Events

Zenith Bank Powers Nigeria’s Tourism with Tropical Wonderland

Published

1 year ago

November 1, 2025

Zenith Bank powers Nigeria’s tourism with its continued sponsorship of Tropical Christmas Wonderland at Eko Hotels, promoting culture and Afrotourism

Zenith Bank has reaffirmed its leadership in supporting Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry by sponsoring the Tropical Christmas Wonderland at Eko Hotels & Suites for the third consecutive year.

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More than a festive collaboration, this enduring partnership reflects Zenith Bank’s strategic commitment to repositioning Nigeria as a global destination for culture, creativity, and family entertainment.

Nigeria’s tourism sector remains one of the country’s most underleveraged economic drivers, despite its vast cultural appeal and growing domestic tourism market.

Initiatives like Tropical Christmas Wonderland are now emerging as vital platforms to showcase Nigeria’s heritage and soft power.

Speaking on the collaboration, Dr Iyadunni Gbadebo, Sales and Marketing Director at Eko Hotels, said: “Nigeria’s story is bigger than the challenges often highlighted in the media.

Through Tropical Christmas Wonderland, we are telling a different story—one of joy, creativity, and community. Zenith Bank has been a true partner in shaping this narrative.”

Over the past seven years, Tropical Christmas Wonderland has evolved into one of Africa’s most iconic festive experiences, attracting thousands of families, tourists, and media attention each December.

With dazzling carnival processions, culinary showcases, and family competitions such as the popular Familympics, the event positions Lagos as a beacon of culture and entertainment on the continent.

For Zenith Bank, the sponsorship extends beyond festive cheer—it represents a strategic investment in Nigeria’s global image. “Every float, every performance, every shared smile at the Wonderland is a reminder that Nigeria is a place of possibilities.

Together, we aim to inspire pride at home and curiosity abroad,” the bank stated.

Since first joining as a major sponsor, Zenith Bank has helped expand the reach and impact of the event, enabling large-scale productions, community-driven initiatives, and world-class hospitality experiences that draw visitors from across Africa and beyond.

The partnership also reinforces the bank’s corporate social responsibility goals, supporting youth empowerment, local artisanship, and cultural preservation.

Beyond Eko Hotels, Zenith Bank’s annual Zenith Lights display along Ajose Adeogun in Lagos remains a beloved city tradition, symbolising unity and optimism during the festive season.

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As Eko Hotels prepares to transform once again into a Kingdom of Lights this December, Zenith Bank’s presence will shine brightly—not merely as a sponsor but as a visionary partner in Nigeria’s journey towards becoming a global Afrotourism powerhouse.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

3 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.