Culture

I run to promote tourism, humanity, says ‘World Wrapper Man’

Published

2 years ago

May 8, 2024

An adventurer, Adjarho Obaro, popularly called “World Wrapper Man”, says his decision to embark on running across the nation and other countries is to promote tourism and humanity.

It was reported that Obaro is a multiple marathoner and he is known as the “World Wrapper Man” because he has participated in several runs – not in tracksuits or conventional athletic gear – but in his native Uhrobo attire, which comes with a 37-yard wrapper.

In 2015, he spent 22 days running from Lagos to Abuja.

Others are Lagos to Makurdi, 900km, 40 days; Lagos to Onitsha, 650km, 17 days; Lagos to Ughelli, 506km, 12 days, and Abeokuta to Lagos 102km, three days.

Also, he has participated in the Bucharest City Marathon (2010), Bucharest International Marathon (2011), Club Marathon (2011), Bucharest International Marathon (2012), Bucharest Half-Marathon (2012), Triathlon Challenge, and the Lagos Half-Marathon (2015).

55-year-old Obaro in an interview with NAN in Lagos on Tuesday, said that each of his marathon activities were purposefully done to draw attention to certain issues that should be addressed in the society.

He said it was also meant to promote domestic tourism as many Nigerians preferred to travel for leisure rather than looking inwards.

He noted that aside his love for running, he had also realised it was the easiest form of exercise anyone could embrace to keep fit, stay healthy and improve one’s mood.

“I started running to showcase Nigerian culture, promoting tourism and humanity in 2015.

“In Nigeria, I have been to 32 states including the Federal Capital Territory. I have not been to Jigawa, Borno, Taraba and Katsina states.

“Lagos to Abuja took me 22 days and that was when I created awareness on the essence of education; Lagos to Onitsha was done in 19 days when I campaigned against piracy.

“Lagos to Makurdi was to draw attention to the flood victims then in Benue state; Lagos to Ughelli in Delta state was done in 12 days, to create awareness on the essence of education, and Abeokuta to Lagos was done in three days to raise funds for the blind in the society,” he said.

Obaro called on the Federal Government and well meaning Nigerians to support and sponsor his cause.

According to him, his next project will be running around the ECOWAS countries to draw attention to visa procurement issues.

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Culture

Ofala festival: Obi of Onitsha marks 25 Years on throne

Published

4 days ago

October 23, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Ofala Festival 2026 celebrated Onitsha’s royal heritage as Obi Nnaemeka Achebe marked 25 years on the throne and addressed Nigeria’s economic challenges.

(more…)

Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

4 days ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.