Opinion

Is the diaspora now about rubbishing those at home?

Published

2 years ago

January 7, 2023

By Professor Toyin Falola

I am so sad as I write this. I never knew that things will become so bad. Immigrant scholars in the US have now become like the Europeans in 19th century Africa, the colonizers who saw nothing good about the continent. This is now the intellectual stuff on the Internet. I have read five in the last three days. I am currently reading a book manuscript that thrashed the entire academic culture in Nigeria. It was submitted to Routledge. Of course, I have asked them not to publish it, which means nothing as another publisher will do.

How did things get to this? You are supposed to empower your people, not destroy them. Statements to uplift and upgrade are different from statements to ridicule. We all criticize, even we criticize family members but not that we want to push them to the mouth of the lion.

Sam and Professor Ogunyemi are on this list, and they can attest to what I want to say next. Using the platform of the African Union, I launched a public criticism of this Africa-is- bad orientation. The President of the Association of African Universities was there. I followed it up with a long memo to the African Union that they should change the nature of the engagement with the diaspora. At that meeting:

I insisted on the formation of Africa-based journals sponsored by the AU. Some said publicly Africans cannot run journals! The next day, Sam and I held a meeting with the Commissioner in charge of higher education and they asked for a proposal. As I do too many things, I have not been able to follow up.
If people from the US go to Africa and are asked to teach, those from Africa must also teach when they come to the US. Many of you based in Africa may not know that you are not allowed to teach in many schools in the West. No need for names, and no need to talk about my own fights.

African scholars in the diaspora talk down on their colleagues. I said in public that most of them teach in schools that are far below any Nigerian public University. How can someone from a US Tier 2 school be talking down on professors at the University of Ibadan? Ask Professor Ogunyem and Oloruntoba how they went after me. Someone from a tier 3 schools goes to Legon and he is talking as if he is better than them. Someone from a tier 2B school goes to the University of Lagos and making himself appear better than them, when they don’t even the promotion criterion does not expect him to write a book. Someone who has no PhD student and has not produced one will go to the University of Abuja to lecture people how to mentor students.

The debasement of the African inputs to scholarship—they publish thrash, their English is bad, they don’t understand concepts, they don’t understand theories, they are serial abusers, they are rapists, etc.

The tragedy in this new anti-Africa orientation is that they come from those produced in Africa who came for their PhDs here. It is now becoming a pandemic to destroy Africa.

Professor Ochefu asked me for a paper on the contributions of the Nigerians in the Diaspora to Nigerian history. I reframed it for him. In cumulation, and I am not exaggerating, we still cannot evaluate the contributions of this generation of African scholars in the diaspora. Social media has given them a platform to exaggerate their claims. I have yet to see several books that advance the agenda of the African ion building from this group of scholars. They write for white people, not for Africans.

I became a full professor in 6 Western universities on the basis of the work I did at Obafemi Awolowo University. I say it in pubic; I say it in writing. Of course, we had our own fight, which is always about the incapacity to tolerate dissent and recognize brilliance. But what is now the point in collecting first degrees in Africa, coming to the West for PhDs and turning against those institutions?

At home, we don’t pay back. We don’t honor the high schools that we attended. We don’t honor the universities we attended. We don’t honor the past. We don’t celebrate good people but worship bad people. We are now paying a very heavy price.

The fight against this anti-Africa orientation must begin in Africa.

** Prof. Falola is an Emeritus Professor of History and African Studies

Source: TCN

Opinion

Ondo monarch calls for tourism investment to boost Nigerian economy

Published

1 month ago

October 28, 2024

Lanre

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.

Opinion

Stakeholders urge sustainable tourism plans for Nigeria

Published

2 months ago

September 30, 2024

Lanre

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.

Opinion

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

Published

3 months ago

September 3, 2024

Lanre

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.”