Culture

Nigeria, South Africa strengthen tourism ties to boost hospitality, security perception

Published

2 years ago

February 21, 2025

Nigeria-South Africa tourism partnership

Nigeria and South Africa strengthen tourism ties through NIHOTOUR, focusing on training, cultural exchange, and security perception improvement

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), has taken a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties with South Africa in the areas of hospitality, tourism, and travel.

The collaboration aims to foster cultural exchange, enhance security perceptions, and drive economic growth.

At a recent meeting held at NIHOTOUR headquarters in Abuja, the Director General/CEO of NIHOTOUR, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, emphasised the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s tourism potential—particularly the 2024 Lagos Detty December festivities—to reshape global perceptions of safety in the country and promote peaceful coexistence.

Bobby J. Monroe, Consul General of the Republic of South Africa in Lagos, reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to collaborating with NIHOTOUR.

He highlighted the need for Africa to unite through tourism, leveraging its rich cultural diversity to drive economic prosperity.

Dr. Fagade stressed that a structured training and cultural exchange between both nations could play a crucial role in addressing xenophobia and fostering stronger ties between Nigerians and South Africans.

“Tourism is not just about travel and hospitality; it is a bridge that connects cultures, fosters understanding, and drives economic growth. Through structured training, knowledge exchange, and mutual collaboration, we can dispel misconceptions, improve security narratives, and build a future where Nigerians and South Africans see each other as partners, not rivals,” he stated.

Both nations have resolved to focus on several areas of cooperation, including:

– **Hospitality and tourism training exchange** to enhance industry standards
– **Cultural diplomacy** to promote mutual understanding
– **Security and perception management** to change narratives about safety
– **Joint tourism development projects** for sustainable economic growth

This collaboration signals a renewed effort to harness Africa’s tourism potential, break down cultural barriers, and position the continent as a global tourism powerhouse.

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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.”