Category: Culture and Tourism

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…

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…