Category: Culture and Tourism

NiDCOM, African Cultural Festival to host African Diaspora Summit in USA

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced a partnership with the African Cultural Festival (ACF2025) to host the African Diaspora Summit in September, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA.   According to a statement signed by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM Media, the event is supported by the Government of Pennsylvania and the Dauphin County Commissioners and will bring together global leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, and policymakers under the theme: “Africa to the World: Culture, Creativity, and Collaboration.”   NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the summit as a platform to harness diaspora…

Transcorp Hilton Abuja names Martin Zarybnicky as new General Manager

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Transcorp Hilton Abuja has appointed seasoned hospitality professional Martin Zarybnicky as its new General Manager, effective August 1, 2025.   With over 30 years of international experience, Zarybnicky has held leadership positions in top hotel brands across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, including roles in Thailand, Egypt, and Russia. He previously served as General Manager at Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort, marking this appointment as a return to the Hilton brand.   Managing Director/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, Mrs. Uzo Oshogwe, welcomed Zarybnicky’s arrival, noted that his wealth of…

AITEC-WORLD launches in Abuja, unveils bold vision to link Africa with Global Tourism and Economic Networks

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC-WORLD) has announced the official launch of its global initiative in Abuja, Nigeria, as it set out to redefine Africa’s role in the global tourism and economic landscape. Speaking at a media briefing, Ambassador Kazeem Akinola Balogun, Vice President, Communications and International Relations of AITEC-WORLD, described the initiative as a strategic movement that will use tourism as a powerful tool for economic advancement, innovation, and sustainable development. Amb. Balogun conveyed warm greetings from the President of AITEC-WORLD, Ambassador Dine Bouraima, who, although unavoidably absent,…

Nike Okundaye: a culture architect from Ogidi to the world,by Omoniyi Ibietan, PhD

Emporium Reporters

Aunty Nike Okundaye, the Yeye Oba of Ogidi Ijumu, the land of my father, is 74 today and I so revel in telling a bit of her story which is still unfolding having just received another garland, alongside Prof. Soyinka, from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate for their contributions to the Nigerian and global art. In 1995, Kim Marie Vaz, author of WALKING RADDY: THE BABY DOLLS OF NEW ORLEANS, a professor of education who’s concurrently a Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Xavier University…

Tension in Mgbom N’Achara as Council Chairman disrupts Ezeship selection, assaults State Official

Lukman Laleye Babalola

What was meant to be a peaceful selection process for a traditional ruler in Mgbom N’Achara, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, turned chaotic on Wednesday, May 1, 2025, following the alleged violent interference by the Council Chairman, Hon. Chinonso Aja Consider.   The exercise, held at Mgbom Central School, Okposi, was organized by the community to select a new Eze (traditional ruler) through its age-old kindred-based voting system. Residents said the election began smoothly under the supervision of a local electoral committee led by Dr. Aja Uwa, a…

Edo State Govt reinstates South Ibie Monarch, revokes Two Traditional Rulership Appointments

Emporium Reporters

The Edo State Executive Council has announced a series of major decisions affecting traditional leadership in the state, including the reinstatement of a previously removed monarch and the revocation of two other appointments.   At its meeting held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Council approved the revocation of the appointment of Umoru Inusa Umoru as the Aidenogie of South Ibie in Etsako West Local Government Area. The decision was based on the fact that the traditional stool was never declared vacant prior to his appointment. As a result, Alhaji…

Hajiya Sa’adatu Sani Musa honored with Yoruba Traditional title for promoting cultural unity

Emporium Reporters

The wife of Niger East Senator, Hajiya Sa’adatu Sani Musa 313, has been conferred with the prestigious Yoruba traditional title of “Yeye of Yorubas” in recognition of her generosity and unwavering support for Yoruba cultural activities in Niger State.   The title, which translated to “Lover of the Yorubas,” was bestowed upon her by the Sarkin Yarbawa of Minna, Alhaji Abdulrazak Abdulkarim (Iyayi), in appreciation of her continuous contributions to the Yoruba community within the state. The Yoruba Forum, a prominent socio-cultural group, officially presented the title to her at…

AGLOFEST 2025 to showcase Africa’s Rich Cultural Heritage ,Creative Economy

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Tunde MacAlabi, CEO of T-BYK, in collaboration with the Center for Black Arts and African Civilization, has unveiled plans for the African Global Festival Nigeria (AGLOFEST), set to take place in the last quarter of 2025. This groundbreaking festival will bring together cultural enthusiasts, artists, and thought leaders from across the globe to celebrate the vibrancy of Africa’s heritage and creativity.   AGLOFEST promised to be an unforgettable event, featuring a diverse range of activities such as music, dance, fashion, business networking, and cultural exhibitions. The inaugural edition is expected…

CAC,NIHOTOUR explore collaboration to enhance Hospitality and Tourism Industry

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to support the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) in boosting the tourism sector for economic growth.   Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, Registrar-General/CEO of CAC, made the pledge during a courtesy visit from the Director General/CEO of NIHOTOUR, Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade. Magaji highlighted the significant potential within the hospitality industry and expressed CAC’s readiness to support industry stakeholders through data management and partnerships. He proposed joint training initiatives for hospitality operators and employees to unlock the full potential of the…

Dr Kuso, Engr Kantigi ,Others make landmark donations as ILLEC holds 8th Matriculation and 3rd Convocation in Minna

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Initial Languages Legacy and Culture (ILLEC) marked a momentous occasion on January 19, 2025, as it held its 8th matriculation and 3rd convocation ceremony at Kowa Schools in Minna. The event, which celebrated both academic achievements and the preservation of Nupe culture, was made even more memorable by significant donations from Dr. Abubakar A. Kuso and Engr. Salihu Kantigi.   Dr. Kuso, a distinguished philanthropist, announced his donation of a plot of land near the NECO headquarters in Gidan Mangoro, Minna, for the construction of a new permanent site…