Events

NANTA partners with Eko hotel to boost cultural tourism with theatre of lights

Published

2 years ago

September 6, 2024

NANTA partnership with Eko Hotel cultural tourism

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has signed a marketing agreement with Eko Hotel to upscale its cultural tourism offering, the Theatre of Lights. The partnership aims to promote Nigerian culture globally, especially through Eko Hotel’s Christmas luxury brand, which features musical theatre, grand carnival processions, and African-themed entertainment.

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has signed a lucrative marketing contract with Eko Hotel, Nigeria’s leading luxury brand in hospitality, to enhance its cultural tourism offering, tagged the Theatre of Lights.

This partnership is designed to upscale the hotel’s renowned African Christmas brand, featuring over 25 creative themed events, including musical theatres, carnival processions, magical shows, ice skating, and the Hakuna Matata theme park.

Also read: World Travel Market: Tourism ministry, NANTA to market Nigeria’s tourism assets

The Theatre of Lights has grown significantly over the past three years, attracting thousands of guests. Initially drawing 350 attendees in its first year, it now entertains over 4,000 visitors during a two-week holiday experience.

With NANTA’s marketing expertise, this number is expected to quadruple by Christmas 2025. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, NANTA President Yinka Folami assured Eko Hotel that the travel association would promote the brand beyond Nigeria, particularly at the upcoming World Travel Market in London.

Folami emphasised that cultural tourism could be a significant economic driver for Nigeria and expressed excitement about showcasing Eko Hotel’s Theatre of Lights to the world.

He stated that the goal is to make Nigeria a preferred holiday destination, diverting attention from foreign locations like Dubai, Florida, and Venice.

Ghassan Fadoul, Eko Hotel’s General Manager, highlighted how the hotel overcame economic challenges post-COVID-19 by focusing on cultural tourism, which he believes is a lucrative industry.

Fadoul expressed optimism that the partnership with NANTA will help sell Nigerian culture globally, positioning the country as a vibrant tourist destination.

Dr Iyadunni Gbadebo, the hotel’s Sales Manager, stressed the importance of breaking the long-standing tradition of Nigerians flocking to foreign destinations for holidays.

She believes that the Theatre of Lights, in partnership with NANTA, can provide Nigerians and international visitors with an enriching and unforgettable cultural experience.

NANTA’s Lagos Vice President echoed these sentiments, committing to using the association’s vast network of over 2,000 members to lead the marketing initiative.

This partnership between NANTA and Eko Hotel aims to revolutionise Nigeria’s cultural tourism industry by showcasing the country’s rich heritage and luxurious hospitality to the world.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”