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    Naira Free Fall: NANTA Targets Tourist Dollar inflow Into Nigeria

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    While the federal government is benumbed about the poor exchange profile of the Naira, the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) is heading to London on Friday with a seventy man trade professionals to sell Nigeria to the world, targeting tourist dollar inflow to the country.

    The World Travel Market, the biggest tourism, technology, and travel market opens in Excel, London this weekend, with a record global tourism trade community in attendance, particularly with frontline tourism nations with clever and clear amazing tourism stories to tell about their countries.

    This outing is NANTA’s second solo outing to give Nigeria a voice, face, and presence in the global tourism market without a single penny from the federal government and even diplomatic niceties.

    The NANTA trade team is made up of independent and private travel and tourism specialists, bonded by patriotism and selflessness in making a case for a change in perception by the global travel world about visiting Nigeria.

    With prominent foreign airlines doing over fifteen flights weekly in and out Nigeria with full capacity, NANTA, as the critical bridge to these airlines’ inventory marketing in Nigeria, believes that Nigeria is advantaged as a destination based on this reality on connectivity.

    Susan Akporiaye, President of Nanta, who is leading the national tourism armada with the association’ s First and Second Deputy presidents, Alhaji kabiru Maiwada and Dr. chima Ihe, disclosed that the effort is all about Nigeria and Nigerians, adding that it is easier for global tourism trade traffic influencers to buy into visit Nigeria campaign by nanta, which is a private Non governmental Organisation ( NGO).

    ” We are focused on this agenda even though it’s the federal government tourism agencies that should spearhead the effort and since we don’t understand the direction of the government for the industry, we at nanta decided to stand in gap for our nation and people” she explained.

    On the expected gains from the global tourism trade show, Mrs Akporiaye noted that increased tourism traffic into Nigeria at this time will help boost the naira as cultural tourism products and services will be cheaper for foreigners visiting the country and it will also expose our members to how best to market Nigeria leveraging on the presence of established destination marketing companies.

    ” With our government working hard to stabilise on all fronts and expected ease in obtaining our visa, we shall endeavour to share the true experience of visiting Nigeria with tourists and trade buyers, particularly those interested in our cultural tourism diversity, telecoms and agricultural services. We believe that serious tourism traffic into Nigeria can oxygenate the naira back to life, ” Mrs Akporiaye further explained.

    Pastor Mrs Chinyere Umeasiegbu, vice president, eastern zone of the association and Head, logistics for the nanta expedition stated that, but for visa issues, the entire members of the association will have been part of the Nigerian tourism marketing agenda, commending the Commitment and show of love for Nigerian tourism by nanta members.
    ” we are counting the days and to God be the glory for the courage and commitment of our members to this national assignment,” Mrs Umeasiegbu added

    Yinka Folami, vice president,lagos zone of nanta is also on the train, a very strong mobilizer for the association’s critical presence at WTM. He was a rock solid influencer on nanta’s new run on Nigerian cultural tourism economy.

    The World Travel Market
    runs from the 6th of November to the 8th of November, 2023 and will be held at its famous and iconic location in Excel, London. Over 100 countries and private trade businesses from all corners of the world in attendance.

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    Lagos State launches monthly landmark tours to boost tourism

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    Lagos monthly landmark tours

    Lagos State unveils monthly landmark tours to showcase cultural heritage and boost tourism, connecting the diaspora with the city.

     

    In a strategic move to spotlight its cultural heritage and strengthen its tourism sector, the Lagos State Government has introduced a new initiative: monthly landmark tours on both land and water.

    The tours aim to promote Lagos as a vibrant hub of culture, transportation, and tourism to a global audience.

    Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, announced the initiative during a hosting event for Nigerians in the diaspora and Lagos enthusiasts.

    The programme, themed “Lagos Tourism is Rising,” will be held monthly, allowing participants to explore the city’s iconic landmarks.

    According to Aregbe, the tours are designed to foster connections between Lagos and the Nigerian diaspora while showcasing the city’s historical and cultural richness.

    “Through this initiative, we aim to promote our cultural heritage and strengthen the bond between the diaspora community and Lagos.

    It offers an opportunity for everyone to admire scenic views, learn, and appreciate our rich cultural history,” Aregbe said in a statement on Sunday.

    The initiative also acknowledges the diaspora community’s significant contributions to Lagos’s economy and cultural celebrations.

    The inaugural tour provided an immersive experience, featuring a double-decker bus, a motorbike convoy, and Lagos Ride vehicles that navigated through key areas such as Ikoyi, Lekki, and Lagos Island.

     

    Participants visited renowned landmarks, including:

    • The J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History
    • Nike Art Gallery

     

    The tour concluded with a dinner, offering music, dance, and engaging conversations, leaving guests with memorable impressions of Lagos.

    The event attracted prominent figures, including Khadijat Omotayo, Personal Assistant to the President on Constituency Affairs, and Oluwatoyin Atekoja, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos Ministry of Tourism.

    This initiative underscores Lagos State’s commitment to tourism as a driver of economic growth. By providing an engaging platform for both locals and visitors, the government hopes to enhance Lagos’s reputation as a premier business and holiday destination.

    As the tours continue, they promise to bring global attention to Lagos’s cultural treasures while deepening connections with the Nigerian diaspora and admirers worldwide.

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    Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Abubakar Robert Ewa, Passes Away

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    Abubakar Robert Ewa death Cross River tourism

    Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Abubakar Robert Ewa, has passed away at the Arubah Specialist Hospital in Calabar.

     

     

    The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture in Cross River State, Mr. Abubakar Robert Ewa, has passed away. Ewa died on Wednesday evening at the Arubah Specialist Hospital in Calabar, the state capital.

    At the time of this report, members of the Cross River State Executive Council and other aides to Governor Bassey Otu had gathered at the hospital to mourn with the bereaved family.

     

    Also read: Samuel Nwajagu makes history as First African Mister international winner

     

    Ewa had attended the state’s executive council meeting earlier that same day, presided over by Governor Otu, making his sudden passing all the more shocking to those who worked closely with him.

    Throughout his career, Ewa served in various important roles in Cross River State, including as Secretary and later Chairman of the Boki Local Government Council.

    He also served as Special Adviser on Community Relations and Secretary of the Anti-Deforestation Task Force.

    His death has left a significant void in the state’s leadership, and tributes have poured in from colleagues, friends, and members of the public.

    The state government and people of Cross River mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant who played an important role in the state’s development.

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    Governor Douye Diri defends relocation of Central Park, Cites modernisation efforts

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    Governor Douye Diri urban renewal Yenagoa

    Governor Douye Diri defends the relocation of Central Park in Yenagoa, highlighting the move as part of his urban renewal plan to modernise the state capital.

     

    Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has strongly defended the recent relocation of the Central Park in Yenagoa, describing it as a key component of his administration’s urban renewal programme aimed at transforming the state capital into a modern city.

    Addressing the state executive council meeting at the Government House in Yenagoa, Diri explained that the centralisation of motor parks, such as the recent relocation of inter-state commercial transporters to the new state-owned transport terminal at Igbogene, was a crucial step in modernising the city.

    He stressed that this development aligns with global standards for urban growth and was necessary to ensure Yenagoa’s evolution into a modern metropolis.

    “Centralised motor parks are features of modern cities, which Yenagoa is gradually turning into,” Diri said. He also warned against the practice of touting around the terminal’s vicinity, reiterating that all travellers must go directly into the terminal for vehicle bookings and boarding.

    The Governor further emphasised the security benefits of the relocation, stating that the new terminal would help monitor passengers entering the state and curb criminal activities. “We have stopped those who come into Bayelsa to commit crimes with the movement to the new terminal,” he added.

    Diri highlighted his pride in the terminal’s success, noting, “I visited the new terminal and saw its beauty. This is what every modern society does.

    For those who play politics and are still criticising, I am very sorry for them. Bayelsans are however happy with what we have done.”

    The Governor also commented on the peaceful and crime-free Yuletide period, thanking security agencies for their collaborative efforts that ensured safety during the festive season.

    He expressed particular appreciation for dancehall star Enetimi Odon (Timaya), who held the annual Timaya Day concert on January 1, which attracted a large crowd of youths and highlighted the tourism potential of Bayelsa.

    “From what I saw, I believe there is hope for this country and our state. We all need to do what is right,” Diri reflected on the success of the event.

    In addressing an incident of violence in the Agbere community in Sagbama Local Government Area, the Governor praised the leadership for maintaining peace and assured that investigations into the murder of a chief in the area would continue to uncover those responsible.

    Diri’s statements underscore his ongoing efforts to modernise Yenagoa and promote security and tourism in Bayelsa, demonstrating a commitment to creating a safer, more developed environment for residents and visitors alike.

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