Connect with us

    Culture

    Oyo Mesi faction opposes fresh selection process for Alaafin

    Published

    on

    Oyo Mesi faction opposes fresh selection process for Alaafin

    A faction of the Oyo town kingmakers, known as the Oyo Mesi, have kicked against any plan by the Oyo State Government to commence a fresh process to select the Alaafin of Oyo.

    Counsel for the kingmakers, Kunle Sobaloju (SAN), wrote the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, warning against restarting the process to select a new Alaafin of Oyo.

    The kingmakers, through Sobaloju, were reacting to a media report suggesting the move to discard the process concluded initially by the kingmakers

    He advised the governor not to do anything that could prejudice pending appeals in courts.

    Following the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, on April 22, 2022, there was a crisis as the Oyomesi engaged the Oyo State government in a legal battle over the selection of the new monarch.

    After a nomination process by the valid ruling house, the kingmakers met, screened the 82 contestants and chose Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, whose name was forwarded to the Oyo State government for ratification.

    Following opposition to the choice of Gbadegesin by three of the kingmakers, the Oyo State government ordered a repeat of the exercise.

    The majority of kingmakers, led by the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola, however, took the government to court.

    The Ibadan-based lawyer representing the Oyomesi in court, in his letter to Makinde, stated, “We wish to restate that in view of the pending appeals in Appeal No: CA/IB/134/24 High Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola Layinka & Ors v. Governor of Oyo State & Ors and the pending application for interlocutory orders of injunction restraining Your Excellency, servants, agents, assigns, and or privies or otherwise and howsoever from aborting the process for the selection/appointment of the candidate for filling the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo, duly conducted by the kingmakers of Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy and or removing the appellants/applicants as the kingmakers of the Oyo Alaafin or dissolving the Oyomesi in Council and or appointing or selecting warrant chiefs to conduct or start a fresh process or exercise for the filling of the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo, pending the determination of the appeal against the ruling of Justice Akintola of High Court of Oyo, delivered on 16th ofApril 2024, it would be subjudice for Your Excellency to take any step that may render the decisions of the Court of Appeal nugatory.”

    He said if the governor proceeded to commence the fresh process to fill the vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo, such action “would be sub judice and tantamount to lawlessness and disregard of the superior courts of record, an act which Your Excellency ought to distance yourself from.”

    He said the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, had at various times frowned on parties before the court engaging in self-help.

    “Particular reference is made to the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Ajuwon & Ors v. Governor of Oyo State & Ors. (2021) LPELR-55339(SC), where the Supreme Court states ‘…it is unthinkable for a democratically elected governor to embark on unwholesome and undemocratic tendencies.

    “We, therefore, once more request and urge Your Excellency to suspend any plan to kick-start a fresh process for the filling of the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo during the pendency of a motion for injunction pending appeal, in obedience to the law and integrity of our courts,” the letter added.

    Culture

    FG to develop diaspora city to reconnect Nigerians abroad

    Published

    on

    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**.

    Continue Reading

    Culture

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

    Published

    on

    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**.

    Continue Reading

    Culture

    Lagos State tourism commissioner discusses collaboration with Nigeria immigration service

    Published

    on

    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.

    Continue Reading

    Trending