Category: Culture and Tourism

Transcorp Hilton Abuja, ACE Charity Graduate Four Women, Expand Entrepreneurship Initiative

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Transcorp Hilton Abuja, in partnership with ACE Charity, has graduated another set of young women under its Business Empowerment Programme for Women (BEPW), reinforcing its commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, financial independence and sustainable livelihoods. The graduation ceremony marked the completion of the programme’s 16th cycle, with four beneficiaries successfully completing six months of intensive training in fashion design, garment making and business management. Speaking at the event, the Hotel Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Mohamed Said Khalil, described the initiative as a unique and impactful programme he had not encountered…

NUJ Unveils Culture Nigeria, Advocates Cultural Values as Path to National Unity, Development

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in collaboration with O&i Contact Limited, has unveiled a new book, Culture Nigeria, positioning it as a vital contribution to national discourse and a blueprint for fostering unity, peace and sustainable development through the country’s rich cultural heritage. The book was presented at a ceremony jointly organised by the NUJ National Secretariat and O&i Contact Limited in Abuja. Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, represented by the National Secretary of the Union, Achike G. Chude,…

Team Europe Explores Kannywood’s Role in Driving Jobs, Skills, Social Change in Northern Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A delegation of European diplomats has visited Kano Film Village to gain first-hand insight into how Kannywood is creating jobs, building skills and expanding economic opportunities for young people across northern Nigeria, while also using entertainment as a platform for social change. The delegation, led by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, included ambassadors and deputy heads of mission from Denmark, Spain, Italy, France, Czechia, Finland, Belgium and Austria. The team was received by the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Films and Video Censorship Board,…

Nigeria Hosts Maiden Diplomatic Cultural Festival to Deepen Global Ties

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has successfully hosted the maiden edition of the Annual Diplomatic Cultural Festival in Abuja, brought together members of the diplomatic community, international organisations, government officials, corporate partners, development agencies and the public in a celebration of cultural diversity and international cooperation. The festival, held on Saturday at the Velodrome of the National Stadium, Abuja, was organised to strengthen diplomatic relations and promote people-to-people engagement through cultural exchange. Participants showcased their countries’ rich cultural heritage through exhibitions, traditional cuisines, arts and crafts displays, musical performances,…

Italy, Africa Deepen Sports, Cultural Ties at Rome Summit

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The “Italy–Africa: Cultures in Play” summit ended in Rome on Monday with renewed commitments to strengthen cooperation between Italy and African nations through sports, cultural exchange, youth empowerment and sustainable development. Held at the Istituto della Enciclopedia Italiana Treccani to commemorate Africa Day 2026, the summit convened diplomats, government officials, athletes, academics, sports administrators and business leaders from both regions under the theme: “Sport as a Platform for Encounter, Dialogue, Identity and Sustainable Growth.” A major highlight of the event was the participation of Mariabenedicta Chigbolu, daughter of the First…

Gov Adeleke installs Afilaka as Alatorin, Urges Peace in Atakunmosa

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the newly installed Alatorin of Atorin-Ijesa, Oba Omololu Ibitoye Afilaka, charged residents of Atakunmosa East Local Government to sustain peace and preserve the town’s rich cultural heritage. Represented at the coronation ceremony by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Dosu Babatunde, the governor stressed that meaningful development can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and harmony. Adeleke warned against actions capable of disrupting communal peace, urging indigenes and residents…

Obasanjo, Makinde, Others Storm Ile-Ife as Ooni Installs Amosun’s Wife as Yeye Moremi Oodua

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The ancient city of Ile-Ife came alive on Saturday as dignitaries from across the country gathered for the installation of Chief Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun as the Yeye Moremi Oodua by the Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The colourful ceremony, held at Afenworo Square opposite the Ooni’s Palace, also marked the 60th birthday celebration of the philanthropist and founder of the Uplift Development Foundation, according to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the palace, Otunba Moses Olafare. Among the dignitaries present was former President Olusegun Obasanjo,…

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…