Category: Culture and Tourism

Defence Minister highlights national unity at Army Headquarters WASA

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has emphasized national unity as a critical force multiplier in addressing Nigeria’s contemporary security challenges, commending the Nigerian Army for demonstrating cohesion, professionalism and patriotism in service to the nation. The minister made the remarks on Saturday during the Army Headquarters Departments and Commands West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025, held at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja. Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Major General Henry Wesley (Rtd), the minister described the Nigerian Army as a…

Nigeria Day to spotlight cross-border creativity at FInAB 2026 in Cotonou

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a move set to deepen cultural diplomacy and regional collaboration, the Empire Group has officially announced “Nigeria Day” at the 4th edition of the Festival International des Arts du Bénin (FInAB) 2026, scheduled for February 21, 2026, at Family Beach, Cotonou. The announcement was made at a high-profile press briefing on February 12, 2026, at the iconic Freedom Park, Lagos, with Victory Francis, Project Manager at Empire Events, representing the festival’s President, Ulrich Adjovi. Themed “Benin-Nigeria: Creativity, Cultural Power, and Regional Unity,” Nigeria Day will bring together Nigerian cultural…

NAFC marks WASA 2025 as COAS assures improved operational capacity in 2026

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Army will record enhanced operational effectiveness in tackling crime and other security threats nationwide in 2026. The assurance was given on Saturday, 7 February 2026, during the West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025 of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps (NAFC), held at the Headquarters Command Finance Office Football Field, Arakan Cantonment, Apapa, Lagos. Represented at the event by the Commander Corps of Signals, Major General MT Abdullahi, the COAS disclosed that the Nigerian Army…

COAS orders world-class standards in Nigerian Army hospitality services

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for the adoption of world-class management standards across Nigerian Army hospitality enterprises, stressed that excellence in service delivery remains vital to sustainability and institutional credibility. He made this call on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the opening ceremony of the Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes (DSSP) Annual Army Officers’ Mess and Suites Stakeholders Conference 2025, held in Abuja. The conference, themed “Conforming to World-Class Management Standards for Sustainable Nigerian Army Hospitality Businesses,” brought together key…

8th HIASFES kicks off as Commissioner hails Culture and Education as engines of growth

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The 8th edition of the Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu Schools Festival (HIASFES) has officially commenced in Niger State, with the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ladidi Rakiya Bawa Bosso, described culture and education as critical engines of growth and development. The festival, which brought together pupils and students from public and private schools across the state, aligned with the objectives of the New Niger Agenda. It aimed to revive reading culture, strengthen cultural identity, and integrate creative learning into the formal education system. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hon. Bosso…

Minna Emirate confers traditional title of Zinariyar Minna on Hajiya Sa’adatu Sani Musa

Emporium Reporters

The Minna Emirate Council has conferred the prestigious traditional title of Zinariyar Minna on Hajiya Sa’adatu Sani Musa in recognition of her integrity, humanitarian service, and outstanding contributions to community development. The conferment, which take effect from 9 January 2026, was approved by the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umaru Faruq Bahago, who also serve as Chairman of the Minna Emirate Council. This was contained in an official letter issued from the Emir’s Palace in Minna, Niger State. According to the letter, the Emirate Council said the title reflects the high…

8 Division Nigerian Army celebrates WASA 2025, showcases major victories against banditry in North West

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Joint Task Force, North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on Tuesday celebrated the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA), using the occasion to showcase major operational victories recorded against banditry across the North West region. The event, held at the Giginya Cantonment in Sokoto, marked the end of the Army’s training year and featured cultural displays reflecting the diversity of personnel within the Division, while also recognising the bravery and sacrifices of troops in ongoing security operations. Representing Sokoto State Governor,…

NYSC Cultural Troupe wins Youth Minister’s Award at International Youth Day

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) National Cultural Troupe has clinched an award from the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, in recognition of its outstanding performance at the 2025 International Youth Day celebration in Abuja. The troupe was honoured for its culturally rich acrobatic display, melodious musical rhythm and precision dance that captivated the audience at the event held at the main auditorium of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Piwoyi, Abuja.   Presenting the award plaque to the NYSC management, the President of the…

Foreign Affairs, NTDA deepen strategic alliance to boost Nigeria’s global tourism profile

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria has taken a major step toward elevating its tourism footprint on the global stage as the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs,Amb Yusuf Maitama Tuggar on Thursday received the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr. Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan, and his delegation in Abuja for a high-level familiarisation and strategic engagement. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the Ministry and NTDA to enhance Nigeria’s international tourism visibility, promote cultural diplomacy, and support the development and repackaging of national tourism assets.   The Minister highlighted the vast opportunities…

Govs, Stakeholders chart new Tourism Direction at Destination Nigeria Conference 2025 …..Wike honoured as Mr Tourism Infrastructure as Musawa, Benue Gov, Nandap, Egbetokun, Others back sector growth

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The 2025 Destination Nigeria Governors’ Tourism Conference and Awards opened in Abuja on Friday with a resounding call for stronger state–federal collaboration, deeper private-sector participation and enhanced cultural diplomacy to reposition tourism as a major economic frontier for Nigeria. The two-day programme, which ends on Saturday, 15th November, attracted governors, security chiefs, corporate leaders, cultural practitioners and top policymakers.   Initiated and convened by Ayo Omotosho, the annual conference continues to serve as a meeting point for strategic dialogue, peer learning and recognition of outstanding contributions to tourism development across…