The annual World Twins Festival at Igbo-Ora, Oyo State, has the potential to generate over $1 million in revenue and create thousands of jobs, highlighting its untapped economic potential.

The annual World Twins Festival in Igbo-Ora, Oyo State, Nigeria, known globally as the “Land of Twins,” could generate over one million dollars in revenue and create more than 5,000 jobs if its full potential is harnessed, according to festival initiators, Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye.

As the most famous twins in African tourism, the Oguntoyes expressed their vision to elevate the festival’s profile and economic impact.

Also read: Oyo State Promotes Festival of Twins as Pathway to World Heritage Status

With its 2024 theme, *Twinning for Love, Unity, and National Economic Reorientation*, the festival celebrates Igbo-Ora’s remarkable multiple birth rate, where an estimated 10% of births are twins.

Drawing attendees from across Nigeria and beyond, the festival offers a unique social and cultural tourism experience, making it an unexploited economic opportunity for the state.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has backed the festival, pledging to improve infrastructure and enhance its status to meet UNESCO standards.

Governor Makinde noted the state’s commitment to making Igbo-Ora a globally recognised tourism site, boosting Nigeria’s tourism potential and attracting international visitors.

The proposed *World Twins Village*, scheduled for unveiling next year, is set to be the first of its kind, establishing Igbo-Ora as a prime cultural destination.

The village is anticipated to attract a vast array of twins and enthusiasts from around the world, with plans underway to register Igbo-Ora on the UNESCO World Heritage cultural site list.

A vibrant display of twin culture, the 2024 festival featured twins dressed in matching Ankara and other traditional Yoruba attire, further showcasing Igbo-Ora’s unique cultural identity.

The event, organised in collaboration with the Igbo-Ora Community Foundation, Ibarapa Central Local Government, and the Oyo State Government, has become a landmark celebration for the Yoruba community and a growing attraction for visitors worldwide.

Governor Fubara initiates restoration of Port Harcourt Tourist Beach, aiming to revive it as a hub for arts, culture, and tourism in Rivers State.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has taken significant steps toward restoring the long-neglected Port Harcourt Tourist Beach, aiming to transform it into a premier destination for arts, culture, and tourism.

During an inspection on Tuesday, Governor Fubara outlined his vision, which includes initial site improvements such as sandfilling swampy areas, and partnering with an experienced investor to manage and redevelop the site.

Also read: Rivers Announces 20-Day Event To Mark Fubara’s First-Year Anniversary

The Governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Israel Ngbuelo, Ministry Permanent Secretary Ishmael Tomonialadieokuma, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Alozie Nwala, who all underscored the importance of reviving this central tourist location.

“Revitalizing the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach aligns with our broader goal of restoring Rivers State to its former vibrancy,” Fubara stated.

“With newly acquired land, we’re set to expand the space, and with an investor who has both the capability and vision, this area will evolve into a modern tourist attraction.”

This ambitious project is expected to not only boost local tourism but also stimulate the economy by attracting both domestic and international visitors.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara encouraged local youth to support the redevelopment efforts.

He urged them to work alongside contractors and investors rather than hindering progress, emphasising that their cooperation is vital for creating a welcoming, modern destination that celebrates the heritage of Rivers State.

The rejuvenation of the Tourist Beach forms part of Governor Fubara’s broader vision to establish Rivers State as a prominent cultural and tourism hub in Nigeria.

By positioning the state as a go-to destination for visitors seeking scenic and peaceful getaways, the project is poised to enhance local quality of life while boosting economic prospects.

This revitalisation effort promises a renewed cultural space that will not only reflect Rivers State’s heritage but also showcase its modern aspirations.

VP Kashim Shettima highlights Nigeria’s carnival industry as a driver for economic growth, youth empowerment, and national unity.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced on Wednesday that Nigeria’s carnival industry holds tremendous potential not only to showcase the country’s cultural heritage but also to foster national unity, youth empowerment, and economic growth.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a meeting with the Abuja International Carnival delegation, Shettima expressed the government’s commitment to elevating the carnival sector as a strategic component of Nigeria’s economic agenda.

Also read: Shettima, Abiodun, others for Ojude Oba festival

In a statement issued by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the Vice President, Shettima emphasised that the global carnival industry, valued at approximately $5 billion, offers a viable economic avenue for Nigeria.

“The value of the global carnival market is estimated at $5bn. This underscores its potential to assist us in our economic growth agenda,” he said.

The Vice President pointed out that beyond financial gains, Nigeria’s carnival industry could foster unity by bringing together diverse ethnic groups to celebrate a shared cultural identity.

Shettima highlighted the popularity of international events like Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro Carnival and Nigeria’s own Calabar Carnival, which has become a cultural mainstay for the Efik and Ibibio communities.

He encouraged the Abuja International Carnival delegation to restore the event to its former prominence, noting that the Abuja Carnival once held a strong place in the cultural calendar.

“The Abuja carnival used to be an even bigger event. I urge you to fast-track all efforts toward holding this event,” he said.

The Vice President also mentioned that the government, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has invested in the Digital and Creative Enterprises programme, a $618 million initiative aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s digital and creative industries, with carnival development as a key focus.

This support, he noted, reflects the administration’s belief in the carnival industry’s role in creating job opportunities and strengthening national identity.

Kehinde Adegbite, CEO of the Abuja International Carnival, expressed gratitude to Shettima for his support and shared plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy.

“The carnival brings unity, empowers the youths, and helps discover talents,” Adegbite stated, describing the carnival as a platform for youth empowerment and talent discovery.

With robust backing from the government and planned partnerships across ministries, Nigeria’s carnival sector is poised to make a significant impact on the country’s economic landscape, promoting unity while creating pathways for young Nigerians in the creative industry.