News
We are ready to host Africa, global tourists, says Lilly Ajarova, UTB boss
Published
9 months agoon
By
Lanre
If you want to understand why Uganda is nicknamed the Pearl of Africa, you need to visit to see for yourself.
From an enthralling wildlife hosting the ‘big five’, magnificent landscapes and mountains dotted with some of the highest peaks in Africa, historical monuments, pilgrimage sites, unique accommodation, abundant food, exciting culture and nightlife and most importantly, hospitable people, Uganda is an amazing destination to say the least.
With the above and more going for the East African country, its tourism board is extending invitations to more Africans and global visitors to come and explore the diverse value for money tourism offerings.
Truly, Lilly Ajarova, CEO, Uganda Tourism Board, (UTB), has never failed to invite African visitors to her country at every opportunity she gets.
In recent times, she has sustained the invitation, with the fact that such exchanges within the continent will grow African tourism, create more jobs and impact the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Focusing on Africa first, UTB has been engaging its five key source markets of Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, Ethiopia and South Africa in strategic campaigns to woo more visitations from their respective countries.
As well, there have been many familiarisation trips to the country by trade partners and media from the five markets to enable them to explore and have firsthand knowledge of the offerings to market to their clients and countries.
This year alone, there have been over three of such trips. The most recent in April saw the gathering of trade partners from Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa, who visited different regions of the country to explore and endorse the offerings for their respective markets.
The UTB also siezed the opportunity to further engage the trade partners, most of whom are first-time visitors.
According to the UTB boss during a meeting with the trade partners at Onomo Hotel in Kampala, Uganda is ready to host the world, starting with Africa.
“We need to explore the continent more because we are abundantly blessed and we also have so much that connect us as Africans,” she noted.
“We have started a mutual engagement with you all to work together to see how we can market Uganda to our key source markets, especially for the first-time visitors to pay repeat visits”.
Insisting that Africans have more to do with each other, the tourism boss noted that Uganda’s highest tourist arrivals is from Kenya.
“We have so much to offer Nigerians as well. I was in Lagos sometime and was hearing names like Kizito and Molumba and I asked if there were many Ugandans here. Those were Uganda martyrs names.
So, it is not about just bringing people, we have more to do with each other as Africans,” she said.
Reeling out some of the attractions, Ajarova said that there are lots of products and attractions across the country and many in the pipeline.
“We have many exciting national parks. As a conservationist, I can attest that they are more enthralling to visit. Mount Rwenzori has a series of 12 waterfalls, apart from being one of the tallest peaks in Africa. We have great golf experiences as each our golf courses has a story behind it and they are close to a national park.
“Our Namugongo Martyrs Shrine has become a rally point for pilgrimage, and of course, we have the source of River Nile at Jinja. We are the adventure that awaits you anytime,” she said.
Beyond the improved visitations, she noted that Uganda is an investment heaven, hence calling on other Africans to come and in invest, especially in the tourism sector.
“We have a number of undeveloped places in Uganda and we can work together as Africans to develop them because the foreigners here, particularly the Indians and Chinese, are choosy on where and what to invest in and somehow it gives them confidence.
“But I feel as Africans we should do more of these investments with Nigerians investing in Uganda, Ugandans investing in Nigeria, South Africans investing here and so on. We have enabling laws that guarantee safe investment and good returns on investment”.
Turning attention to Nigeria, Ajarova said that the most populous country in Africa means so much for Uganda tourism and investment.
Apart from the shopping experience, city tours, nightlife, cultural shows and youthful adventure activities, she thinks that pilgrimage will enthrall Nigerians and that Uganda Martyrs Shrine and Martyrs Day are wonderful products to sell to the Nigerian market.
“For team Nigeria, we can do more on the pilgrimage, planning ahead for the Martyrs Day in June. The Anglican Bishop of Nigeria is the one leading the Anglicans in this year’s Martyrs Day.
“I am making inquiry on how to get the Catholic Bishop in Nigeria to the event to handle the Catholic side of the martyrs celebrations. I look forward to both bishops co-hosting the ceremony that day”.
She is harping on pilgrimage because everyone year Uganda gets at least 100 Nigerians visiting for the Martyrs’ Day celebrations in June.
“They are unique because of their uniform and their flags make loud statements about them at Namugongo Martyrs’ Day at the shrine,” she said in excitement.
Most, importantly, Ajarova cleared all the grey areas, offering the trade partners no excuse not to sell Uganda with good results in their respective countries.
First, she acknowledged the huge impact of the Uganda Airlines on the country’s tourism arrivals, noting that air connections are now seamless from Entebe International Airport to most countries, especially the five key source markets.
She noted that the airline, alongside the ultramodern new wing at the airport, are part of the infrastructural development that are enabling tourism to grow in the country.
“We are also pushing with the city authorities to have infrastructure as they enhance visitors perception of our country and aid seamless experiences for them.
“The government on its part is undertaking many infrastructure projects and in the next 8 months to two years, a lot of changes will be in place to enhance our destination appeal and tourist experience here,” she explained.
With connection sorted with more flights by Uganda Airlines, the UTB boss also addressed other challenges faced by the trade partners in marketing Uganda in their respective countries.
On visa, she noted that UTB has written the Ugandan cabinet to demand for seamless visa processing for would-be visitors.
“At one point Uganda was among the top most accessible destinations in Africa since the removal of visa-on-arrival and made it online, it has affected us. But things are improving now,” she said.
As well, she noted that pricing is a big issue even at the domestic end.
“Visitors want value for money and seamless procedures. We are addressing it. UTB has the mandate by the law not only to market the country, but also to regulate the tourism sector.
We are coming strong and shutting down facilities that do not have the required minimum standard,” she assured.
In her conclusion, the UTB boos thanked the visitors for leaving their busy schedules to be on the trip, promising to offer them the needed support to ensure expected results from their respective markets, including creating a platform and webinar for regular update on tourism development in the ‘Pearl of Africa’.
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Uzodimma inaugurates IMSUTH, IMSUBEB boards, pledges N20bn for education, healthcare
Published
5 days agoon
February 10, 2025By
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Governor Hope Uzodimma has inaugurated the IMSUTH and IMSUBEB boards, pledging N20bn for healthcare and education reforms in Imo State
Imo State Governor, **Senator Hope Uzodimma**, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising the **health and education sectors**, describing them as crucial to the well-being and development of the people.
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Speaking at the **inauguration of the boards** of the **Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH)** and the **Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB)** in Owerri, the governor outlined the significant strides his government has made in these sectors since assuming office in 2020.
Governor Uzodimma revealed that his administration had invested over **₦4 billion** in rehabilitating IMSUTH, **procuring modern medical equipment** and attracting professionals with **local and international medical experience**.
“IMSUTH was in a **comatose state**, but today, it stands among the top teaching hospitals in Nigeria,” he stated.
The governor expressed concerns over Nigeria’s **preventable death rate**, attributing about **70% of fatalities** to poor healthcare infrastructure.
He urged the **newly inaugurated board**, led by **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri**, to leverage their expertise to transform IMSUTH into a centre for **medical excellence**, discouraging **medical tourism abroad**.
“This is your own. **Help stop medical tourism in Imo**. Bring back your knowledge and experience. Without health, there can be no development,” Uzodimma emphasised.
The newly appointed IMSUTH board members include:
– **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri** – Chairman
– **Prof Kelechi Uwakwe** – Chief Medical Director (CMD)
– **Rev. Fr. Dr Emeka Emekaraoha**
– **Anyaehie Okameme**
– **Dr Osita Kingsley Uzoma**
The governor assured the board of **government support** while encouraging collaboration with IMSUTH management.
Uzodimma also inaugurated the **Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB)**, tasking the members with **accountability** and **prudent management of funds**.
He pledged that their **monthly financial reports** would be published for transparency.
“Your failure is our collective failure; your success is our collective success. **This is not your turn—it is the turn of Imo people**. Change the story, rebuild the schools, and serve as dedicated public servants,” he advised.
The governor announced that his administration had **cleared all outstanding counterpart funding** obligations, securing **₦20 billion** for **school renovations, teacher recruitment, and improved learning materials**.
New IMSUBEB Board Members
– **Hon Chidiebere Egbo** – Chairman
– **Arc. Mrs Amaka Onu**
– **Hon Chuks Metu** – Secretary
– **Hon Vitalis Obioma**
– **Hon Edward Obinna**
– **Mrs Nzeoma Lucy Nkeiru**
– **Mrs Leticia Amandianeze**
In their acceptance speeches, **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri** and **Hon Chidiebere Egbo** pledged to align with the governor’s vision, ensuring **high-quality healthcare** and **basic education** for Imo residents.
The event was attended by **Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe**, **Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu**, **Chief of Staff Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie**, and other top government officials and stakeholders.
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February 10, 2025By
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The Federal Government, in collaboration with Discover Motherland Africa, has launched *Motherland 2025*, a movement to reconnect the African diaspora while boosting Nigeria’s economic and cultural resurgence
The **Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy**, in collaboration with **Discover Motherland Africa**, has launched *Motherland 2025*, a transformative initiative aimed at positioning **Nigeria as a global hub for African culture, investment, and tourism**.
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Speaking at the unveiling event in **Abuja Continental Hotel**, Minister **Hannatu Musa Musawa** described *Motherland 2025* as more than a festival—**a movement designed to reconnect the African diaspora while driving Nigeria’s economic and cultural resurgence**.
“Motherland 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a homecoming. This initiative cements Nigeria’s role as a powerhouse of Black and African identity, commerce, and innovation.”
>“It is an opportunity for global stakeholders, from investors and policymakers to cultural leaders and travelers, to experience and invest in Nigeria’s resurgence as a cultural and economic powerhouse,” Musawa stated.
As part of the initiative, the Minister announced the *“See Motherland Through Your Eyes”* competition, inviting **participants to visually capture Nigeria’s landscapes, traditions, and vibrant communities**.
“This competition celebrates Nigeria’s diversity and spirit. From the **Kelangu drumbeats of the North to the Bata rhythms of the Southwest and the Ogene echoes of the East**, our culture moves like a dance—alive in every moment.”
The Minister further called on **government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and cultural institutions** to support *Motherland 2025* in making it a **long-term driver of Nigeria’s tourism, creative economy, and investment landscape**.
“The success of this initiative relies on strong partnerships. We invite policymakers, investors, and development organizations to join us in shaping Nigeria’s tourism, creative economy, and investment landscape.”
The *Motherland 2025* initiative consists of several major components designed to boost Nigeria’s cultural, tourism, and economic appeal:
– **Motherland Expo and Festival** – A platform for **cultural exchange, business engagement, and entertainment**, featuring **State Pavilions and Business Exhibitions** showcasing Nigeria’s **36 states and the FCT**.
– **Closing Concert** – A grand musical event featuring **top Nigerian and international artists**.
– **Motherland Travel Hub** – A **centralized travel logistics platform** to make exploring Nigeria easier for visitors.
– **Citizenship by Investment Program** – A unique initiative allowing **diaspora members and foreign investors** to contribute to Nigeria’s development while gaining residency benefits.
– **Diaspora City** – A **dedicated hub for diasporans to settle and invest in Nigeria**.
– **Motherland Ambassador Awards** – An **award program recognizing diaspora leaders** making significant contributions in various fields.
**Chidinma Nwankwo**, Managing Director of **Discover Motherland Africa**, emphasized that *Motherland 2025* is **not just a festival, but a landmark movement reconnecting Nigerians abroad while unlocking cultural pride and investment opportunities**.
“Motherland is a homecoming, a journey, and a commitment. This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not just as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism.”
“Whether you are part of the diaspora, a first-generation Nigerian, or someone who has never set foot in Nigeria, this is your invitation to engage, contribute, and become part of something bigger.”
With *Motherland 2025*, Nigeria aims to **strengthen its identity as the centre of global Black and African culture** while **unlocking investment opportunities and fostering economic development**.
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Dees Travels Chairman advocates stronger tourism policies to unlock Nigeria’s potential
Published
1 week agoon
February 6, 2025By
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Professor Sunday Adebisi, Chairman of Dees Travels, urges the Nigerian government to implement stronger tourism policies to boost economic growth, highlighting the sector’s potential to surpass Dubai as a premier travel destination
The **Chairman of Dees Travels**, **Professor Sunday Adebisi**, has called for **robust tourism policies** to help Nigeria realise its full potential as a **global travel destination**.
Speaking at the company’s **get-together party** in **Lagos**, Adebisi noted that **Nigeria has all it takes to compete with top destinations like Dubai** if the right policies are put in place.
Highlighting the economic impact of the **“Dirty December”** festivities, which reportedly generated **over $100 million** in revenue, Adebisi stressed that Nigeria could attract **global tourists year-round** if the sector is well-structured.
> *“If we get our tourism sector right, the potential is limitless. Nigeria could surpass Dubai and become the premier destination in Africa. With 365 days of summer, there’s no reason tourists can’t flock to Nigeria all year,”* he stated.
While acknowledging the efforts of the **current administration**, Adebisi urged **more government investment** in tourism and aviation to maximise their economic benefits.
Similarly, **Group Managing Director Daisi Olotu** echoed these sentiments, arguing that **aviation and tourism require greater attention** to boost Nigeria’s **economic growth**.
*“The current government is trying its best, but if aviation gets the attention it deserves, it will generate more money for operators, agents, and the economy at large.
Tourism has the potential to generate vast amounts of income, and if Nigeria wants to compete globally, it must prioritise these sectors,”* Olotu noted.
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