Events

Tourism minister partners with NATOP to boost Nigeria’s tourism industry

Published

2 years ago

October 8, 2024

The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade John, has pledged collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) to promote Nigeria’s tourism sites, cultural heritage, and festivals globally. This partnership aims to enhance Nigeria’s tourism industry through strategic projects, marketing efforts, and policy reviews.

In a meeting held on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade John, expressed her commitment to collaborate with the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) in promoting Nigeria’s diverse tourism sites, cultural heritage, and landmarks. This partnership aims to boost Nigeria’s tourism industry both locally and internationally.

Mrs Ade John, who received NATOP’s President, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, and her executive members, shared her enthusiasm for the association’s efforts to explore Nigeria’s vast landscape.

Also read: Experts warn of Nigeria’s healthcare crisis and medical tourism drain

She noted that NATOP’s initiative to study, package, and promote Nigeria’s tourism, hospitality, festivals, and heritage would significantly elevate the country’s profile in the global tourism sector.

The Minister assured the association of the Ministry’s full support and involvement in their activities, noting that NATOP will be invited to participate in tourism policy reviews and other relevant projects.

Mrs Ade John also acknowledged the Ministry’s current financial constraints, which may limit its participation in this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London.

However, she assured NATOP that next year’s budget would enable more collaborative tourism projects, including efforts to promote Nigeria at international tourism events.

The Minister highlighted NATOP’s role during World Tourism Day in Lagos, praising their contributions to promoting Nigeria’s tourism sector.

NATOP President, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, reiterated the association’s commitment to marketing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, ecological tourism, and festivals.

She outlined the association’s short- and long-term goals, including participation at the World Travel Market, and expressed a desire to share their expertise on Nigerian tourism policy.

She also emphasised the socioeconomic importance of the tourism industry for job creation and economic empowerment, with an eye towards improving Nigeria’s global tourism ranking.

The NATOP President revealed plans for a “Rediscover Nigeria” project, aimed at encouraging states, local authorities, and citizens to prioritise Nigerian culture and tourism.

She called for the Ministry’s backing to make the initiative a success and elevate Nigeria’s tourism industry to new heights.

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WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”