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    Obasanjo and Garvey Unite to Honor History, as Badagry is Chosen as the Home for the World’s Africa Slave Trade Museum

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    In a historic collaboration, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Julius Garvey, leader of the Diasporan delegation to Motherland Africa, have come together to designate Badagry in Lagos State as the site for the World’s Africa Slave Trade Museum.

    The monumental decision marks a significant step towards preserving and commemorating the poignant history of the African slave trade.

    According to punchng.com, this followed a meeting held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a courtesy visit to the former President and renowned African statesman.

    In a statement by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Friday, the duo noted that the enormous contributions of the ancient town in Badagry to the history of the slave trade could not be overemphasized, hence the resolution to have it as the location of the world museum centre.

    Ghana, Addis-Ababa, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Senegal came as choices, but Nigeria was agreed upon due to her capacity and leading strength in the continent.

    The visiting team also discussed how to improve trade between Africa and the Caribbean and other contemporary issues.

    Speaking on the visit, Garvey remarked that it was “a wonderful experience for me seeing President Obasanjo personally. He has the interest of the Africans at heart, Africans here in the continent and in Diaspora, and I am happy to see that. We discussed the situation in Africa, and I am pleased to say that the understanding we both reached on the Museum location is pleasing.”

    Garvey said the delegation also discussed about the continent and the Caribbean as part of the six regions, “and I am happy about the direction the conservation took.”

    He added that he saw Obasanjo as somebody “on top of the day’s issues. He has done so much for Africans and from the pan-African sense. He has a sharp mind and is willing to contribute to the development of Africa. He really looked like my father from his old pictures and that he’s really taking good care of his health,” the Vascular Surgeon said.

    He disclosed that having served as a vascular surgeon and professor of medicine for many years, “I am now focused on advancing my father’s legacy. I am interested in cultivating collaboration with Nigerians to bring home transformation through health, education, business, agriculture, aviation, tourism, technology, manufacturing and more. I hope to see Nigeria become Africa’s transformation engine and the Nigerian Diaspora as the continent’s best Global Ambassadors in this lifetime.”

    Julius Garvey is the son of the legendary Marcus Garvey, the great human rights promoter.

    He said, “My father Marcus Mosiah Garvey was never able to set his feet in Africa, even though he preached to Africans in the Diaspora about returning to the Motherland physically or mentally. As his son, returning and becoming a Chief in Nigeria is monumental.

    Obasanjo hinted that as the Prime Minister (Balogun) of his Owu clan, he would recommend a chieftaincy title for him.

    The delegation included the Chairman of Space Network and notable Prince in Ijebu Land, Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun, the Olu Orile Ilawo, HRM (Prof) Alexander Olusegun MacGregor, who is also the founder and president of Toronto Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Moses A. Mawa, President & CEO of Silvertrust Media, Afroglobal Television and Transformation Institute.

    Mawa is also the Executive Producer of a documentary film being produced on Marcus Mosiah Garvey and Julius Garvey’s historic trip to Nigeria, which is expected to be reflected in the film.

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    Nigeria’s tourism sector nears new era with draft national tourism policy validation

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    Nigeria National Tourism Policy, sustainable tourism Nigeria, Hannatu Musawa tourism policy

    Stakeholders gathered in Lagos to validate Nigeria’s Draft National Tourism Policy, focusing on sustainability, community engagement, and digital innovation to elevate Nigeria’s tourism sector to global standards.

     

    Major stakeholders from Nigeria’s tourism, hospitality, and cultural sectors convened in Lagos for a landmark event to validate the Draft National Tourism Policy.

    The gathering, hosted by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), underscores a renewed commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s tourism landscape.

     

    Also read: Governor Fubara begins revitalisation of Port Harcourt tourist beach for Arts, Culture, and Tourism

     

    The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, inaugurated the event, emphasising Nigeria’s immense but underutilised tourism potential.

    Musawa highlighted the country’s rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and the economic possibilities they offer, commending NESG and private partners for their collaboration on a policy not revised since 2005.

    With its focus on sustainability, infrastructure, and community engagement, the revised policy aims to transform the tourism sector, making it a key driver of national economic growth.

    Former Tourism Minister, Lola Ade-John, who contributed to the original policy framework, lauded the ongoing efforts, underscoring the policy’s potential to unlock Nigeria’s vast tourism assets. Ade-John further commended NESG’s role in providing crucial guidance for a progressive tourism policy.

    Representing NESG, Dr. Ikenna Nwosu, Facilitator for the Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Culture, Creative, and Sports Policy Commission, spoke on the significance of a robust tourism framework and public-private partnerships, especially in the post-pandemic landscape.

    He recognised the Federal Government’s commitment to the tourism sector, positioning it as a central pillar for economic recovery.

    The event highlighted extensive contributions from over 200 industry professionals, strengthening the policy’s foundation.

    Lolo Ngozi Ngoka, NESG’s thematic Lead for Tourism and Hospitality Industries, presented the draft policy, outlining key priorities: diversifying Nigeria’s tourism offerings, fostering inclusivity, and advancing digital innovation to elevate Nigeria’s global appeal.

    The validation session featured a panel discussion with industry experts, who assessed the policy’s potential impact.

    Breakout sessions enabled focused conversations on key themes like infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and marketing. Participants shared feedback, which will be integrated into the final policy draft.

    The revised National Tourism Policy is set for completion in November 2024, with continued consultations to ensure an inclusive and impactful framework for Nigeria’s tourism sector.

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    Minister Hannatu Musawa urges Nigerians to support local fashion industry

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    National Tourism Policy, Nigeria tourism, public-private partnerships, sustainability in tourism, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), tourism policy validation

    Minister Hannatu Musawa calls on Nigerians to support local fashion to boost cultural pride and economic growth at the African Fashion Festival Vogue.

     

     

    The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has encouraged Nigerians to embrace and support locally made clothing, emphasising its role in fostering national identity and economic growth.

    Speaking at the inaugural African Fashion Festival Vogue (AFFV) on Saturday in Abuja, Musawa highlighted the importance of promoting the Nigerian fashion industry on a global scale and empowering local talent.

     

    Also read: Akwa Ibom: Fashion show to reposition state as top tourism destination debuts

     

    The festival, themed “Thread of Africa: Weaving Fashion and Culture,” was organised by emerging Nigerian designer Firdausi Mohammed and drew notable figures from the fashion industry and diplomatic community.

    Musawa praised the event’s efforts to showcase African designs and provide a platform for designers to reach international audiences, stating, “The platform offers opportunities for showcasing African designers in the fashion industry. It also promotes the Nigerian fashion industry to the world and empowers Northern voices in the sector.”

    Emphasising the global competitiveness of Nigerian fashion, Musawa noted that now is an ideal time to support homegrown products, as the industry possesses the creativity and craftsmanship to succeed internationally.

    She urged Nigerians to take pride in their cultural heritage by choosing locally crafted garments, which play a significant role in both nation-building and economic empowerment.

    The High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Retired Maj.-Gen. Sohail Khan, also addressed the gathering, commending the initiative as a celebration of Africa’s vibrant creativity and cultural expression.

    “Fashion is not merely about clothing; it is an expression of identity, culture, and creativity,” Khan remarked. He drew parallels between African and Pakistani traditions in textile craftsmanship, suggesting that these shared cultural assets could inspire future collaboration within the fashion industry.

    Khan highlighted the prominence of Pakistan’s textile sector, which combines centuries-old hand-embroidery techniques with modern advancements in textile technology, making it a global powerhouse.

    Event organiser Firdausi Mohammed shared her vision for AFFV, explaining that the festival aims to showcase Africa’s diverse cultural heritage through fashion.

    Mohammed said, “Our goal is to create a networking platform for designers to spread their wings under one umbrella and to celebrate the beauty of Africa’s cultural diversity through high fashion.”

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the event was attended by both established and emerging designers, diplomats, and fashion enthusiasts.

    The highlight of the evening was a runway show infused with elements of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, symbolising the potential of the African fashion industry to connect people through shared cultural values and artistic expression.

    AFFV’s success underscores the growing interest in promoting African fashion on a global stage and aligns with Musawa’s call for Nigerians to support their local industry, strengthening both cultural pride and economic

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    World twins festival in Igbo-Ora: A tourism goldmine for Oyo State

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    World Twins Festival Igbo-Ora tourism

    The annual World Twins Festival at Igbo-Ora, Oyo State, has the potential to generate over $1 million in revenue and create thousands of jobs, highlighting its untapped economic potential.

     

     

    The annual World Twins Festival in Igbo-Ora, Oyo State, Nigeria, known globally as the “Land of Twins,” could generate over one million dollars in revenue and create more than 5,000 jobs if its full potential is harnessed, according to festival initiators, Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye.

    As the most famous twins in African tourism, the Oguntoyes expressed their vision to elevate the festival’s profile and economic impact.

     

    Also read: Oyo State Promotes Festival of Twins as Pathway to World Heritage Status

     

    With its 2024 theme, *Twinning for Love, Unity, and National Economic Reorientation*, the festival celebrates Igbo-Ora’s remarkable multiple birth rate, where an estimated 10% of births are twins.

    Drawing attendees from across Nigeria and beyond, the festival offers a unique social and cultural tourism experience, making it an unexploited economic opportunity for the state.

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has backed the festival, pledging to improve infrastructure and enhance its status to meet UNESCO standards.

    Governor Makinde noted the state’s commitment to making Igbo-Ora a globally recognised tourism site, boosting Nigeria’s tourism potential and attracting international visitors.

    The proposed *World Twins Village*, scheduled for unveiling next year, is set to be the first of its kind, establishing Igbo-Ora as a prime cultural destination.

    The village is anticipated to attract a vast array of twins and enthusiasts from around the world, with plans underway to register Igbo-Ora on the UNESCO World Heritage cultural site list.

    A vibrant display of twin culture, the 2024 festival featured twins dressed in matching Ankara and other traditional Yoruba attire, further showcasing Igbo-Ora’s unique cultural identity.

    The event, organised in collaboration with the Igbo-Ora Community Foundation, Ibarapa Central Local Government, and the Oyo State Government, has become a landmark celebration for the Yoruba community and a growing attraction for visitors worldwide.

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