Culture
Korean Lunar new year celebrated in Abuja: KCCN brings traditional games, culture to Nigeria
Published
2 weeks agoon
By
Lanre
KCCN celebrated Korea’s Lunar New Year, Seollal, in Abuja with traditional Korean games, bringing cultural connections between Nigeria and Korea
The Korea Cultural Center in Nigeria (KCCN) recently hosted an exciting and vibrant cultural event in Abuja to celebrate the Lunar New Year, known as *Seollal*, and share aspects of Korean heritage with Nigerians.
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The event, which featured traditional Korean games like Gong-gi, Jegi-Chagi, and Ttakji-Chigi, alongside authentic Korean snacks, highlighted the cultural ties between Korea and Nigeria, particularly through the lens of traditional games and festivities.
*Seollal*, Korea’s Lunar New Year, holds deep cultural significance as the most important traditional holiday in the country.
Much like the Chinese New Year, *Seollal* is a time when families come together to celebrate the beginning of a new lunar year, paying respects to their ancestors, sharing traditional foods, and playing games.
The event in Abuja aimed to introduce Nigerians to these customs, showcasing how the celebration fosters unity, family bonds, and wishes for good fortune in the year ahead.
Ms. Yujin Lee, KCCN’s Cultural Event Manager, explained the importance of the event, noting that *Seollal* is Korea’s largest holiday, much like Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving).
“The celebration is a chance to express gratitude to one’s ancestors,” Lee said. “Traditional games such as Gong-gi, Jegi-Chagi, and others are integral to the festivities because they involve gathering people together.”
The event also drew attention to the connections between Korean and Nigerian traditional games. Ms. Jennifer Ezeonyeasi, KCCN’s Cultural Events and Communications Officer, highlighted how traditional Korean games have become part of global pop culture, particularly with the international success of the *Squid Game* series.
She explained, “We tried to incorporate some of the traditional games that were featured in *Squid Game* into this event, allowing participants to experience Korea’s cultural games while celebrating the Lunar New Year.”
The games featured at the event included Yutnori, a board game traditionally played by Korean farmers, and others like Gong-gi (a game involving stones) and Jegi-Chagi (a foot game akin to keepy-uppy).
These games were adapted for Nigerian participants, who enjoyed them in various ways, such as throwing and catching stones or using their feet to keep items airborne.
Ezeonyeasi emphasized that these games shared similarities with traditional Nigerian games, underscoring the cultural similarities between the two countries.
“By showcasing these games, we’re celebrating the cultural exchange between Nigeria and Korea. The games reflect how our cultures overlap and how we can connect through these shared experiences,” she said.
The celebration left a lasting impression on participants. Ms. Nimat Ajaji, a winner of the *Yutnori* game, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “Seollal is as important in Korea as Chuseok, and this event has been a wonderful way to connect with the Korean community here in Nigeria.”
Ajaji, who has been following Korean culture for 12 years, explained that *Yutnori* is traditionally played by farmers in Korea to usher in the new year and pray for a good harvest.
Mrs. Ene Igwe, another participant, praised the variety of games and the inclusive nature of the event, noting that it was a delightful experience for anyone interested in Korean culture.
“The Korean community in Nigeria has done a great job involving Nigerians in their activities. I’m so happy to have participated in these traditional games,” she said.
KCCN’s *Seollal* event in Abuja successfully brought Korean traditions to Nigeria, offering both cultures an opportunity to learn from each other while celebrating the shared joys of family, tradition, and good fortune for the year ahead.
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Culture
FG to develop diaspora city to reconnect Nigerians abroad
Published
5 days agoon
February 10, 2025By
Lanre
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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Culture
Governor Bassey Otu’s vision for Cross River: tourism, agriculture, digital economy
Published
1 week agoon
February 6, 2025By
Lanre
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:
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> *“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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Culture
Lagos State tourism commissioner discusses collaboration with Nigeria immigration service
Published
1 week agoon
February 5, 2025By
Lanre
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.
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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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