Events

Nigeria calls for tourism-led growth at UN Africa summit in Abuja

Published

1 year ago

June 12, 2025

At the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa in Abuja, Nigeria champions a continental shift toward tourism and creative industries as engines of sustainable economic development

Nigeria made a bold case for a new era of tourism-led economic growth across Africa as it hosted the 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) this week in Abuja.

Also read: President Tinubu urges Eco-Friendly tourism policies across Africa

The summit gathered delegates from 51 African nations and top global tourism leaders to explore pathways to unlock the continent’s economic potential through innovation, sustainability, and cultural identity.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described tourism as more than leisure travel, calling it a “catalyst for social understanding” and a transformative force for Africa’s global image.

“Tourism is more than visiting waterfalls and parks. It is an engine of local economies… transformed by technology and creativity,” Tinubu said.

He urged African countries to redefine their global identities through “the vibrance of their people, rich cultural heritage, and natural endowments.”

Under the theme “Boosting Social Impact and Education on Tourism through AI, Innovation and Creative Industries”, the summit focused on reversing Africa’s minimal share—less than 5%—of global tourism receipts and under 1% of global creative exports.

Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy unveiled a suite of ambitious initiatives, including:

MEFA Arena in Abuja and Lagos Arena, developed with international partners like Live Nation and Oak View Group, positioning Nigeria as a live entertainment hub.

A seasonal tourism calendar under the “Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere” brand, turning events such as Detty December, Homecoming East, and Naija Season into predictable revenue drivers.

The launch of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTIco) to convert heritage assets into sustainable tourism destinations via public-private partnerships.

The Minister said, “The 21st century demands that we build economies not just from the ground, but from the soul… This is not a deficit of talent, but of investment, visibility, and systems.”

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), spotlighted Abuja’s potential as a cultural and digital creative hub, urging intentional investment in youth and gender inclusion.

“Women and girls are central to the tourism and creative economies yet many remain underrepresented.

As we champion AI and innovation, we must intentionally support women through education, financing, and platforms that celebrate their voices,” Kingibe stated.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commended Nigeria’s leadership and cultural strength.

“Many people know Bollywood, but not Nollywood,” he said. “Nigeria has one of the biggest cultural assets in the world music, film, food, fashion, and people.”

He added that Africa’s proximity to the rest of the world is not just geographical but cultural, noting, “United, we can go far.

The summit is set to yield key continental initiatives, including:

Integrated visa systems to ease intra-African travel
Joint regional tourism campaigns
Cross-border tourism corridors and infrastructure upgrades
Training for local operators, artisans, and digital creators

As sessions continue through 13 June at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the summit is expected to produce strategic frameworks for sustainable development, economic inclusion, and youth employment.

Also read: Creative economy: Nigeria aims for $100bn growth through culture, tourism

“The 20th century was powered by hydrocarbons,” concluded the Minister. “The 21st will be powered by human imagination.”

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Rechael Okonkwo’s Carnival Brings Free Healthcare to 5,000 Residents

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2 days ago

September 2, 2026

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Culture

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.”