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    Lagos, Cape Town, Accra among the Top 50 Cities to visit in the world in 2024

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    A British media and hospitality company, Time Out has ranked Lagos in Nigeria as the 19th best city to visit in the world in 2024. The ranking is a significant achievement for Lagos, reflecting its growing status as a major cultural and economic hub.

    The report ranked Lagos above Dubai city in the United Arab Emirates; San Francisco and Miami in the United States.

    According to Akonitv, apart from Lagos, South Africa’s Cape Town (ranked second) and Ghana’s Accra (44th) were the only African cities that featured on the list.

    Time Out said it drew its conclusion from a survey of more than 20,000 city dwellers around the world, along with its network of editors. The criteria used to rate the cities include food (quality and affordability), culture, nightlife, how the city makes people feel, strong community vibes, access to green space, historic sites, and much more.

    The report encouraged global citizens to visit the city. “Whether you’re a staunch mainlander or from Lekki, there’s something for everyone in Lagos, Africa’s most populous city. “Both the city and its suburbs are expanding – just check out live-work-play concept Eko Atlantic City. Just out of town, Epe, on the north side of Lekki Lagoon, is experiencing a boom.

    “When it comes to standard of living, Lagos has a lot going for it – 96 percent of locals are happy, 98 percent would call Lagos beautiful and the city got a 92 percent friendliness rating, too,” the report read. The report also highlighted Victoria Island’s trifecta of swanky resorts, food haunts, and nightlife, Ikeja’s Kuti’s Bistro, owned by the legendary afrobeat family, for serving up “reliably delicious food”, and Oniru Beach as a relaxation spot.

    In 2023, the Economist Intelligence Unit said Lagos was the fourth worst city to live in the world. Lagos was ranked above Algiers, the capital of Algeria; Tripoli, Libya’s capital; and Damascus, the capital of war-torn Syria. The report surveyed 173 cities and used 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across five broad categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.

    See the full list.

    1 New York City, United States
    2 Cape Town, South Africa
    3 Berlin, Germany
    4 London, United Kingdom
    5 Madrid, Spain
    6 Mexico City, Mexico
    7 Liverpool, UK.
    8 Tokyo, Japan
    9 Rome, Italy
    10 Porto, Portugal
    11 Paris, France
    12 Mumbai, India
    13 Lisbon, Portugal
    14 Chicago, US
    15 Manchester, UK
    16 São Paulo, Brazil
    17 Los Angeles, US
    18 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    19 Lagos, Nigeria
    20 Melbourne, Australia
    21 Naples, Italy
    22 Singapore
    23 Miami, US
    24 Bangkok, Thailand
    25 Lima, Peru
    26 Budapest, Hungary
    27 Beijing, China
    28 Dubai, United Arab Emirates29. Montreal, Canada
    30 Glasgow, UK
    31 Sydney, Australia32. Bueno Aires, Argentina
    33 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    34 Manila, Philippines
    35 Seoul, South Korea
    36 Hanoi, Vietnam
    37 San Francisco, US
    38 Barcelona, Spain
    39 Abu Dhabi, UAE
    40 New Orleans, US41. Philadelphia, US
    42 Austin, US
    43 Boston, US
    44 Accra, Ghana
    45 Marseille, France
    46 Taipei, Taiwan
    47 Istanbul, Turkey
    48 Osaka, Japan
    49 Hong Kong, China
    50 Vancouver, Canada

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    Emirates, Air Peace sign interline agreement to boost Nigeria-UAE connectivity

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    Emirates Air Peace partnership

    Emirates and Air Peace have signed an interline agreement to enhance travel connectivity across Nigeria and the UAE, offering seamless ticketing and baggage transfers

     

    The **United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Emirates airline** has partnered with **Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace**, through a new **interline agreement** aimed at enhancing travel connectivity between the two nations.

    This strategic alliance will enable **seamless single-ticket travel** and **simplified baggage transfers**, providing passengers with expanded access to destinations across Nigeria and beyond.

    The partnership **expands Emirates’ reach** to **13 additional cities in Nigeria**, allowing passengers traveling from **Dubai to Lagos** to easily continue their journey to:

    – **Southern Nigeria:** Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Owerri
    – **Northern & Central Nigeria:** Ilorin, Kaduna, Kano, Abuja
    – **South-South Nigeria:** Uyo, Port Harcourt, Warri

    This expansion is expected to benefit **corporate travelers, tourists, and Nigerians visiting family**, offering greater flexibility and convenience.

    Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer for **Emirates, Adnan Kazim**, described the agreement as a significant milestone in strengthening the **aviation, tourism, and trade relationship** between **Nigeria and the UAE**.

    *“Emirates is a steadfast partner of Nigeria’s tourism, trade, and aviation sectors. This partnership with Air Peace bolsters our connectivity and introduces more travel options for corporate and leisure travelers, as well as those visiting friends and family to and from Nigeria. We look forward to deepening our strategic partnership with Air Peace in the future to enhance benefits for our mutual customers.”*

    Chief Operating Officer of **Air Peace, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olamide**, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to improve connectivity for Nigerian travelers.

    *“This strategic partnership aligns with our mission to provide seamless, world-class travel experiences while expanding our route network.By improving ease of travel, we are boosting business, tourism, and trade opportunities, further strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE.”*

    She also noted that the agreement reinforces **Nigeria’s aviation sector**, positioning the country as a critical hub for both **regional and global travel**.

    Emirates will operate the **Dubai-Lagos route** using its **Boeing 777-300ER**, known for **luxurious in-flight experiences**, while **Air Peace** will offer seamless domestic and international connections with its diverse fleet, including **Airbus 320s, Boeing 737s, Boeing 777s, Dornier 328-300 Jets, Embraer 145s, and Embraer 195-E2s**.

    This **interline agreement between Emirates and Air Peace** represents a **significant step forward** in **Nigeria’s aviation industry**, offering improved accessibility, **enhanced trade opportunities**, and **greater travel convenience** for passengers flying between **Nigeria and the UAE**.

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    Miss Africa pageant returns: 19 contestants to showcase African excellence

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    Miss Africa 2025

    Miss Africa 2025 returns with 19 contestants from across Africa, celebrating unity, talent, and the rich diversity of African heritage

     

     

    The highly anticipated Miss Africa pageant is set to make a grand return on 20 April, featuring 19 talented contestants from across the continent.

    Also read: 12-Year-Old Jessica Mazoje crowned tourism Queen at little Mr and Miss Africa-Nigeria 2024 pageant

    This year’s edition promises a spectacular celebration of African unity, culture, and diversity, with Nigeria’s Sopuruchi Agoauwuike among those vying for the prestigious crown.

    Brand Manager of Miss Africa Production, Mr Femi Oyelade, announced the details in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    He emphasised that the contestants represent a rich tapestry of African heritage, from Algeria to Zimbabwe.

    “These exceptional ambassadors reflect the essence of African excellence, celebrating a rich blend of cultures, traditions, and values,” Oyelade said.

     

    The Contestants

     

    The lineup includes:
    – **Maria Boudoduay** (Algeria)
    – **Emiliana Antonio** (Angola)
    – **Lindie Motswaeng** (Botswana)
    – **Theresa Ange** (Cameroon)
    – **Tity Muzadi** (Congo)
    – **Nafkot Sintayehu** (Ethiopia)
    – **Sarah Akinyi** (Kenya)
    – **Oumou Magassy** (Mali)
    – **Khadijiatou Ndiaye** (Mauritania)
    – **Chaimaa Hejam** (Morocco)
    – **Silvia Ernesto Linha** (Mozambique)
    – **Delsie Somaes** (Namibia)
    – **Mariam Abdou** (Niger)
    – **Sopuruchi Agoauwuike** (Nigeria)
    – **Ashimwe Michelle** (Rwanda)
    – **Aisha Osman Ikow** (Somalia)
    – **Kamogelo Matinketsa** (South Africa)
    – **Wiza Nawila** (Zambia)
    – **Kundai Benhura** (Zimbabwe)

     

    Beyond Beauty

     

    Oyelade highlighted that the contestants were selected through a rigorous process evaluating not only their physical beauty but also their intellectual prowess, leadership qualities, and commitment to social causes.

    Throughout the pageant, participants will engage in challenges, workshops, and community outreach programmes to showcase their talents and advocacy skills.

    “This year’s event will be a memorable celebration of African unity, featuring stunning performances, special guest appearances, and a vibrant display of African fashion,” Oyelade added.

     

    Join the Celebration

     

    The organisers invite audiences across the continent to follow the journey of these remarkable women, cheer for their favourite contestants, and celebrate the richness of African heritage.

    For updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, follow **Miss Africa Production** on social media @missafricaproduction.

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    Detty December in Lagos boosts economy, tourism, entertainment

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    Detty December Lagos 2024

    Lagos sees record-breaking tourism, aviation, and entertainment revenue during Detty December 2024, becoming a top holiday destination in Nigeria

     

    The vibrant and festive season of Detty December, coined by Nigerians, has become a major driver of the country’s economy, especially in Lagos and surrounding regions.

    This period, spanning December to early January, draws both locals and Nigerians in the diaspora to Lagos for an array of music festivals, weddings, and recreational activities, marking it as a peak season for tourism and entertainment in the state.

    Businesses from hospitality to aviation eagerly prepare for their busiest period of the year, with the influx of visitors significantly boosting sectors like hospitality, tourism, and entertainment.

    In December 2024, the impact of Detty December on Lagos’ economy was undeniable, generating millions of dollars across various industries.

    According to reports, Lagos hotels alone raked in $44 million in revenue during this festive season. Short-let apartments contributed an additional $13 million, while the tourism and entertainment sectors collectively brought in an impressive $71.6 million (N111.5 billion).

    These figures underscore the transformative economic influence of Detty December on the South-West region of Nigeria.

    The surge in tourism during the festive season also had a profound impact on air travel. International flights to Lagos from Europe, London, and the United States were “full to the brim,” with high demand despite the elevated flight fares resulting from the exchange rate. Airlines responded by increasing capacity to accommodate the growing number of passengers.

    Delta Air Lines, for example, ran daily nonstop flights between New York and Lagos, while United Airlines expanded its services from Lagos to Washington, D.C. This surge in demand was largely attributed to the large Nigerian diaspora, particularly in London and the US.

    Local flights within Nigeria also saw a price hike, as travellers scrambled to secure seats for their holiday journeys. Some passengers, like Sarah Effiong from Akwa Ibom, had to pay over N120,000 for a one-way flight from Uyo to Lagos—an eye-watering sum reflecting the soaring demand.

    Lagos’ hospitality industry was another major beneficiary of Detty December. Hotels around key areas such as Ikeja and the airport were fully booked, with many visitors unable to find accommodations upon arrival. This underscored the overwhelming demand for lodging in Lagos, as both residents and visitors flocked to the city.

    Meanwhile, the city’s entertainment scene was buzzing with numerous music festivals featuring some of the biggest Afrobeats stars, including Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Olamide, and Ayra Starr. Spotify’s 2024 data showed a 114% growth in Afrobeats music globally, with Nigerian artists dominating international charts.

    Lagos hosted an astonishing 58 music events during the Detty December period alone. Popular events included Joeboy Lavida Experience, Rema Live in Concert, and The Cavemen Live in Lagos.

    However, the cost of attending these events was considerable, with ticket prices ranging from N50,000 to N100,000, not accounting for the additional surge in Uber fares due to increased demand and higher fuel prices.

    One standout event was Flytime Fest, with international and local superstars such as Gunna, Davido, Olamide, and Ayra Starr headlining the four Flytime Fest concerts.

    Ticket prices for these concerts ranged from N120,000 to N300,000 for the VIP section, with VVIP tables priced between N3 million and N35 million.

    The Greater Lagos Countdown, an annual free music and fireworks festival, added to the city’s festive vibrancy. Held on December 31, 2024, the event attracted top artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage, culminating in an unforgettable New Year’s celebration.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed his gratitude to the artists and residents, highlighting the electrifying energy that Lagos exudes during this period.

    Meanwhile, the city’s cinema industry also saw a major boost, with FilmOne Entertainment reporting record-breaking box office revenue in December 2024, amounting to N2.8 billion.

    This was driven by the success of films like Everybody Loves Jenifa and Mufasa, both of which performed strongly at the box office.

    Beyond the music and entertainment, Lagos’ tourist attractions also benefited from the influx of visitors. Popular destinations like art galleries, beaches, and recreational parks witnessed a surge in attendance during Detty December, further cementing Lagos as a top tourism destination in Nigeria.

    Sarah Effiong, who experienced Detty December for the first time, shared her excitement about the events and locations she visited, including the Lady Donli concert, the Cavemen performance, and the La Campagne Tropicana Resort.

    “Lagos is quickly becoming a top city to visit,” she said, reflecting the growing reputation of the city as a cultural and entertainment hub.

    As Detty December continues to grow in popularity, Lagos is undoubtedly cementing its status as a prime holiday destination in Nigeria.

    The period’s economic contributions across aviation, hospitality, entertainment, and tourism highlight its importance to the region.

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