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    Popoola unveils sculpture of lion commissioned by Oba Elegushi

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    Nigeria’s foremost sculptor and environmental artist, Dotun Popoola, recently delivered a magnificent sculptural piece of a lion commissioned by Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla 111 of Ikate Kingdom in his palace in Lekki, Lagos.

    The event was witnessed by the media and dignitaries from different walks of life.

    Speaking to journalists during the unveiling, Popoola gave historical insights about the artwork and how a chance meeting with the monarch provided the opportunity of the work.

    He said: “On August 14, 2021, I delivered a sculpture to a client in the presence of 10 friends. Unknown to me, someone had planned a mini exhibition.

    “During the event, Oba Elegushi arrived, expressing interest in my work. I was astonished by the distinguished guests present.

    “The king admired the sculpture I crafted for his friend and requested me to craft two larger lions for his palace. I left the gathering with gratitude.

    “Upon returning to my studio, I delved into sculpting the lions after researching Ikate Kingdom’s history from the compendium the king provided and interpreted the kingdom’s story through the canvas of a lion.

    “I created the lion sculpture 14-feet long, 8.5-feet high and four-feet broad and weighing 300 kilogrammes, to encapsulate history, culture, royalty, elegance, luxury, and sustainability and it was made with scrap metals, mild steel, aluminium, bronze, automobile parts and auto-based pigment. It took me more than two years to finish the work,” he said.

    Popoola described the work as symbolic adding “If there’s going to be any ornamentation to the throne of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, it wouldn’t be an insignia of leopard, tiger or cheetah but that of a lion. So if the strength of the current King is to be historically documented, it must be related with a story of a lion. His fierce and decisive personality and temperament must form nucleus of the story. In some other African thrones, their stories are encapsulated in other parts of animals.”

    While receiving the art piece, Oba Elegushi felt elated and satisfied about the piece of work. He said this of the artist: “I commissioned Dotun to produce a sculptural piece of a lion and you brought a monumental sculpture of a lion with history.”

    He subscribed to the artist’s esteemed profile and artistic prowess saying that it was undeniable. He said. “Dotun Popoola’s artistic prowess is undeniable, and I must express my admiration for the exquisite masterpiece that has emerged from his gifted hands,” he said.

    He also spoke on how his path with the artist crossed. “I first encountered Dotun’s remarkable talent through my late brother, Dr Olaolu Mudashiru and was captivated by the majestic lion adorning his balcony in Banana Island.

    “His dedication to his craft is truly commendable and I have observed with great fascination his unwavering commitment, ingenuity, and meticulous attention to details.

    “It is for this reason I commissioned him to create lions symbolising my ancestral strength and persona. I could not have fathomed the depth to which he would elevate the concept. The resulting sculpture stands not merely as a representation of the regal lion but as a compendium of the rich history of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom.

    “I am optimistic that this timeless masterpiece will not only bring fortune to Dotun but will also carry him to heights unforeseen.”

    While recognizing his international acclaim and extraordinary contribution to the world of art, I extend to him the well-deserved royal blessings and good wishes bestowed upon him by my ancestors,” he prayed.

    The monarch revealed that the remarkable sculpture will be transformed into a luxury coffee table book which will reflect the analysis of forms and content in the sculpture and also give a creative visual insight into history of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom adding that he would ensure that the book would be placed in palaces and luxury places across the globe. He assured that he would nurture, protect and cherish the piece, committing to supporting and fostering the endeavor of many Nigerian creative intellectuals.

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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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