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    Enabling Yorubas’ effective role in building, upholding Nigeria our aim — CYE

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    The president of a newly inaugurated socio-cultural group, Council of Yoruba Elders (CYE), Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, has stated that the aims and objectives of establishing the group is meant to enable the Yoruba race play an effective role in building and upholding Nigeria.

    Onigbinde stated that the group which was launched on 31st of August, 2023 is ready to work together in a bid to achieve unity in Yoruba land and Nigeria in general.

    He said unity, if achieved will lead to bringing of ideas which will pilot solution to problems faced in the country.

    Onigbinde, who is a former coach of Super Eagles, said this on Saturday during the maiden press conference of the group held at Oduduwa Center, Iwo road, Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

    He noted that the main focus of the group is to bring unity among the Yorubas which according to him can be achieved through acting, thinking and performing together.

    Onigbinde stated that the group is not at war with any other Yoruba socio-cultural group but meant to create unity among the tribe, adding that the group is opened to all sons and daughters of yoruba who are interested in the unity and progress of the race and Nigeria as a whole.

    The group’s president lamented lack of unity among the yoruba tribe while emphasising the need for Yoruba to come together and speak in one voice.

    He stated that in its bid to bring progress to the different sectors in Nigeria, the group had decide to set up committees which will conduct thorough research into various sectors of human endeavors.

    The committees constituted into sectors which include; Committee on Agriculture, Sports, Education, Health, Petroleum resources ,solid minerals,political affairs, committee on security, works and transport,Judiciary,Industry and Employment, Science and Technology,Urban and Regional planning, Lands and Housing, Investments ,Religious Harmony, Tourism, Mediation and Reconciliation, Aviation and Space , Strategy and Tactics, Women Affairs , Youths and Employment Arts and Culture.

    He said, “Without deceiving ourselves or being unnecessary hypocritical, things are not rosy in Nigeria today as it has always been in the past . This ugly atmosphere has thus stimulated vehement calls by some for the restructuring of Nigeria to true federalism or regional system of government as we used to have in the era of the triad of North, East and West of Ahmad’s Bello , Nnamdi Azikwe and Obafemi Awolowo where the clime for competitiveness gave room for the greatest development in the West . At the other end , some have even been calling for self -determination . Nobody is grudging any of the two demands . But our preference for now as elders is to opt for the softer agitation which is the restructuring of the country which we are sure is going to avail to us the best track of race towards competitive development as we so had it in the past.

    “Let the truth be said, the bane of our situation of the retrogressiveness in Nigeria was the unitary system brought by the military in 1996 . It is thus our duty to demand for what can propel us forward.

    “Along this line , just before we begin the reinforced campaign for this restructuring,we have decided to set up a number of committees which will conduct a thorough research into various sectors of our human endeavors and mould expert papers for each sector as a guide to our demand and proactive preparation for the drive.

    “With all the above structures and activities in place as to be guided by well articulate constitution , I want to assure you that the journey to the redemption of Yoruba land has begun in a practical form.

    “We hereby call on Yoruba sons and daughters across the world to let us throw our egos overboard and join hands together in love,unity and harmony for the good of our father land”, he concluded.

    In his welcome address, the Secretary General of CYE, who also doubles as the President General of Oodua Redemption Alliance, Dr Victor Taiwo, said “We cannot continue to be fooling ourselves, most of Yoruba groups that we all known have been polarized with either by politics or personal interest.

    “We cannot continue to pretend as if we don’t know what is going on, Hausa people have a formidable group that champion their interest, which is Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), they speak with one voice irrespective of their political differences, Igbo people also have their own which is called Ohaneze Ndigbo, but here in Yorubaland our Afenifere group have been polarized.

    “We now have Afenifere Renewal Group, and so many other factions, even the Yoruba Council Of Elders (YCE) has also been factionalized, there is Pa Rueben Fasonrati group, and there is Pa Ayo Adebanjo group so we are no longer speaking with one voice and it is so sad, we cannot move forward with all these mess, we need a strong and formidable group that will be championing our interest at the national level too, this is what gave birth to this Council of Yoruba Elders (CYE) that was officially launched on Thursday 31st August, 2023 at the House of Chiefs here in Ibadan, the event was a successful one, as it was attended by illustrious sons and daughters of Yoruba race from different parts of the world, enough is enough, we must move forward.”

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    FG to develop diaspora city to reconnect Nigerians abroad

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    Nigeria Diaspora City project

    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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    Governor Bassey Otu’s vision for Cross River: tourism, agriculture, digital economy

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    Cross River Tourism, Calabar Carnival, Food Security, Digital Economy, Obudu Ranch

    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

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    Lagos State, Tourism, Immigration, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, NIS

    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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