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Category: Tourism

  • Imo hoteliers hail FG’s ban on patronage of hotels by underage girls

    Imo hoteliers hail FG’s ban on patronage of hotels by underage girls

    Ban
    By Victor Nwachukwu
    Owerri, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Imo chapter of the Nigeria Hotel Association has hailed the Federal Government’s ban on patronage of hotels, brothels and motels by underage girls.
     The Chief Servant of the association in Imo, Mr Chima Chukwunyere, said this while speaking with newsmen in Owerri on Wednesday.
    Chukwunyere was reacting to a decision of the Federal Ministry of Woman Affairs, conveyed by the Minister, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, in a meeting held with the national leadership and state Chairmen of the association in Abuja, last Thursday.
    Chukwunyere said the minister frowned at the lodging, bullying and abuse of underage girls in hotels and placed a ban on their use of such facilities.
    He added that hoteliers are advised  to display a notice of prohibition of underage females from using their facilities and present the Federal Government Age Declaration form to suspected underage females to ascertain their real age before they check into hotels.
    He called on all hoteliers in Imo to abide by the decision as serious sanctions would be imposed on defaulters by a mobile court established across the states of the federation by the minister.
     “ The minister, while addressing us, harped on the need for holistic partnership with hoteliers across the country to shutdown brothels and checkmate the spate of abuse of underage girls in hotels and motels.
     “ To this end, hoteliers must put their eyes to the ground to ascertain the actual activities of customers and device means of protecting young girls from perpetrators of child trafficking, drug abuse, sex for grades and other vices.
     “ On no condition should any student in school uniform be found in an hotel or similar facility where alcohol is sold, as such outfits, when found, shall be shut down and be made to face the mobile court “, he said.
    Chukwunyere however added that though times were tough, hoteliers must synergise with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure that lives of children are saved and their morals preserved. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    VIN /VIV
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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • WFLA Golf tournament unveils logo

    WFLA golf tournament logo

     

     

    WFLA Golf tournament unveils logo

    Logo

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos June 25, 2024 (NAN) Walk For Love Africa (WFLA) project, a flagship programme under African Union Foundation has unveiled the official logo for its Green Classics Golf Tournament.

    Toni Ukachukwu, WFLA Chairman in a statement in Lagos, on Tuesday said the tournament had been slated to hold on Saturday June 29 at Ikeja Golf Club.

    Ukachukwu said WFLA was saddled with the responsibility of promoting a sustainable Intra-Africa travel, tourism and trade.

    He said the event aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and responsible practices, using sports as one of its pillars under tourism.

    According to him, the logo featured a stylised design incorporating elements of nature, symbolising the harmony between the game and the environment.

    He said the colour scheme reflected the natural world, with shades of green and representing growth, serenity and the planet.

    “The Green Classics Golf Tournament, scheduled for 29th of June at Ikeja Golf Club will bring together business leaders, golf enthusiasts and environmental advocates to raise awareness and funds for sustainable initiatives.

    “The event will feature a competitive golf tournament, networking opportunities and educational sessions on environmental best practices.

    “WFLA is committed to promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship through the Green Classics Golf Tournament

    “We believe that small actions today can lead to a significant positive impact on ESG and our planet’s future whilst using different programmes to promote travel, tourism and trade ecosystem in Africa and supporting UN SDGs.

    “For us Green Classics is more than a game as it seeks to make environmental impact across Africa using golf which contributes to sequestration and carbon balance,” he said.

    Ukachukwu noted that environmental sustainability was no longer a choice but a business imperative.

    He however, called on corporate brands and well meaning individuals to partner with WFLA on the inaugural WFLA Green Classics Golf Tournament and be part of the movement towards a more sustainable future. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    PTB/EAL

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    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Group seeks collaboration with Abia Govt. to boost tourism

    Tourism

    By Leonard Okachie

    Umuahia, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A group, Royal Ambassadors Family Enlightenment Foundation, has sought collaboration with Abia Government to enhance performance of tourism and entertainment sector in the state.

    The group’s Director-General, Mr Jonathan Okwudiri, made the request, during a courtesy visit on Mr Justice Martin, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Entertainment in Umuahia on Wednesday.

    He said that the request was in line with Gov. Alex Otti’s vision for economic growth.

    Okwudiri said that the group was eager to explore avenues for collaboration to develop some of the moribund tourism sites, for business opportunities.

    He listed the sites of interest to include:  Ojukwu Bunker, National War Museum, Azumini, Blue River, Arochukwu Caves and Long Juju Slave Route.

    Okwudiri also said that the foundation wished to organise and host the Miss Abia Tourism Beauty Pageant 2024, where models in the 17 local government areas would participate.

    “Also, we propose Talent Hunts as well as Dancing Competition for women and youths from the 17 LGAs of Abia.

    “These events will not only celebrate beauty pageants and talents hunts, but also attract visitors, fostering tourism and cultural exchange,” he said.

    Responding, Martins said that the government would be willing to collaborate with the foundation and any other group that had the interest of humanity.

    He told the group that the state government did not have control over Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum, saying that they were  Federal Government-owned monuments.

    On the state-owned tourism sites, Martins asked for time to put things in order, saying that the state was going through some recovery process.

    He said that the present administration decided to ban beauty pageantry in the state because some organisers decided to exploit participants.

    “Rest assured that we will collaborate with you, but we ask that you give us some time,” the governor’s aide said. (NAN)(www. nannws.ng)

    LEO/OIF/MNA
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

     

     

     

  • FTAN urges prospective tourists to explore West Africa’s coastline 

     

    Tourism

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Lagos chapter, has urged prospective tourists to explore West Africa’s coastline.

    Its President, Babatope Fajemilokun, made the call when he led members of the association on a boat cruise expedition tour of the coastal area of Lagos through Badagry to Porto-Novo on Saturday.

    The team of 30 members explored the coastal areas to project and market the beautiful coastlines for global exploration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tourism expedition began at the National Inland Waterways Authority  jetty in CMS, Lagos.

    Fajemilokun said the expedition was deliberately planned to expose the beauty of Lagos and Porto-Novo coastlines to practitioners for better marketing of acquatic tourism in the two countries.

    “With the heavenly view of the waterways, the lush greenery vegetation around the lagoon, the fresh and slightly brackish water as well as the cooling and calming ambiance, aquatic tourism can be easily promoted.

    “There are a lot to be seen here in Benin Republic that most people do not know existed.

    “I am using this opportunity to call on intending tourists to exlpore these coastal areas just as we have done, we want tourists to know that travelling on water can also be fun.

    “We also want to encourage Africans to travel within Africa to boost our economy.

    “This adventure is also meant to serve as an avenue for members of FTAN to mingle well and reunite, I want FTAN Lagos chapter to come back on track, we have been doing this before, we have started again.

    “I am happy, the turnout is impressive, our next outing will be better than this and I want everyone to look out for it,” he said.

    The practitioners also enjoyed a city tour of Cotonou township, with visits to Place des Martyrs, Esplanade des Amazones and Club des Rois beach.

    The Topa Market; Martin Luther King St.; Akpakpa environs and some other iconic tourism attractions were also visited.

    Also, Mr Frank Meke, a tourism consultant, advised the Federal Government to take conscious efforts in nurturing tourism in Nigeria as observed in Benin Republic.

    “It is obvious that the government of Benin Republic has prioritised grooming of the tourism industry by taking deliberate steps of building the needed infrastructure.

    “The Nigerian government, however, needs to emulate such.”

    The Tour Guide who conducted the tour, Anago Osho, commended President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic for improved infrastructural development in the country channelled toward tourism growth.

    Osho said that Porto-Novo, capital of Benin Republic is located on the coastal lagoon at the extreme south-eastern part of the country.

    He said the city, formerly known as Ajase, served as the capital for the Yoruba state of Popo as it later became the centre of the kingdom of Porto-Novo and flourished as a result of slave trade with the Portuguese.

    Tunde Kolade, Vice President of FTAN, commended the tidy state of the tourism sites in Benin Republic and advised the government not to relent in grooming tourism.

    “I am really impressed with the neat environment here, the organised and orderly manner people are conducting themselves, this is indeed a place to visit again,” he said.

    Jamiu Talabi, President, Lagos Hoteliers Association, said,  “I am so proud of our association, FTAN, I am happy to have been to these exciting places.

    “In Nigeria, we have more than what can be found here but we have not exploited them well enough, we need to do more in Nigeria.” (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    PTB/CHOM/FAA
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/ Folasade Adeniran

  • 2024 LIMCAF: Access Bank board chairman tasks youths on creativity

    Advice
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Mr Paul Usoro, Chairman, Board of Directors, Access Bank Plc, has advised Nigerian youths to focus on creativity and skills acquisition rather than seeking shortcuts to wealth creation.
    Usoro gave the advice during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF), held in Lagos on Saturday.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme featured exhibition of  about 106 artworks by up-and-coming artists from across the nation.
    The programme has the theme “Humanism”, which the artists depicted in their works.
    Usoro, who was the special guest of honour, said knowledge and skills acquired could be easily converted to wealth through hardwork.
    He urged the youth not to lose hope in spite of the economic hardship but remain hardworking and creative.
    He advised them to be committed to utilising their brains positively.
    “I will like to advise Nigerian youths not to lose hope; don’t look for shortcuts; all you really need to do is to use your brains.
    “Even as artists, you can be successful. Make yourselves knowledgeable and skillful.
    “I am impressed with the works these young people have created here.
    ”I wish the organisers can project it to a larger audience so that it can inspire our leaders to formulate policies that will make life much better and give the young people hope,” he said.
    Also, Kelvin Ejiofor, Executive Director, LIMCAF, said that at the end of the programme on June 22, the exhibitor of the best artwork would win N1 million.
    Ejiofor said that LIMCAF aimed at encouraging creativity and empowering aspiring young artists , including those with disabilities.
    “LIMCAF, in its 17th edition recorded remarkable impact of convincing people that arts was no longer an occupation not to be proud of.
    “It is my main source of joy helping the young people to find their feet in their chosen profession, giving them opportunity to showcase their works,” he said.
    For Jekami Adetiloye, one of the Jury, said the exhibition is  a clarion call to every Nigerian to be humane, regardless of the happenings in the society.
    “There seems to be the absence of humanity in the society because of the current economic hardship in the country, hence the choice of the theme.
    “The artists who have exhibited their works are suggesting ways government can solve problems as well as sensitising Nigerians on the need to show kindness and compassion to others.
    “This exhibition has seen our youths solving the problem of unemployment as they become relentless, hardworking and creative to have come up with unique perspectives to things happening in the society.
    “The youths are also now interested in documentation which has been a great challenge,” he said.
    One of the artists, Praise Edward, who described herself as a digital artist and and a graphic designer, said her work titled “Strong Together” exposes the chaotic experience of women who have been marginalised.
    “So, I tried to picture these women coming together to build hope by way of uniting, sharing their experiences and creating better lives for themselves,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
    PTB/FAA
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran
    07

  • NATOP markets Kwara’s tourist attractions for global exploration 

    Tourism
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) says it will be committed to  marketing tourism attractions in the state of Kwara during its forthcoming 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
    Mrs Ime Udo, National President of NATOP, who disclosed this during a virtual media briefing in Lagos on Friday, said the AGM had been slated to hold from July 17 to July 20 in Ilorin, Kwara.
    Udo said the essence of marketing the sites was to attract local and international tourists to the state and most especially, the ancient city of Ilorin.
    According to her, the association is in partnership with the Kwara Government to host the AGM.
    “It has always been our tradition to host our AGM in different states of the federation to deliberately put searchlight on the tourism potential in each state.
    “Our 8th AGM would hold from July 17 to July 20 in Ilorin, Kwara state. So, we have planned to market most of the sites in Kwara state as local and global choice destinations.
    “We will be visiting Sobi Hills, Owu falls, the University of Ilorin Zoological Garden and iconic places where local fabrics of Aso-oke are made.
    “We were in Ekiti last year. We did the same marketing for the state and we are set to do it again in Kwara state this time,” she said.
    According to Udo, states have become eager to host NATOP AGM annually,which she said, is a testament to the success of previous AGMs.
    Udo revealed the theme for the AGM as “Tourism as Catalyst for Progress, Peace and Partnership”.
    She said the theme was carefully coined to address salient issues of insecurity and the need for tourism industry players to improve on collaborations.
    Speaking further on the AGM, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, Deputy President of NATOP, who also doubles as the Chairperson, Planning  Committee for the AGM, said July 18 would feature a conference at the Banquet Hall, GRA, Ilorin.
    According to her, this segment of the programme will have a keynote speaker address important issues in the industry, as well as panel sessions.
    “July 17 is for arrivals. For 18th, we will hold the conference. On the 19th, we will have the city tour of Ilorin while every delegate returns to their destination on July 20.
    “As tour operators, we want to encourage Nigerians to travel within the country. That is the reason we go extra miles to identify hidden tourism sites and promote them.
    “During the AGM, we will have a tour of Ilorin. We will have each local government area showcase all their cultural and tourism endowments so that all tour operators present will be better informed on what to market.
    “We are set to open Kwara state up for tourism,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
    PTB/VIV
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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Hoteliers laud FG’s ban on lodging of underage girls

    Eze Patrick Anyanwu, National President, Nigeria Hoteliers Association and Chief Jamiu Talabi, President of Lagos Hoteliers Association

     

     

    Hoteliers laud FG’s ban on lodging of underage girls

    Ban
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Hoteliers Association (NHA) on Tuesday lauded the Federal Government’s ban on lodging of underage girls in hotels across the country.
    The association described this as  a step in the right direction.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, on June 8 in Abuja announced the federal government’s plan to ban lodging of underage girls in hotels across the country.
    The minister said the ban will  take effect from June 20.
    Kennedy-Ohanenye cautioned hoteliers nationwide against accommodating underage girls in their facilities, as defaulters will face sanctions.

    She mandated them to put up a ‘No Lodging of Underage Girls’ signage outside their facilities.

    Eze Patrick Anyanwu, National President of NHA, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview said “encouraging underage girls access into hotels is a way of promoting prostitution and must be discouraged”.
    Anyanwu said that hoteliers would cooperate with the federal government to implement the ban and ensure full adherance.
    “Accommodating underage girls in hotels is not good, we are in support of federal government’s decision and I will also seize this opportunity to tell fellow hotel operators to begin to reject lodging of underage girls even before the implementation begins.
    “Lodging underage girls will continue to promote prostitution, these are girls who are supposed to be in school or be positively engaged somewhere.
    “We will make sure we assist government in implementing this, to have a sane society and raise responsible girls,” he said.
    Anyanwu noted that there were also other important issues government needed to wade into as it relates with hoteliers’ operations.
    “I urge the federal government to encourage hoteliers by way of giving out grants, tax exemptions and waiver as the case may be.
    “Hoteliers are only straggling to remain in business considering the current economic hardship, hike in fuel and diesel prices as well as electricity tarrif.
    “We are only struggling to stay in business, we do ridiculous things to remain in business.
    “We want government to look in our direction and take positive steps to help us just the way the ban of lodging of underage girls will be done.
    “We have not enjoyed government support at all, we are the ones who accomodate their guests, we create employment and contribute maximally to boosting the nation’s Gross Domestic Product,” he said.
    Also,  Chief Jamiu Talabi, President, Lagos Hoteliers Association (LHA), commended the government’s decision.
    Talabi said that LHA at various organised forums usually emphasises to its members to stop lodging underage persons.
    “Any hotelier in his or her right senses should know this is wrong, we have been reiterating this in our conferences, seminars. So, it is something we have always paid cognisance to.
    “It is also against the ethics of our profession,” he said.
    Talabi called on the Lagos State Government to expedite action in streamlining the multiple taxes given to hotel operators to pay.
    He also appealed to the state government to help in cushioning the effect of economic hardship on hoteliers, by giving grants.
    “Lagos state came up with series of money driven agencies who are also supposed to be carrying out corporate social responsibilities like LASEPA, LASTMA and the safety commission.
    “When they come for enforcement, they usually come with lorry loads of security men and this scares our customers. This is not normal in a civilised society.
    “The state is always after revenue collection, they should also be concerned about business survival.
    “Many of us are living from hand to mouth. We cannot even afford to pay N60,000 to our staff,  which is being proposed as minimum wage by government.
    “Government is not encouraging us, we are not lazy, we will be happy if we gain access to grants. Taxes should come with human face,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
    PTB/FAA
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • EKIFEST: Ekiti govt. assures tourists of adequate security

    EKIFEST: Ekiti govt. assures tourists of security

    EKIFEST
    By Opeyemi Gbemiro
    Ado-Ekiti, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy says  measures have been put in place to ensure adequate security  during the Ekiti Festival (EKIFEST), scheduled for Aug. 6 to 10.
    The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasaki Ojo-Bakare, during a press briefing on Friday in Ado- Ekiti.
    Ojo-Bakare said that EKIFEST, an annual flagship festival ,was organised to strengthen the cultural values and heritage of Ekiti people.
    He said that the festival was established to project and showcase the many  talents at the grassroots in a bid to place Ekiti on the map of global culture.
    “We are here to tell you that Gov. Biodun Oyebanji has given us marching order to host EKIFEST and it has to be the best ever.
    “EKIFEST started because of the need to create a platform for the local governments  to bring what they have to the centre for the purpose of exposure, exhibition and marketing.
    “EKIFEST was established to project talented people at the grassroots and expose them to the world.
    “We are inviting visitors from all over Africa and beyond. These fellows are not just coming as tourists, but to see what our people are capable of doing with their talents, so that they can invest and take the products beyond the borders of Ekiti and Nigeria,” the commissioner said.
    He said that there would be competitive events like fashion,  traditional sports such as wrestling; street carnival, among others.
    Ojo-Bakare said that the state government was working working with security agencies ensure no  having any breach of security before, during and after the festival.
    He urged traders to reduce prices of their products before, during and after the festival, so that they could generate more income for themselves and the state.
    “Price control is not what we can actually control by force, but we are sensitising our people to make them understand the danger of capital flight.
    “We are already talking to them during festivals, ‘if you make price of your items too expensive, they will buy their things from their home country and bring them here’. “
    “Some of their members will be in our planning committee, in order to have a successful festival this year,” the commissioner said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy is among the four ministries recently honoured by as the best performing MDAs in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    OPA/FON/BHB
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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Buhari Bolaji