Events

Nigerian wins Mister Tourism Africa, boosts continent’s tourism

Published

1 year ago

June 7, 2025

Nigerian Fabian Arinze Ugboma, also known as Kvngfade, makes history as the first Nigerian male to win Mister Tourism Africa, promising a “See Africa First” campaign to boost continental tourism

Mister Tourism Africa 2024/2025, Fabian Arinze Ugboma, better known as Kvngfade, has made history as the first Nigerian male to clinch the coveted continental title.

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His victory at the Miss/Mister Tourism Africa pageant, held in Lagos, marks a significant moment for African tourism and Nigerian representation on the global stage.

The Miss Tourism Africa and Mister Tourism Africa pageant, powered by Qhue Concepts, stands as the continent’s sole tourism-driven competition.

This year’s event in Lagos garnered substantial backing from reputable sponsors, including Carlo Rossi, Park Inn by Radisson, MAC Cosmetics, Essenza Nigeria, and Landmark Event Center, with endorsement from the Lagos State Government through the Lagos Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Arts.

Ugboma, a native of Umuogha in Ossomola, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State, triumphed over a strong field of delegates from more than 15 countries, including South Africa, Uganda, Liberia, Gambia, and Lesotho.

His remarkable poise, sharp intellect, and a compelling, mission-driven platform captivated the judges and earned him the mantle of continental tourism ambassador.

Speaking with Daily Sun, the newly crowned Mister Tourism Africa 2024/2025 pledged to build on his success. He announced plans to launch a bold, multi-nation campaign titled “See Africa First.”

This transformative Pan-African tour, scheduled to commence in late 2025, is designed to promote tourism, fitness, cultural exchange, and youth engagement across the continent.

“This isn’t just about travel or titles,” the hospitality consultant stated. “It’s about reclaiming our story, encouraging Africans to appreciate their heritage, and showing the world what Africa truly offers — from ancient cultures to modern innovations.”

The “See Africa First” tour will encompass a diverse range of activities, including cultural festivals and site tours across multiple African countries, fitness boot camps and medical outreach in partnership with local health agencies, and extensive content creation and tourism documentation to promote local attractions. Collaborations with tourism boards, youth organisations, and media houses will be central to the initiative’s success.

“This ambitious journey is more than a sightseeing expedition — it is a call to invest in the African experience, starting with Africans themselves,” added Ugboma, who is also the CEO of Fade Entertainment Concept.

He further highlighted that the tour will shine a spotlight on underreported travel destinations, provide a boost to small businesses, and unlock new tourism-related economic opportunities across the continent.

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Culture

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

Published

1 week 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.

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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.