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    Kalgwai Fishing Festival set to boost tourism, economic growth in Jigawa

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    5 months ago

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    Hundreds of participants, residents and guests recently caught a glimpse of a spectacular carnival at the reintroduced Kalgwai Fishing Festival in the Auyo Local Government Area of Jigawa State with winners carting home attractive prices.

    The re-introduction of the festival, after it was last conducted in 2015, was the culmination of a chain of activities for residents and visitors which included water sports contests, fishing contests, Gora (gourd) racing for both male and female categories, swimming and diving competitions. The contests ended with the winners returning home with various prizes.

    The winners who cut across all categories of the contests at the event smiled home with various prices, awards and gifts, which ranged from motorcycles to irrigation water pumps, sewing machines, grinding machines and cash prizes.

    The biggest fish caught at the colourful festival weighed 100 kilograms, followed by 90 and 80 kilograms, respectively. These hauls are bigger than the 78 kilogram biggest fish caught during the popular Argungu Fishing Festival, Kebbi State edition of 2020.

    The Bulama of Kalgwai community (traditional head) Usman Magaji, stated joyously that the re-introduction of the fishing festival was highly commendable. He appealed to the state government to sustain it as a yearly event stressing that it would constitute a veritable tourist attraction for the state and Nigeria at large. Mr Magaji said the direct beneficiary would be Jigawa State which would use the regular festivals to display its rich cultural heritage and what it can offer economically and socially to the country and the world as a whole.

    “The number of locals that will benefit from this festival is unquantifiable. Even now thousands are here and are benefitting from the festival directly or indirectly because the festival is also telling a story about the entire Hadejia emirate

    “We, the people of Kalgwai are delighted over the re-introduction of the festival because it will develop the local skills and improve local economics. With a festival like this, the dam is serving its purposes. It’s improving the lives of the citizens through irrigation farming, rearing of animals, and fishing.

    “The Dam was created during the Muhammadu Buhari military regime and it was rehabilitated under the same Muhammadu Buhari administration when he was elected in 2015,” Mr Bulama stated further.

    Another resident, Sale Computer, from neighbouring Marke community, said the re-introduction of the fishing festival has brought the government closer to the people and could help improve the local populace’s economic fortunes if sustained and organised in league with all relevant agencies at state and federal levels.

    “The festival, if it continues, will also increase the bond between the governor and the people of the area, a testimony to this, is the thousands of people that attended the event.

    “The number of people present here should not have been so because many have forgotten about the festival but because they see the governor as a serious person that is why they are trooping in solidarity to attend the event”, Mr Computer said.

    He recalled how the fishing festival was conducted in the previous year, but later abandoned by previous administrations.

    “The festival was first conducted in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. It was last conducted in 2015. The re-introduction of the festival will help both the residents and the government itself. The winners have won motorcycles, water pump machines, sewing machines, grinding machines and others.

    “Women were not left behind in this display of cultural heritage, we are thankful to His Excellency, Governor Umar Namadi for the re-introduction of the festival because it will increase our rural economy and create opportunities for the locals,” Mr Computer said.

    Dan Gambo Maitaru, whose group caught the biggest fish, said the contest was successful and pleaded with the governor to sustain the initiative. Mr Maitaru believes the regular staging of the festival as an annual event would help to address some of the problems in the rural communities including rural-urban migration.

    A hotelier from Dutse, Ahmad Maigari, said he came to the fishing festival to buy fish for his guests, some of whom he said were expatriates who preferred natural fish from the river.

    “The fish here is not an iced fish or mechanised fish; it’s natural river fish, fresh from the river. The taste is different from what you have from the mechanised and iced fish. That is why we usually come over here because a lot of my customers prefer this type of fresh fish from the river, Mr Maigari said.

    Also, at the event, the Emir of Hadejia, Adamu Abubakar-Maje, advised the government to expand the fishing festival competition to other riverine areas in the zone to accommodate more contestants.

    The emir who was represented at the event by the Galadiman Hadejia, Usman Abdulaziz, said the contest if expanded to other areas will give the locals a sense of belonging and improve their financial incomes.

    Umar Namadi, the state governor, said that agriculture, including fishery and aquaculture, is one of the priority areas captured in his administration’s 12-point development blueprint aimed at addressing mass poverty in the state through agricultural engagements. He stressed that his administration would enhance such occupations in the state in order to make the youth gainfully employed.

    Mr Namadi said after he came on board mid 2023, the state government stocked three water bodies in the state with 90,000 assorted fingerlings. Each of the water bodies in Birnin Kudu, Ringim, and Hadejia zones was stocked with 30,000 assorted fingerlings. He stated that the aim was to achieve an exponential growth of the fishery sub-sector in the state for the overall benefit of the people, especially their fish protein need for consumption and business.

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    Festivals

    Ipada festival in Lagos: celebrating African heritage and diaspora reconnection

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    2 days ago

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    December 7, 2024

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    Ipada Festival 2024

    The Ipada Festival celebrates African heritage, uniting African descendants from across the globe to reconnect with their roots through music, dance, cuisine, and cultural immersion in Lagos.

     

     

    The Ipada Festival, a vibrant cultural event celebrating the heritage and unity of African descendants worldwide, has officially commenced at the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lagos.

    This nine-day festival, filled with rich traditions and dynamic cultural displays, offers a platform for African descendants and culture enthusiasts to reconnect with their roots.

     

    Also read: IPADA carnival to showcase 1,500 African artists, promote cultural tourism

     

    Diplomats from across Africa and stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sectors have joined the celebrations, which began with a dazzling carnival led by Brazilian descendants adorned in elaborate carnival costumes.

     

    The opening ceremony set a joyful tone, featuring:

    • Traditional Music and Dance: Performances resonating with the rhythmic beats of African drums.
    • Vibrant Costumes: Elaborate and colourful outfits that reflect Africa’s diverse cultural tapestry.
    • Culinary Delights: A showcase of Africa’s mouth-watering traditional cuisines.

    Revellers were immersed in the spirit of the event, with laughter and energy filling the air as participants celebrated their shared heritage.

    Mr Wanle Akinboboye, the festival’s convener and CEO of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, emphasised Ipada’s mission to entice Africans in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots.

    “We have millions of descendants across the Caribbean, USA, Brazil, and Europe. Ipada Festival offers them a pathway back to Africa—not just to rediscover their origins but to contribute significantly to the continent’s economic development,” Akinboboye stated.

    The festival aims to position Africa as a collective entity for exploration and investment, presenting the continent as a unified “African shopping mall.” Akinboboye explained:

    “We are showcasing the entire continent in one basket. Diasporans can start their journey in Lagos or Abuja and explore Africa from there. We’ve created experiences like transitioning from slave ships to cruise ships, symbolising reconnection and healing.”

     

    With representatives from 55 African nations, Ipada Festival serves as a symbolic invitation for Africans abroad to engage with their heritage and contribute to the continent’s growth.

    By combining cultural celebration with economic potential, the festival underscores the importance of the diaspora’s role in Africa’s development.

    Lagos stands as the ideal gateway for this initiative, offering rich cultural experiences and a connection point for exploring the continent.

    The festival is not just a celebration but a movement to redefine African unity, tourism, and global integration.

    As the drums echo and colours dazzle, Ipada Festival reaffirms Africa’s enduring spirit and the promise of a shared future rooted in heritage and collaboration.

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    Festivals

    Lagos Unveils Maiden Shopping Festival to Fuse Commerce, Entertainment, and Tourism

    Published

    2 days ago

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    December 7, 2024

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    Lagos Shopping Festival 2024

    The Lagos Shopping Festival 2024, set for 23-25 December, promises 72 hours of non-stop shopping, entertainment, and cultural fusion, cementing Lagos as Africa’s leading hub for business and leisure.

     

     

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, officially unveiled the Lagos Shopping Festival (LSF) symbol, heralding the much-anticipated maiden edition of the event scheduled for 23rd to 25th December 2024.

    The festival, held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos Island, is set to transform the city into a bustling hub of commerce, entertainment, and tourism for 72 continuous hours.

    It aligns Lagos with global cities like Istanbul and Dubai, renowned for their vibrant shopping festivals.

    Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the LSF as more than a shopping event, highlighting its transformative potential for Lagos’ economy.

    “This festival is a convergence of commerce and entertainment,” the governor said. “It supports local businesses, creates opportunities, and showcases the vibrant spirit of Lagos, making our state a beacon for tourism, commerce, and entertainment in Africa.”

    The governor praised the resilience of organisers, particularly Chain Reactions Africa, which incubated the idea during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite setbacks, they refined and prepared the festival for its grand debut.

    Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, highlighted the festival’s economic promise. Citing the success of a pilot fair earlier this year, he noted that three days of sales surpassed ₦250 million.

    Corporate sponsors such as Zenith Bank Plc, Tolaram Africa Group, and Guinness Nigeria Plc have been instrumental in bringing the vision to life.

    Girish Sharma, CEO of Guinness Nigeria, described the festival as “a creative fusion of commerce and entertainment” that reflects Lagos’ dynamic essence.

     

    What to Expect

    The Lagos Shopping Festival will feature:

    • Shopping Extravaganza: Discounts on a wide range of products, making luxury and essentials accessible during the festive season.
    • Entertainment Galore: Live performances by top Nigerian artistes, rave parties, and family-friendly attractions.
    • Economic Inclusion: Opportunities for local businesses to showcase their products and services.

    Damilola Pedro, Director of Organisation and Logistics for the festival, reflected on the project’s journey. “Mr Governor, this project is your baby.

    It is one of the legacies you will leave Lagos,” she said, crediting Sanwo-Olu’s guidance in shaping the festival’s scope and format.

    The governor expressed his hope that the LSF would become an enduring feature of Lagos’ tourism calendar. “This December, we are redefining how the festive season is celebrated in Lagos and positioning our city as a premium destination for leisure and commerce,” he said.

    Lagos, often regarded as the commercial heartbeat of Nigeria and Africa’s entertainment capital, is poised to leverage the LSF to attract global tourists, drive economic growth, and showcase its cultural vibrancy.

    With its dynamic blend of shopping, entertainment, and tourism, the Lagos Shopping Festival 2024 is set to redefine the holiday experience in Africa’s most vibrant city.

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    Festivals

    Kogi international carnival 2024: A global celebration of culture and investment

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    2 days ago

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    December 7, 2024

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    Kogi International Carnival 2024

    Kogi International Carnival 2024 will celebrate culture, unity, and tourism, attracting global investors to Nigeria’s rich Confluence State.

     

     

    Kogi State is gearing up to host Nigerians and the global community for the Kogi International Carnival 2024, a seven-day event designed to celebrate the state’s rich cultural heritage while showcasing its vast investment opportunities.

    Scheduled to run from 1st to 7th December 2024, the carnival promises to leave a lasting impression on visitors and investors alike.

     

    Also read: Kogi tourism takes centre stage as Bilkisu Ogueyi drives development

     

    Tagged “Kogi International Carnival” and themed ‘Come, Experience, Explore and Invest in the Confluence State: Celebrating Unity, Promoting Tourism, and Empowering Local Communities,’ the event aims to position Kogi as a prime destination for tourism and investment.

    The carnival will feature simultaneous activities across Lokoja, Kabba, Okene, and Ayingba, presenting the cultural diversity of Kogi’s ethnic groups through music, dance, cuisine, fashion, and more.

    The carnival’s focus extends beyond entertainment, aiming to attract local and international investors to the state. Organisers believe the event will spotlight Kogi’s natural resources, agricultural potential, and strategic location as the gateway to Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Steve Babaeko, a prominent Marketing Communication practitioner and President of the International Advertising Association (Nigeria Chapter), has pledged his support for the event.

    “Kogi is a state of historical and geographical significance,” Babaeko noted, emphasising its untapped resources and unique position in Nigeria. He urged Kogites to rally behind the initiative to establish the state as a cultural and economic hub.

    Prince Philip Orebiyi, leader of the Kogi International Carnival 2024 project team, highlighted the carnival as a multidimensional event that goes beyond celebration.

    “It is an opportunity to unite communities, attract tourism, and empower local economies,” he remarked.

    The carnival’s activities will include exhibitions of Kogi’s agricultural prowess, with farmers showcasing produce that underscores the state’s historical role as a food basket for neighbouring regions.

    The proximity to Abuja further enhances the potential for agribusiness and logistics opportunities.

    The citizen-driven event has garnered endorsements from traditional rulers and notable indigenes of the state. It aims to involve local communities, promoting their crafts, traditions, and industries to a global audience.

    With a promise of vibrant festivities, strategic networking opportunities, and a platform to attract global attention, the Kogi International Carnival 2024 is poised to be a landmark event.

    Guests are encouraged to explore the state’s hidden treasures, from Lokoja’s confluence of rivers to the historical significance of towns like Kabba and Okene.

    The carnival underscores Kogi’s aspiration to blend cultural preservation with economic advancement, making it a must-attend event for lovers of culture and investors seeking untapped opportunities.

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