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President Tinubu, Why Nigeria Needs a Standalone Ministry of Tourism By Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq.

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  President Tinubu, Why Nigeria Needs a Standalone Ministry of Tourism By Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq. Mr President, I come before you not as a critic, not as a partisan, and not as a spectator, but as a Nigerian who has spent his entire professional life studying, documenting, advocating, and believing in the unrealised promise of this country’s tourism economy.  I speak with humility, experience, and deep patriotic concern.  I am earnestly pleading and begging you, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to lift tourism out of the shackles in which it has been bound for decades and grant it the freedom of strategic autonomy it desperately needs to serve Nigeria. For over twenty-five years, I covered Nigeria’s tourism sector as a journalist with the Nigerian Tribune, attending major tourism fairs and exhibitions across the world, studying global best practices, and comparing Nigeria with nations far less endowed but far more organised.   ...

Building the Future of Nigerian Culinary Industry: An Exclusive Interview with APCN's National President, Chef Dr. Paulinus Okon

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A Cross section of APCN members at a recent national event In this insightful interview, Chef Dr. Paulinus Okon, National President of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN), shares with our Media Team the reasons behind APCN's strategic partnership with the Lagos Beach Wine & Food Festival 2025, as well as his vision for the culinary industry in Nigeria. With a wealth of experience and passion for promoting Nigerian cuisine, Chef Okon provides valuable insights into APCN's mission, its impact on the industry, and the benefits of collaborating with the festival. Chef Paulinus, can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your role as the National President of APCN? Chef Dr. Paulinus Okon, National President, Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN). Chef Paulinus : I am Chef Paulinus Okon, the National President of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria. As the leader of this esteemed organization, I am committed to promoting the culinar...

Lagos Beach Wine & Food Festival 2025 Announces APCN as Key Partners to Promote Nigerian Cuisine

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By Renn E. Offor The Lagos Beach Wine & Food Festival 2025 has announced a strategic partnership with the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN) to promote Nigerian cuisine and celebrate the country's rich culinary heritage. This partnership brings together the country's top chefs, food enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders to showcase the diversity and richness of Nigerian cuisine. According to Mr. Olugbenga Sunday, Consultant for the festival, "We are thrilled to have APCN on board as key partners. Their expertise and network will undoubtedly enhance their culinary experience at the festival." The festival's Event Manager, Mr. Stanley Eze, representing the host, Mr. Ikhouria, added, "This partnership is a testament to the festival's commitment to promoting Nigerian cuisine and supporting local talent. We look forward to working closely with APCN." The benefits of this partnership are multifaceted. For the Lagos Beach Wine & Food ...

Tourism World International Returns to Umuahia: Unlocking Socioeconomic Growth through Tourism initiatives By Renn E. Ofoegbu

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At the last edition of De Tourism World Inter-National's Conference in Umuahia, from left to right: Barr. Blossom Ndemole, Company Secretary/Southeast Legal Representative, TWI; Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, Abia State Commissioner for Environment; Martins Okey Justice (J. Martins), Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Entertainment and Tourism; Mr. Solomon Uwakwe, Executive Director, TWI; Mr. Ifeanyi Sunday, Broadcaster, BCA; and Mr. Young Nwachukwu, Director, Ministry of Tourism, Abia State Tourism World International returns to Umuahia, Abia State, with its 7th networking and highly educative commercial/agro-tourism conference, themed "Tourism: a viable tool for unlocking socioeconomic growth, community prosperity and inclusive opportunities." As a socioeconomic development and business support organization, Tourism World International is set to unlock socioeconomic growth through tourism initiatives, bringing together industry stakeholders, experts, and practitio...

African Artists' Foundation announces its latest theme of Dig Where You Stand - from Coast to Coast

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    African Artists' Foundation announces its latest theme of DIG WHERE YOU STAND - FROM COAST TO COAST RESTITUTION AND REMEDIATION Artist Talk in Abidjan Date: Thursday  24 April, 2025 Time:  5:00pm Venue:  Galerie Cécile Fakhoury, 06 BP 6499 Abidjan 06, Côte d'Ivoire   Dig Where You Stand (DWYS) unveils its latest edition at Galerie Cécile Fakhoury in Abidjan. Under the theme "Repeat, Rhythms, Return—An Echo," this iteration explores cultural returns shaped by iconic figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat and historic milestones such as FESTAC '77. The exhibition invites reflection on diasporic identity, collective memory, and the evolving language of art as resistance and reclamation. Please note that, as part of this edition, a portfolio review was conducted with a selected group of artists. While this component is not open to the public, its outcomes will inform future commissions and curatorial direction—laying the groundwork for what’s to come. Mentioning...

Hotel Managers School Expands Reach Across Africa with Second Set Intake

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By Renn Offor  The Hotel Managers School, Africa's premier training institution for training and raising the next generation of thoroughbred hospitality managers, has inducted its second set of students for the 2025 academic year.  The majority of students, who are scattered across Africa, enrolled in the Hotel Operations & Management Course. Despite the physical distance, the excitement was palpable as 19 students gathered virtually for their induction ceremony, held on Thursday, 20th February. The virtual induction ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the hospitality industry, including Mr. Olugbenga Sunday, Executive Director of Hotel Managers School; Mr. Francois Le Riche, General Manager, International Association of Hotels General Managers (IAHGM); and Dr. Oludayo Taiwo Gideon, GMD/CEO of AEROPORT.  All the faculty members were present at the Induction: Dr. Lydia Akunja, Mr. Brian Efa, Mr. Adedayo Adesugba, and Mr. Emmanuel Frimpong.  In their remarks,...

Timeless Resorts Launches Lagos Beach Wine & Food Festival 2025

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Mr. Benjamin Ikhuoria, CEO, Timeless Beach Resort & Hotels and Initiator, Lagos Beach Wine & Food Festival Lagos  By Renn E. Offor Lagos, Nigeria – Timeless Beach Resort & Hotel Lagos is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated launch of the inaugural Lagos Beach Wine & Food Festival 2025, a revolutionary event designed to showcase the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Nigeria. This groundbreaking festival promises to elevate the country’s culinary and tourism landscape, positioning Lagos as a premier destination for gastronomic delights and cultural experiences. Slated for 2025, the festival will bring together local and international culinary experts, wine connoisseurs, and music enthusiasts for an unforgettable celebration. The Lagos Beach Wine & Food Festival 2025 represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s culinary journey, offering a unique platform for cultural exchange, community building, and culinary excellence. By combining the finest Nige...