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    How culture festivals will shape Lagos in 2018 – Commissioner

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    The Lagos State Government has explained how its “over 70 state-sponsored and endorsed arts and culture programmes” slated for 2018 will shape the year. In the long-list of programmes rolled out by the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Steve Ayorinde, the state government listed its popular Gidi Fest, Lagos Water Regatta and Fanti […]

    The Lagos State Government has explained how its “over 70 state-sponsored and endorsed arts and culture programmes” slated for 2018 will shape the year.

    In the long-list of programmes rolled out by the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Steve Ayorinde, the state government listed its popular Gidi Fest, Lagos Water Regatta and Fanti Carnival, the International Jazz Day celebration which will be dedicated to the South African Jazz legend, Hugh Masekela; the Lagos Comedy Festival and the Eko Art Expo as some of the programmes that will thrill the city, its residents and expected local and international tourists.

    Ayorinde, in a statement, described the calendar as a novel exercise designed to frontload state and privately driven arts, culture and entertainment events that will have positive effects on tourism promotion.

    “This is in fulfillment of the State Government’s promise to announce a yearly calendar of events to guide programming, tourist and visitors’ decision,” the commissioner said.

    According to Ayorinde, the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, kick-started the year with his attendance at Ali Baba’s January 1st Comedy concert at Eko Hotel. Other arts and culture events held in January and February 2018 and included in the calendar are Angel and Muse, an art exhibition by a Lagos trained world renowned artist; Eebi; a month-long Indigenous Cultural Festival in Epe; Wazobia FM Carnival as well as the Lagos Marathon amongst others.

    He added that the idea of creating a calendar of events for state-sponsored and state-endorsed programmes is to make event planning, tour bookings and business decisions easier for tour operators and the general public.

    “The calendar is part of the State’s innovation to project arts, entertainment and leisure benefits inherent in Lagos and to make the state attractive to domestic tourists; business travellers and stop-over passers-by. The state is forging ahead of expanding the consumption of its tourism products by improving access to tourism information and creating an events guide for the media and tour bloggers.

    “Although not exhaustive, the calendar contains many of the indigenous cultural festivals across the state, entertainment events; concerts; visual; performing and fashion and culinary events. The State is expected to leverage on infrastructural development, regeneration of old and creation of iconic attractions for entertainment, arts and culture enthusiasts to boost economic activities and expand opportunities for job creation during the various events on the calendar,” a part of the Commissioner’s statement read.

    Ayorinde also said the administration’s belief that the quantum of cash transactions across the tourism and entertainment value chain, as tracked in December 2017 when about N50billion was spent on entertainment and leisure alone, is a testimony to the huge economic gain in promoting tourism in Lagos State.

    “June will be rich with the first ever Lagos Golf Funfair and the Lagos Cinefest, which is designed to take cinema-going experience to all the five divisions of the State. The Lagos Festival of Plays is a major highlight in the third quarter of the year; so is the Lagos Fishing Festival (Oshoroko) in Ibeju-Lekki; Akwaaba Travel Market and Faaji Agba – a special concert for the elderly to mark World Elders Day.

    “October to December will be the most intense period on the calendar with Olokun Festival; MUSON Festival; AFRIMA, AFRIFF; Kayo-Kayo Festival in Epe; the Lagos Luxury Summit/Fair; Felabration; Lagos Books & Arts Festival (LABAF) as well as the One Lagos Fiesta,” the statement read.

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    Stay Safe: SANParks urges tourists to follow wildlife safety rules

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    wildlife safety at Kruger National Park

    Following a fatal elephant encounter at Kruger National Park, SANParks urges visitors to prioritise safety and stay in vehicles during wildlife tours

     

    South African National Parks (SANParks) has reiterated its safety guidelines following a tragic incident at Kruger National Park, where a tourist lost their life during an encounter with an elephant.

    The incident occurred at Malelane Gate, highlighting the critical need for visitors to stay in their vehicles while observing wildlife.

    According to reports, the fatality occurred when a tourist exited their vehicle and was charged by an elephant.

    SANParks officials have expressed their condolences and emphasised the importance of adhering to safety rules designed to protect both visitors and wildlife.

    This tragedy echoes a similar incident last July when a Spanish tourist at Pilanesberg National Park was fatally attacked after leaving their vehicle to photograph an elephant herd.

    Such incidents underscore the risks of stepping outside vehicles in wildlife reserves.

    SANParks has also called on witnesses to refrain from sharing graphic images or videos of the recent event on social media due to their sensitive nature. This appeal aims to respect the victim’s family and prevent further distress.

    Authorities continue to stress that staying inside vehicles is paramount when navigating wildlife areas. “Safety protocols exist not only to protect visitors but also to preserve the natural behaviour of wildlife,” SANParks management stated.

    Kruger National Park remains one of South Africa’s premier tourist destinations, attracting visitors from around the world.

    However, tragedies such as this serve as stark reminders of the need for vigilance and respect for nature’s unpredictability.

    By adhering to these guidelines, tourists can enjoy South Africa’s remarkable wildlife while ensuring their safety and preserving the sanctity of these natural environments.

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    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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    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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