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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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

2 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.