Opinion

What Nigeria needs to fix in the tourism sector, according to an expert

Published

3 years ago

September 30, 2023

Nigeria is a land of boundless cultural treasures, beautiful destinations and natural wonders. Yet, beneath the surface, lie complexities and untapped potential in the world of tourism that many are unaware of.

We turn to Dr Adun Okupe, a seasoned professional in the world of tourism, to shed light on the nuances of Nigeria’s tourism landscape and what the country needs to fix in the tourism sector.

What are the challenges of the tourism sector? And how do you think they can be fixed?

I would say the biggest challenge is the lack of an approach and a deep understanding of what tourism means. Many times when we talk about tourism, we’re mainly focusing on international tourists. However, tourism goes beyond that; we can have domestic tourists and regional tourists, right? Anyone who spends over 24 hours in a place qualifies as a tourist. So, it’s about understanding what tourism truly means.

We need to recognise that we have a strong domestic market that we’re not effectively promoting. In countries like the United Kingdom, India, and America, domestic tourism contributes more revenue than international tourism. It’s also important to understand that tourism is primarily about the leisure economy. It involves creating a balance between work and play and enabling people to understand how they can engage in leisure activities. We shouldn’t limit tourism to special zones for tourists; people should be able to come and experience the local community. How can they engage with various communities? How can they explore and discover new places?

One of the root causes of the challenges is the lack of a comprehensive approach to tourism. While security is often mentioned as a challenge, taking security seriously can address other issues as well. Making tourism more accessible and ensuring safety and security are crucial. Often, governments have invested a lot in creating documentation, but implementation is the key. I would encourage us to identify one or two short-term focal areas, harmonize efforts, and achieve concrete results before taking on more initiatives. It all comes down to defining who should visit your destination and why. We must be clear about who we want to attract and the unique qualities of our destination that make it appealing.

What is the way forward for tourism in Nigeria?

I think it’s nice that we have a Ministry of Tourism. Private sector leaders have been working hard over the years to advocate for a dedicated Ministry of Tourism, and we’re very happy that it has now become a reality. I believe the way forward is to ensure that the Ministry builds upon its existing efforts and adopts a more strategic and holistic approach to tourism development across Nigeria. Instead of trying to cover all states simultaneously, we should focus on pilot or pioneer states, perhaps three, four, or five key states, and collaborate closely with them. We should simplify and harmonize policies and also provide clear guidance to potential investors. Investment is essential for the sector, but inconsistency and lack of clarity can deter investors.

What role can we, as Nigerians, play in promoting tourism in our country?

As Nigerians, we need to recalibrate our understanding of what constitutes a better life for all of us. For employers of labour, this means drilling down to understand what it means for the people who work with you. Are you creating spaces where they can work effectively while also having time for other activities? Are we fostering a sense of discovery? There are numerous business opportunities in the tourism industry, including various value chain opportunities. Often, we find ourselves all looking at the same thing. As Nigerians, I believe we should embrace more innovation. We need to recognise opportunities and harness them in meaningful ways.

There are abundant opportunities within the tourism sector for self-employment. The advantages include flexibility and the ability to engage in professional work that doesn’t adhere to a rigid nine-to-five schedule, especially as the world of work is evolving. It’s about how families spend time together, how they explore and discover.

When you cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity, it can truly help you understand better how other people live and realise that we are more similar than different. This perspective can lead to seeing things differently.

I believe that there’s a significant amount of work to be done in terms of tourism information and awareness creation. It’s an area where the private sector can collaborate with the public sector to drive awareness. It’s about raising awareness, conducting sensitisation programs, and setting examples. Let people take action.

Nigerians should explore their own environments, explore their own country right?

Yes, exploring your own country and then, of course, exploring others. I remember going to speak to a school some years ago, a Secondary School in Ikeja, and some of the students went on holidays abroad. But what they did is they went shopping. That’s it. They went to McDonald’s and went shopping. I would say that, that’s travelling, but you know, they hadn’t explored the museums, they hadn’t explored galleries, they hadn’t experienced cultural activities. So my session was about helping them see that they could do more. They could explore more within Nigeria and also when they travel abroad so that there’s an immersive experience, not just ‘oh, I’ve gone to London and I’ve gone to Oxford Street to buy clothes.’ It’s more about discovering what makes London London. What’s the history of London?

So we can also do the same here. What makes Ikorodu Ikorodu? What’s unique about it? What’s peculiar about it? And then you start to really understand more about how Lagos has emerged over time to become this bustling city that we all love to live in.

How can Nigerians looking to travel and explore go about navigating the security concerns in the country?

I would say that crime is not a Nigerian word. Crime happens around the world, and I’m not saying that it’s less important to address it in Lagos or Nigeria. But in cities like London and many other countries, there’s crime, yet these cities continue to attract tourists because there’s a narrative and a perception of how they see themselves and the place.

If we perceive that an environment and community are not safe, what are we doing about it? It comes back to how we participate in that. Of course, there’s a lot of work the government have to do in terms of the perception of security and taking security seriously. We also need to communicate that we’re making destinations safer and more secure. But the other thing I wanted to add is tourism actually also contributes to this. When a community understands that tourism is going to provide more sustainable livelihoods, they become your protectors because they don’t want anything to jeopardise the positive tourist experience in their locality.

And that’s where countries like Kenya and Tanzania have done very well. They have been able to really get the tourism spirit ingrained in the local population, so they take responsibility for the environment and the community. We need to do similar work because the type of security we need has to be community-based. When people understand that they can travel safely, their experience will be secure, and they will be protected because the community understands that this will lead to improved lives for everyone.

Another thing is that we have this rural-to-urban migration, which is really affecting our rural areas, making them isolated, deserted, and unsafe. However, with tourism development and attractions being revamped and redeveloped in these areas, it would also bring more activity, which would stem this rural-to-urban migration. This means that more people will stay within their local communities to invest, develop, and work, which would also lead to safer environments by decongesting the cities.

What is one area that is often overlooked by our tourism sector?

One thing that I think we need to take more interest in is how we can enhance the tourism experience in Nigeria for individuals with physical disabilities. I believe that when we start addressing this issue, it will also lead to greater inclusivity for the elderly and families with young children and infants. So, for me, I’m inclined to explore these aspects and contemplate how solving these challenges can benefit a wider range of people. Consequently, this will make destinations more accessible, including hiking paths and routes to waterfalls.

How can the government make travelling more accessible for people with disabilities in Nigeria and how can they move around a little bit more easily across the country?

I don’t think it’s solely the government’s responsibility to achieve this. I believe it’s more about us taking the initiative. We have the responsibility and the agency to drive the changes we desire. What should the government do? They could establish a policy for accessible tourism. I’m certain that when I was involved in the Lagos State master plan, we included it as part of the plan. However, the question now is how well are we implementing it. So, what can people with disabilities do? I think it’s primarily about collective engagement. We operate within a capitalist society, a capitalist system. There are financial resources available from various quarters in Nigeria that we haven’t tapped into. We need to recognise that we’re not just losing potential revenue; we’re also neglecting the importance of improving the lives of more Nigerians and others. Therefore, inclusivity is of utmost importance.

The final point I’d like to emphasise is that the tourism sector needs to consider how to welcome people with disabilities. I’ve been advocating for this for a long time, to see more individuals with disabilities being visibly integrated into our environment, society, workplaces, and daily activities. In fact, the United Kingdom had a Home Secretary who was blind, illustrating the incredible potential of individuals with disabilities. Tourism can serve as a catalyst for this change because it offers a flexible working environment, adaptable schedules, and a range of professional opportunities.

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Entertainment

Reel Momentum: Nollywood Releases That Defined Q3

Published

2 weeks ago

October 21, 2026

Mariam Balogun

By Olayinka Akanbi

The third quarter of 2026 offered a clear picture of where Nollywood stands today. Across July, August and September, filmmakers told stories centred on family, culture, history, identity and everyday life.

Some films looked inward at personal struggles, while others drew from folklore, real-life events and Nigeria’s past.

Also read: Orlando Owoh Music Festival Set for November 7 in Lagos

There were also signs of change in how films are distributed, with streaming platforms increasing their investment in original content.

July was defined by personal, character-driven stories.

One of the standout releases was Alechenu, directed by Biodun Stephen, which followed the journey of an autistic teenager travelling from Oyo State to Lagos in search of the mother he had never met.

The film explored themes of family, identity and perseverance through a simple yet emotional narrative.

Around the same period, Lami focused on the life of a retired soldier grappling with the emotional effects of war, examining trauma, healing and second chances through the experience of one man trying to rebuild his life.

Another notable release, The Return of Omotara Johnson, marked the return of veteran actress Bukky Wright in a crime drama centred on family secrets and unresolved past conflicts.

Later in the month, films such as Wire Wire and Njem: The Journey continued the trend of storytelling rooted in real-life experiences and social issues.

In August, attention shifted towards history, tradition and culture.

The month opened with Sweet 16, a coming-of-age family drama that also drew attention as one of the final completed performances by the late actor Alexx Ekubo.

This was followed by Ikenga: The Last Festival, a story centred on tradition, power and destiny, featuring veteran actors Pete Edochie and Patience Ozokwor.

Released around the same period, Aláhùn (The Weaver) drew heavily from Yoruba mythology and folklore, highlighting a growing interest in indigenous narratives and local fantasy storytelling.

Towards the end of the month, King Kosoko revisited the life of one of Lagos’ most influential historical rulers, reflecting a broader shift by filmmakers towards exploring Nigeria’s history on screen.

By September, the conversation had expanded beyond storytelling to include audience engagement and distribution models.

One of the month’s notable releases was Mama Deola’s Wedding Story, which became the first original production from Nigerian streaming platform Kava. Its release underscored the increasing role of local streaming services in shaping the industry.

Other films focused on contemporary life and younger audiences.

Ordinary People examined the lives of everyday Nigerians, while 19 explored themes of identity, ambition and relationships from a youthful perspective.

One Gidi Night captured the rhythm and character of Lagos, using the city itself as a central narrative element.

The month also saw the release of Black Market, which generated widespread attention due to efforts to stage a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest film screening audience at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos.

Taken together, these releases reflect an industry in transition one that is expanding its storytelling range while experimenting with new platforms, audiences and formats.

Also read: Orlando Owoh Music Festival Set for November 7 in Lagos

Nollywood is not only telling more stories; it is also redefining how those stories are created, distributed and experienced.

Opinion

Rotary hails IPDG Lanre Adedoyin polio drive

Published

2 months ago

September 14, 2026

Mariam Balogun

By Victor Ojelabi,

The Rotary Foundation has recognised the polio eradication efforts of Rotary International District 9112 under Immediate Past District Governor Lanre Adedoyin, following the District’s transfer of District Designated Funds to the PolioPlus Fund during the 2025 to 2026 Rotary year, a contribution acknowledged recently, as part of the global funding effort to protect children from the disease.

Also read: Rotary Club of Lagos Strengthens Traders With Fresh ₦6m Business Grant

The recognition brings a fitting international dimension to a Rotary year in which Adedoyin, a lawyer and member of the Rotary Club of Surulere South, repeatedly placed polio eradication among District 9112’s major humanitarian priorities across Lagos and Ogun states.

In a message addressed to District 9112, The Rotary Foundation thanked the District for committing its District Designated Funds to the campaign, saying the collective support from Rotary districts helped the organisation reach its fundraising target and secure matching funds that translate into US$150 million for polio eradication.

“Your support helped Rotary reach our goal and secure the matching funds that translate into US$150 million toward eradicating polio,” the Foundation said.

The money has consequences far beyond the balance sheet.

According to the Foundation, polio funding supports frontline workers taking vaccines into remote communities, environmental surveillance capable of detecting the virus in wastewater and programmes designed to interrupt transmission in affected areas.

The Foundation said the continuing effort was particularly important in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the only two countries where wild poliovirus remains endemic.

That assessment is consistent with Rotary International’s latest account of the global campaign.

Rotary says its partnership with the Gates Foundation generates up to US$150 million annually for polio eradication, with Rotary raising US$50 million and the Foundation providing a two-to-one match.

The money supports vaccine procurement, social mobilisation, outbreak response, surveillance and other operational requirements.

Rotary’s involvement stretches back decades. Its first polio vaccination project began in the Philippines in 1979, and the organisation became a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988. Since then, global polio cases have fallen by 99.9 per cent.

For Nigeria, the story carries particular resonance.

The country recorded its last case of wild poliovirus in Borno State in August 2016.

Four years later, the World Health Organisation African Region was formally certified free of wild poliovirus, leaving Afghanistan and Pakistan as the remaining countries with endemic transmission.

That historic achievement, however, did not mean the end of the polio challenge in Nigeria.

Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus can still emerge in communities with low immunisation coverage, making vaccination and surveillance essential even in countries that have eliminated wild poliovirus.

It was against that backdrop that the IPDG’s polio drive developed during the 2025 to 2026 Rotary year.

Adedoyin, who became the second District Governor of District 9112 following the division of the former District 9110, had signalled early in his tenure that healthcare would remain a central part of the District’s service programme.

His installation in Lagos in July 2025 marked the beginning of a year that subsequently combined fundraising with grassroots advocacy and support for health workers.

By September 2025, the District had held a PolioPlus seminar at which Adedoyin warned against complacency simply because wild poliovirus had disappeared from Nigeria. District records show that the campaign remained prominent in its programme in the months that followed.

In October, Districts 9111 and 9112 took the End Polio Now message beyond conventional conference halls with a joint train journey from Lagos to Abeokuta.

Led by Adedoyin and then District 9111 Governor Henry Akinyele, alongside Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee Chairman Joshua Hassan and other Rotary leaders, the initiative turned the train journey into a public awareness campaign for polio eradication.

District 9112 also took the message to communities in Ogun State, including a roughly 10-kilometre Keep Polio @ Zero awareness walk in Sagamu aimed particularly at encouraging parents and guardians to ensure that children receive their vaccinations.

In Lagos, the campaign moved from advocacy to practical support.

District 9112 donated 100 pairs of rain boots and 200 raincoats to the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board in October 2025 to assist health personnel working on polio eradication during the rainy season. The intervention was valued at about ₦1.6 million.

Adedoyin made the District’s position clear at the presentation.

“Our commitment to ending polio is absolute,” Adedoyin said. “We will continue working with the Lagos State Government and our partners until polio is completely wiped out.”

Another significant moment came towards the end of his tenure.

In June 2026, District 9112 announced that it had raised US$13,000 through the World’s Greatest Meal initiative for The Rotary Foundation’s PolioPlus Fund.

The contribution was described by World’s Greatest Meal Committee Chairman Tokunbo Opanubi as one of the highest recorded by the District through the initiative.

The US$13,000 contribution is separate from the District Designated Funds now acknowledged by The Rotary Foundation.

Together, however, the initiatives illustrate the different channels through which District 9112 supported the global eradication campaign during Adedoyin’s tenure.

District Designated Funds form part of The Rotary Foundation’s funding system and allow Rotary districts to direct portions of avail

IPDG Lanre Adedoyin with wife at a Rotary event recently

able Foundation resources towards eligible programmes.

PolioPlus is one of the avenues through which districts can deploy such resources in support of Rotary’s eradication objective.

The Foundation’s latest acknowledgement therefore adds another layer to District 9112’s polio record for the 2025 to 2026 year.

It also demonstrates the multiplier effect behind Rotary’s funding model.

A contribution originating from clubs and districts can ultimately support a much larger global pool used for vaccines, surveillance, community mobilisation and the difficult task of reaching children in areas affected by conflict, insecurity or geographical isolation.

The stakes remain considerable.

Polio is a potentially fatal infectious disease that primarily affects young children and can invade the nervous system, causing irreversible paralysis.

Although its global footprint has been reduced dramatically, Rotary cautions that eradication requires sustained vaccination and surveillance until transmission has been stopped everywhere.

The Foundation’s message to District 9112 captured that unfinished mission.

It thanked the District for supporting the PolioPlus Fund and helping move the world closer to the point where “no child is threatened by this disease ever again”.

For Adedoyin, who handed over the governorship of District 9112 at the end of the 2025 to 2026 Rotary year, the recognition offers a powerful postscript to a year in which the District’s contribution was measured not only in fundraising figures, but also in public advocacy, community mobilisation and support for those working closest to vulnerable children.

Also read: Rotary Club of Lagos Strengthens Traders With Fresh ₦6m Business Grant

And for District 9112, the acknowledgement connects a local Rotary story from Lagos and Ogun states to a much larger global ambition: ensuring that the final cases of polio become part of history rather than the beginning of another outbreak.

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 months 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.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

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.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

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.”