Tourists and government officials gather in Afon, Kwara, for the annual fishing festival, marking a major step in promoting local tourism

Tourists from 10 states across Nigeria recently gathered in Afon, the headquarters of Asa Local Government Area in Kwara State, for the community’s highly anticipated annual fishing festival.

The vibrant event, which took place on the banks of the Asa River, drew not only local visitors but also content creators, key government officials, and tourism enthusiasts.

The Afon Fishing Festival, a centuries-old tradition, has been gaining national attention, particularly after efforts to incorporate modern tourism elements.

In 2023, the festival’s profile was significantly raised when Jamiu Balogun, an indigene of Afon, partnered with Visit Kwara, a tourism promotion platform, to elevate the event’s status.

Balogun, the lead organiser, highlighted how the festival has steadily gained in popularity, thanks to the infusion of tourism strategies.

However, Balogun emphasised the importance of continued support from both national and international tourism organisations to ensure the festival’s sustained growth.

“The Afon Fishing Festival has the potential to become a major international attraction, but it requires greater collaboration from various tourism bodies,” he remarked.

The district head of Afon, Mal. Hanafi Balogun, reiterated the significance of the festival in preserving the community’s rich cultural heritage.

He revealed that ongoing discussions with the state government are aimed at promoting the event on a global scale, with the presence of government officials underscoring the festival’s increasing importance.

Alh. Shehu Yahaya, the chairman of Asa Local Government Area, also praised the role of tourism in stimulating the local economy, noting that the Afon Fishing Festival plays a central role in boosting the area’s visibility. He reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to supporting the festival and its future endeavours.

One of the highlights of the festival was the participation of the chief fisher head, Alh. Abdullahi Laraba, who expressed his pride in the festival’s development under his leadership.

He committed to ensuring that the tradition is preserved for future generations, pointing to its growing prominence as a vital community asset.

The festival’s appeal extended beyond fishing, with a mountain climbing tour that offered tourists the chance to explore the scenic beauty of the Odoode Hills in Afon district.

The tour attracted a diverse crowd of safari enthusiasts, content creators, and government officials eager to uncover more of Kwara’s untapped tourist potential.

Brighton Udezi, a member of BMW GS Nigeria, a biking safari group, was among those who marveled at the panoramic views during their expedition to the hills. His team enjoyed a thrilling ride through the stunning terrain, further reinforcing the area’s potential as a unique tourism destination.

As the Afon Fishing Festival continues to grow in prominence, it is clear that this centuries-old tradition is rapidly becoming a key player in Kwara State’s broader tourism strategy, attracting both local and international visitors.

Lagos Seafood Festival, set for April 24-26, will showcase Lagos’ maritime heritage, promoting sustainable seafood businesses and tourism

The Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, is set to redefine the state’s maritime economy with the upcoming **Lagos Seafood Festival**.

Also read: Lagos Government commits to growth of hospitality sector at institute of hospitality AGM

Scheduled to take place from April 24th to 26th, 2025, the festival will celebrate Lagos as an aquatic wonder and highlight the commercial potential of its thriving seafood industry.

Themed “Buy, Eat, Party,” the event will be held across three locations in the state: Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island; Anuoluwapo Fish Market, Law School, Victoria Island; and Oluwo Fish Market, Epe.

The primary focus of the festival is to promote aquaculture and culinary tourism, while preserving Lagos’ rich seafood trade. The event aims to foster sustainable business strategies and reinforce the state’s position as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.

The **Lagos Seafood Festival** will feature a blend of culinary experiences, cultural celebrations, and business networking opportunities designed to elevate the seafood industry.

Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, described the initiative as a groundbreaking approach to celebrating Lagos’ indigenous lifestyle.

According to Aregbe, the festival will not only empower seafood businesses but will also attract international buyers, thereby boosting the local economy.

“This is beyond a festivity; it is a celebration of our heritage and a strategic opportunity for the seafood industry in Lagos. We will empower seafood merchants, attract international buyers, and amplify Lagos’ maritime story,” he said.

The Lagos Seafood Festival promises an exciting array of activities for attendees, including gourmet seafood experiences, cooking demonstrations, tastings by renowned chefs, market tours, cultural exhibitions, and workshops.

The festival will also provide vital business networking opportunities, making it an essential event for seafood business owners. Aregbe added that the initiative aligns with the state government’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda to position Lagos as a global tourism and business hub while promoting economic growth in the seafood sector.

The Lagos Seafood Festival is positioned as a strategic campaign to promote Lagos as an aquatic splendour, market the seafood industry, and support sustainable businesses.

Brazil’s 2025 Rio Carnival celebrates Yoruba heritage with Orisa chants and themes, strengthening ties between Nigeria and Brazil

The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has praised Brazil for its vibrant celebration of Yoruba culture during the 2025 Rio de Janeiro Carnival, recognising the powerful display of Nigerian heritage that resonated with millions of people worldwide.

Also read: Osun State Targets Brazil for Investment, Tourism Boost

The commendation came from Chief Biodun Ajiboye, the Executive Secretary/CEO of NICO, who expressed his appreciation in a statement from Abuja.

The carnival, held from February 28 to March 8, at the famed Sambadrome, drew an estimated eight million visitors from across the globe.

Ajiboye highlighted Brazil’s commitment to promoting Nigerian culture through the pulsating Orisa chants and Yoruba-inspired themes that dominated the carnival.

He stated that these performances not only captivated the audience but also reinforced the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two nations.

“We are inspired by what our Brazilian brothers and sisters are doing, as the Orisa tradition originates from Nigeria; all Orisas have their base here,” Ajiboye said.

“It is heart-warming to see that despite being taken forcefully as slaves, our ancestors kept the flames alive, and their descendants have continued to preserve and celebrate it with such grandeur.”

He praised Brazil’s dedication to preserving Yoruba traditions and recognised the country’s remarkable celebration of its African heritage. “You have shown that you are truly the children of kings and queens; you are not bastards but true heirs of our heritage,” Ajiboye added.

Ajiboye also commended Brazil for its progressive stance on religious tolerance and cultural inclusivity. He described Brazil’s efforts to elevate Yoruba traditions as an inspiration to the world, underscoring the need for global cooperation in preserving cultural legacies.

Looking forward, Ajiboye emphasised that the Nigerian government is committed to deepening cultural ties between the two nations. He revealed that high-level cultural conferences would be planned in both Nigeria and Brazil to strengthen historical connections, promote tourism, and foster religious harmony.

In line with this, NICO is spearheading plans for the World Orisa Congress, an annual event designed to bring Orisa devotees from around the world to Nigeria.

The congress will serve as a platform for scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and government representatives to explore sustainable strategies for cultural preservation and global engagement.

Ajiboye highlighted the Orisa spiritual system as a significant global force, with an estimated 450 million adherents worldwide. He expressed Nigeria’s desire to position itself as the epicentre of Orisa worship, much like Mecca for Muslims or Jerusalem for Jews.

The Executive Secretary also noted that NICO is working on creating a platform to unite devotees from across the world, including Brazil, Cuba, the United States, the UK, and many other nations, to continue the celebration and preservation of Yoruba culture.

Ajiboye expressed hope that through continued collaboration, Nigeria and Brazil could forge new pathways for enhancing cultural understanding and preserving the Yoruba heritage.

He applauded the Brazilian government for its unwavering support for cultural diversity and religious tolerance, encouraging both countries to continue building bridges for future generations.

The Rio de Janeiro Carnival, which dates back to 1723, is recognised as the world’s largest carnival, attracting millions of revellers each year.

In 2025, an estimated two million people per day filled the streets to enjoy floats, samba schools, and elaborate costumes, celebrating Brazil’s rich cultural diversity.

A samba school consists of a community of local neighbours with shared regional or geographical backgrounds, showcasing their cultural heritage through lively performances.