Culture
Obasanjo and Garvey Unite to Honor History, as Badagry is Chosen as the Home for the World’s Africa Slave Trade Museum
Published
1 year agoon
By
Lanre
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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Culture
FG to develop diaspora city to reconnect Nigerians abroad
Published
5 days agoon
February 10, 2025By
Lanre
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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Culture
Governor Bassey Otu’s vision for Cross River: tourism, agriculture, digital economy
Published
1 week agoon
February 6, 2025By
Lanre
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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Culture
Lagos State tourism commissioner discusses collaboration with Nigeria immigration service
Published
1 week agoon
February 5, 2025By
Lanre
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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