NANTA partners with Eko hotel to promote Nigerian cultural tourism

Published

2 years ago

September 11, 2024

NANTA and Eko Hotel partnership for cultural tourism

NANTA and Eko Hotel have signed a marketing contract to promote Nigeria’s cultural tourism, focusing on the Theatre of Lights Xtmas holiday offering.

In a landmark development, the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has signed a lucrative marketing contract with Eko Hotel, one of Nigeria’s premier luxury hospitality brands.

This partnership, announced in Lagos, aims to upscale Eko Hotel’s cultural tourism experience, with a particular focus on its signature “Theatre of Lights” event during the Christmas season.

The cultural carnival event, themed “Cultural Carnival Offerings,” will feature a blend of musical theatres, circus performances, magical shows, grand carnival processions, and more.

Also read: Eko Hotels & Suites to boost local tourism with Tropical Christmas Wonderland

Over the past three years, Eko Hotel’s African Xtmas Santa experience has attracted thousands of visitors, growing from 350 attendees to 4,000 guests.

NANTA President, Mr Yinka Folami, expressed confidence that the association’s marketing reach would elevate the event further.

He emphasised that cultural tourism can provide Nigeria with a much-needed economic boost. He also announced plans to showcase the Eko Hotel Theatre of Lights at the World Travel Market in London.

Eko Hotel’s General Manager, Ghassan Fadoul, highlighted the importance of cultural tourism, noting that NANTA and Eko Hotel’s collaboration would help market Nigeria as a prime destination.

The hotel’s Sales Manager, Iyadunni Gbadebo, shared ambitions to break the trend of Nigerians seeking leisure holidays abroad, promoting Nigeria’s own unique cultural heritage instead.

The partnership marks a significant step forward for Nigeria’s cultural tourism industry, with NANTA committed to promoting the Xtmas Theatre of Lights globally.

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WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week 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.”