Obudu, Ogbunike, Osun-Osogbo Grove, Kajuru Castle, and Yankari Games Reserve, which are improving in terms of historic architecture, wildlife conservation, and ecotourism efforts.

    She explained that the shifting of attention by the Federal Government to domestic tourism, would provide significant job opportunities for rural communities.

    She noted that in 2022, the tourism sector contributed 17.3 billion Naira to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP), compared to 7.5% of GDP in France.

    The minister further stated that Nigeria also hosts 814 festivals across 774 locations, offering rich cultural experiences.

    Ade-John underscored the need for investment in domestic tourism to revitalise communities, spur entrepreneurship, and generate revenue, noting that the sector currently supports 1.9 million jobs but has significant growth potential.

    In his welcome address, Mr. Udeme Ufot, Co-Chair of THECCSPC of NESG, emphasised that several factors have led Nigerians to favour domestic travel over international options since the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Ufot noted that safety and familiarity are key, as domestic destinations are perceived as safer due to better knowledge of local health and safety protocols.

    He stated that reduced international mobility due to travel restrictions and global conflicts have made local destinations more accessible and convenient, noting that economic considerations also play a role; including the pandemic and political instability which have affected livelihoods, making domestic travel a more affordable option.

    Ufot further expressed hope that the event would generate actionable recommendations to foster inclusive growth, potentially altering trade patterns, attracting investment and enhancing border stability across the continent.

    During the panelists session, Mr. Folorunsho Coker, Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), spoke on the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP), community involvement, and sustainable funding models for promoting domestic tourism.

    He noted that domestic tourism is six times the size of international tourism and is essential for addressing employment issues.

    Mr. Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), discussed the role of media, arts, and culture in developing domestic tourism.

    He highlighted the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to bridge capacity gaps and the importance of story-telling in attracting tourists.

    Ms. Sade Hughes, Managing Director of MIXTA Hospitality Limited, emphasised the impact of innovative real estate and distinctive tourism experiences in revitalising domestic tourism.

    She called for government investment in infrastructure and urged Nigerians to support local brands.

    Ms. Bolaji Mustapha, President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), stressed the need for government support in policy and infrastructure to develop Nigeria’s tourism sector.

    Ms. Adenike Macaulay, Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow, pointed out that the interconnection between music, art, and tourism and the importance of clearly defining tourism attractions to stimulate the economy.

    Ms. Omoyemi Akerele, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Fashion Week and Style House Files, shared how they have redefined Nigeria’s tourism through fashion and enhanced Lagos nightlife, using fashion week as a tool for ecotourism.

    The theme of the webinar was “Domestic Tourism: A Powerful Tool for Rural Revitalisation and Economic Growth in Nigeria.”

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