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    Nigeria to host inaugural World Orisa Congress, Aims for cultural, economic growth

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    World Orisa Congress, Nigeria cultural heritage, Orisa tradition congress

    Nigeria is preparing to host the inaugural World Orisa Congress, a major cultural event that will connect Orisa practitioners worldwide and generate significant economic impact

     

    Nigeria is set to host the first-ever World Orisa Congress, a groundbreaking event that will unite practitioners, scholars, and enthusiasts of the Orisa tradition from around the world.

    Also read: Katsina State to host 2025 ECOWAS food, cultural festival

    Announced by Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary and CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), the congress will be an annual gathering designed to highlight the global significance of the Orisa tradition and the Yoruba traditional religion.

    Ajiboye made the announcement during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, where he revealed that preparations for the congress were already in progress.

    The event is expected to draw participants from countries like Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, and other Caribbean nations where the Orisa tradition has deep roots.

    Though the exact date has yet to be set, the congress is anticipated to be a major cultural and spiritual event for Orisa devotees worldwide.

    The World Orisa Congress is seen as a significant step toward reconnecting Africans in the Diaspora with their cultural heritage.

    Ajiboye emphasized that the congress represents a powerful affirmation of cultural identity, fostering a global sense of belonging among people of African descent.

    With over 500 million people around the world practicing African traditional religions, including the Orisa tradition, the event will provide a unique opportunity to unite these global communities.

    Ajiboye highlighted the long-standing desire among the African Diaspora to reconnect with their ancestral roots, particularly among those descended from individuals taken to the Americas through the transatlantic slave trade.

    In Brazil alone, there are over 89 million people with connections to the Orisa tradition, a number that reflects the potential impact of the congress.

    The World Orisa Congress will also serve as a platform for cultural exchange, offering opportunities to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices related to the promotion and preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

    Ajiboye stressed that the event will contribute to showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural history on the global stage.

    In addition to its cultural significance, the congress holds substantial economic potential. Ajiboye projected that the event could generate between five to six billion U.S. dollars, with Nigeria expected to host over one million visitors.

    This influx of visitors would provide a boost to Nigeria’s tourism and cultural trade, while also promoting global understanding and peace.

    Ajiboye also emphasized the potential for the congress to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth, particularly in the context of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    By fostering cross-cultural exchange and attracting global attention, the event will help diversify Nigeria’s economy and increase foreign exchange earnings.

    Ajiboye outlined the broader goals of the World Orisa Congress, which include breaking down cultural barriers, promoting empathy, and positioning Nigeria as a leader in cultural diplomacy.

    The congress will leverage traditional institutions as cultural ambassadors, strengthening Nigeria’s standing as a top cultural tourism destination.

    By bringing together people of Orisa descent from around the world, the congress will build a sustainable and diversified revenue stream for Nigeria.

    It will also create a lasting legacy of cooperation and cultural understanding, with the potential to attract nearly one million visitors annually, generating consistent economic benefits.

    Through this initiative, Nigeria is positioning itself to be a key player in global cultural tourism and to harness the power of its rich heritage for both spiritual and economic advancement.

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    FG to develop diaspora city to reconnect Nigerians abroad

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    Nigeria Diaspora City project

    The Federal Government is developing Diaspora City to help Nigerians abroad invest and reconnect with their roots, Minister Hannatu Musawa announces.

     

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to develop *Diaspora City*, a tourism and investment hub aimed at reconnecting Nigerians abroad with their roots.

    The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, **Hannatu Musawa**, made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja during the launch of *Motherland 2025*, an initiative celebrating Nigeria’s cultural heritage and economic potential.

    According to Musawa, the project goes beyond tourism—it aims to strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and its diaspora while fostering cultural exchange and national development.

    “Our vision extends beyond attracting global visitors; it is about ensuring that the creative and tourism sectors serve as critical tools to improve the lives of the Nigerian people,” she stated.

    The *Motherland 2025* initiative is designed as a fully immersive cultural experience, featuring **state pavilions, exhibitions, and showcases** that highlight Nigeria’s innovation, business landscape, and cultural heritage.

    A key component of the project is the creation of *Diaspora City*, which will serve as a **thriving tourism and investment hub** where members of the diaspora can seamlessly engage in economic activities, reconnect with their heritage, and settle in Nigeria.

    “This year, we open our doors to the global diaspora, inviting them to immerse themselves in our rich traditions, explore investment opportunities, and witness the remarkable transformation unfolding across our nation,” Musawa added.

    Chidinma Nwakwo, Managing Director of *Discover Motherland Africa*, described the initiative as a **transformative movement** aimed at deepening Nigeria’s connection with its diaspora while unlocking business and tourism opportunities.

    “This is the beginning of a movement that not only reconnects Nigerians abroad with their roots but also fosters investment and cultural pride,” she said.

    With *Motherland 2025* and the planned *Diaspora City*, Nigeria aims to position itself as the epicentre of **global Black and African culture, commerce, and community**.

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    Governor Bassey Otu’s vision for Cross River: tourism, agriculture, digital economy

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    Cross River Tourism, Calabar Carnival, Food Security, Digital Economy, Obudu Ranch

    Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, outlines his administration’s plans for economic growth, tourism development, food security, and digital transformation, emphasising shared prosperity and sustainability

     

    Governor **Bassey Otu** has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic growth and tourism, particularly through the **2024 Calabar Carnival**, themed **”Shared Prosperity.”** Emphasising the need for **economic inclusivity**, he stated:

    Also read: Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Abubakar Robert Ewa, Passes Away

    > *“Unless there’s some equality of purpose in every society, there will be no peace… Shared prosperity is the key to achieving progress.”*

    Despite **economic challenges**, Otu assured that the **Calabar Carnival** remains a **major cultural and economic event**, attracting investment and boosting local businesses.

    Plans are also underway to **reintroduce the international segment** in the coming years, including a **diaspora band** to enhance global participation.

     

    Tourism Development: Upgrading Cross River’s Attractions

    Tourism remains central to Otu’s **economic blueprint**, with significant efforts being made to:

    Upgrade **key tourism sites**
    Enhance **hotel and transport infrastructure**
    Train tourism professionals **locally and internationally**
    Stabilise **product pricing** to encourage investment

    The governor assured that **Obudu Ranch**, one of Nigeria’s premier resorts, is undergoing **a major restoration project** in partnership with **Marriott Hotels** and **international investors**.

    *“We are bringing our tourism infrastructure to 21st-century standards, ensuring easy access to tourism sites and stabilising product prices,”* he said.

     

    Tackling Hunger and Revamping Agriculture

     

    Governor Otu has prioritised **food security**, acknowledging that agriculture was once **Nigeria’s economic backbone**. His administration is:

    Conducting **soil mapping** to determine ideal crops
    Launching a **5,000-hectare cassava farm pilot project**
    Expanding **oil palm and cocoa farming**
    Providing **microcredit schemes** for smallholder farmers

    *“We are doing everything to revamp agriculture,”* Otu emphasised.

     

    **Digital Economy: Training Youth for the Future**

     

    Recognising the importance of **technology in economic transformation**, Otu is spearheading initiatives to:

    Train **youth in digital skills**
    Establish **technology incubation centres**
    Integrate **agriculture with digital innovations**
    Combat **cybercrime and ensure ethical tech practices**

    *“The future lies in balancing digital advancements with agricultural productivity,”* he stated.

    **Cross River’s Economic Future: A Bold Vision**

    Governor Otu remains **optimistic about Nigeria’s economic reforms**, drawing from his experience in the **Senate’s Finance and Banking Committee**. He assured citizens that despite **current economic hardships**, positive changes will emerge.

    With ambitious plans for **tourism, agriculture, and digital transformation**, Cross River is poised for **sustainable growth and economic prosperity**.

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    Lagos State tourism commissioner discusses collaboration with Nigeria immigration service

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    Lagos State, Tourism, Immigration, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, NIS

    Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, met with Mrs. Kemi Nandap, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, to discuss ways to improve the immigration process at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport

     

     

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, paid a courtesy visit to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nandap, at her office in Abuja on Friday.

    Also read: Lagos State launches monthly landmark tours to boost tourism

    During the meeting, both officials engaged in constructive discussions focused on fostering collaboration between the NIS and the Lagos State Government.

    A primary area of concern was optimizing the immigration process at **Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA)**.

    Both parties acknowledged the importance of simplifying entry procedures at the airport to enhance the overall experience for visitors.

    They highlighted the critical role this would play in supporting the expected surge in tourism, particularly after the successful tourism campaigns of the fourth quarter of 2024.

     

    Several strategies were explored to improve the immigration process, including:

    – **Faster processing lanes** for international arrivals
    – **Clearer communication** regarding visa-on-arrival policies
    – **Enhanced training** for immigration personnel

     

    The aim is to create a welcoming atmosphere that would encourage international travellers to see Lagos as a prime destination.

    Both Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka and Mrs. Nandap agreed that a smooth and efficient immigration process is essential for solidifying Lagos’ position as a leading hub for cultural, artistic, and recreational tourism, contributing to the state’s economic growth and enhancing its global image.

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