Category: Culture and Tourism

AIBEN unveils multi-Billion Naira Bourdillon Hotel in Abuja, targets Tourism growth

Lukman Laleye Babalola

AIBEN Investment and Properties Limited, a leading real estate and hospitality firm, has unveiled its new multi-billion-naira luxury facility Bourdillon Hotel in Gwarinpa, Abuja, pledged to redefine the city’s hospitality and tourism experience. Speaking at the grand opening, the Chief Executive Officer of AIBEN Group, Chief Andrew Elerewa, described the project as a dream fulfilled and a testament to the company’s belief in Nigeria’s tourism potential.   “I feel elated, excited, and deeply fulfilled. Going through the process of building and finally seeing it come to reality, I’m very thankful…

Badagry ‘Door of Return’, a historic gateway to African Diaspora reconnection – Soyinka

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Professor Wole Soyinka has hailed the Badagry Door of Return Ceremony as a groundbreaking step towards reuniting the African Diaspora with their ancestral homeland. Speaking at the fifth edition of the festival, Soyinka called the event a “historic beginning” of a larger global movement, one that would not only connect the Diaspora but also reshape the narrative of Africa’s painful history of slavery. The event, which took place in Badagry, Lagos, brought together a diverse group of participants from countries such as Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom, Cuba,…

OBANTA CENTRE IJEBU-ODE: A Testimony To Architectural Excellence By Olayode Abdurasaq Oluwole

Emporium Reporters

The recently commissioned Obanta Centre in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, stands tall as a shining example of architectural brilliance—thanks to the exceptional talent and dedication of a young and visionary architect, Arch. Abdulazeez Fagbohun.   Hailing from Oke Idan and proudly based in Owode Yewa, Ogun State, Arch. Abdulazeez is the creative force behind this state-of-the-art facility, which has quickly become the pride of Ijebu-Ode and a focal point of admiration across the region.   Commissioned by Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land, Dr. Sunny Kuku.he Obanta Centre is a bold statement…

Oko Community fixes October 9 for burial of Onowu Oko, Ichie Martin Ezeosim

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Oko community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State has concluded arrangements for the burial of its late traditional Prime Minister, Onowu Oko, Ichie Martin Ezeosim, who passed away at the age of 78. The burial, scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, was jointly announced by His Royal Highness, Igwe Prof. Laz Ekwueme, Eze Ijikala II, and his cabinet, the Oko People’s Union (OPU), and the family of the deceased. The funeral rites will commence with a Christian service at his country home in Eziabo Village, Oko,…

Tinubu hails Ladoja’s coronation, declares Nigeria’s economy has turned the corner

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday declared that Nigeria’s economy has “turned the corner” and assured citizens of brighter days ahead, as he joined dignitaries in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the historic coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Sen.) Abdul-Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.   Speaking at the colourful ceremony, President Tinubu said the reforms introduced by his administration over the last two years were beginning to yield results, stressed that the nation was on the path of recovery.   “Today, I am honoured to…

Rashidi Ladoja crowned 44th Olubadan in grand traditional rite

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a colourful ceremony steeped in Yoruba tradition, former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has ascended the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The coronation journey began at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, the cradle of Ibadan chieftaincy customs, where Ladoja received the Akoko leaf — a sacred emblem symbolizing longevity, authority, and continuity. From there, he proceeded to the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government, a revered site for spiritual rites, where ancestral blessings were invoked to guide his reign. The final stage of the…

Broadway Theatre Festival 2025: Ghana set to showcase Africa’s Heritage Through Dance, Drama, and Storytelling

Lukman Laleye Babalola

This October, the streets of Accra will burst into life with the rhythms of drums, the energy of dance, and the magic of storytelling as Ghana prepare to host the Broadway Theatre Festival 2025. The festival, scheduled for October 5 to 13 at the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts, will draw performers, cultural leaders, and delegates from across Africa and beyond.   Artists from Malawi, Kenya, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Nigeria, Togo, and the United States of America are expected to join Ghanaian talents in what has grown…

DNGTC endorses First Lady’s Green Nigeria Challenge, Backs Sustainable Development Drive

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Destination Nigeria Governors’ Tourism Conference (DNGTC) has expressed strong support for Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, over her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge, aimed at fostering environmental cleanliness and sustainable development across the country.   At the official unveiling of the initiative at the Presidential Villa, Enugu State received the star prize of ₦100 million as the cleanest state in Nigeria. The Green Nigeria Challenge is a nationwide competition that encourages households, communities, and states to engage in tree planting and environmental sanitation.   With the…

ARCN Executive Secretary felicitates Etsu Nupe at 73rd Birthday, 22nd Coronation anniversary

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has congratulated the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday and 22nd anniversary on the throne. In a goodwill message signed by Khadijat O. Ameen, Public Relations Officer of ARCN, Dr. Dabban described the royal father as a mentor and a unifying figure who has provided exemplary leadership since ascending the throne in 2003. He noted that the Etsu Nupe’s reign has brought peace, progress, and cultural preservation to…

MURIC backs Isese Day holiday demand, insists Traditionalists must respect Others’ rights

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed support for calls by traditionalists in Yorubaland for the Federal Government to declare August 21st and 22nd as Isese Day public holidays.   MURIC, however, said its support comes with conditions, stressed that traditional religion adherents must also respect the fundamental rights of others.   The group’s position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, August 21, 2025, by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.   According to Akintola, freedom of religion is a fundamental human right that must be…