Celebrity
Kangiwa Makes Tourism Personalities List, Wins Tourism CEO 2021 Award
Joel Ajayi
The Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Nura Sani Kangiwa has emerged winner of the 2021 Tourism Personality as Tourism CEO for the Travellers’ Award 2022.
This was announced by organizers of the Award and publishers of the ATQ, African Travel and Tourism News Magazine under the able leadership of the Tourism Ambassador, Ikechi Uko after a rigorous selection procedure by members of the Tourism IOO Club.
Unveiling the choice of Nura Kangiwa as one of the four personalities for the 2021 Award and as the Tourism Chief Executive Officer – CEO for the year 2021, the organizers said Kangiwa injected an air of fresh breath into the country’s tourism arena with innovative and pragmatic programmes that added greater impetus to the growth and development of the tourism industry.
Among other factors considered, the statement added was Kangiwa’s initiative in manpower and capacity development through youths and women training in
creative arts that are fundamental tourism products across the country and which was a testimony and clear demonstration of the government’s commitment and political will in making its impact felt in the nation’s tourism arena.
The statement noted further that Kangiwa, has more than ever before, brought government’s partnership with the private sector in the industry to bear in the conduct and operation of activities of the sector in a harmonious synergy that was long due as the basis for stimulating sustainable growth of the tourism industry on the basis of public-private sector partnership.
His open-door policy to all industry stakeholders saw him embrace tourism Associations and related interest and trade groups; ensure the functionality of the Sector Skills Council of the industry, expanded the influence of the Institute in the country by opening new Campuses and Liaison Offices for better outreach to deserving students and trainees of its Course Programmes and a lot more contributed to his choice for the coveted award.
To crown it all, the NIHOTOUR Director-General successfully anchored the hosting of Nigeria’s programmes and activities for the observance of the 2021 World Tourism Day, all of which added to factors for his emergence as the Tourism CEO of the year 2021.
Selection of the Award of the four personalities who emerged winners was done by the elite members of the Tourism Community and approved by the publishers of Atqnews.com and Travellers Magazine with Nura Kangiwa as CEO Tourism Personality of the Year, Chief Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, the Travel Personality of the Year. Others are, Pharm Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, Lagos State Commissioner of Tourism as best Tourism Commissioner in Nigeria – 2021 and Mr. Nkereuwen Onung, FTAN President Tourism Man 2021.
Celebrity
Mariaa Voice expands gospel music mission with ‘Akoko Mi’ and four-volume CCC Hymns series
Maria Abimbola Iyaomolere, popularly known as Mariaa Voice, is expanding the scope of her gospel music ministry with a growing body of work that combines original inspirational music with a deliberate effort to preserve and promote the rich hymn tradition of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC).
Following the release of her inspirational single, “Akoko Mi (My Season),” Mariaa Voice has continued to build on a musical journey that increasingly reflects both her artistic identity and her desire to use music as a vehicle for faith, learning and spiritual upliftment.
“Akoko Mi,” which translates to “My Season,” carries a message of hope, patience and divine timing. Re…
[9:59 am, 31/08/2026] Wikipedia Guy: Mariaa Voice expands gospel music mission with ‘Akoko Mi’ and four-volume CCC Hymns series
Maria Abimbola Iyaomolere, popularly known as Mariaa Voice, is expanding the scope of her gospel music ministry with a growing body of work that combines original inspirational music with a deliberate effort to preserve and promote the rich hymn tradition of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC).
Following the release of her inspirational single, “Akoko Mi (My Season),” Mariaa Voice has continued to build on a musical journey that increasingly reflects both her artistic identity and her desire to use music as a vehicle for faith, learning and spiritual upliftment.
“Akoko Mi,” which translates to “My Season,” carries a message of hope, patience and divine timing. Released in 2026, the song presents a declaration that seasons change, doors open and transformation comes at the appointed time. Its accompanying visual further reinforces the message of trusting the process and remaining hopeful for what lies ahead.
For Mariaa Voice, however, the song represents only one part of a broader musical assignment.
A particularly significant aspect of her recent work has been the CCC Hymns project, which has now grown to four volumes. The project brings together hymns from the Celestial Church of Christ, with Mariaa Voice intentionally selecting many songs that are not among the more commonly known hymns regularly heard in church settings.
According to the gospel minister, some of the selections also draw from newer hymns contained in the CCC New Revised Standard version, allowing the project to introduce listeners to a wider range of the church’s musical heritage.
“So far I have done CCC HYMNS VOL 1, 2, 3 & 4,” she said, explaining the motivation behind the project.
“The majority of the hymns in each album are not the common ones, some are new hymns included in the CCC New Revised Standard version.”
For Mariaa Voice, the project goes beyond recording and releasing music. It is also an effort to help people discover and learn hymns that they may otherwise have little opportunity to encounter.
“The main reason behind it is not just to showcase the beautiful and spirit-filled hymns God has given the church, but it’s also an avenue for people to actually learn to sing these hymns,” she explained.
That approach has given the project a distinctive place within her growing catalogue. Rather than concentrating solely on contemporary gospel sounds, Mariaa Voice is using her vocal ability and recording experience to bring renewed attention to a repertoire rooted in the worship tradition of the Celestial Church of Christ.
Her official catalogue now features four volumes of the CCC Hymns project alongside original songs including “IRE,” “ORI MI,” “Sin Oluwa,” “Se’yanú” and “Oti Funmilayo.”
The development represents a natural progression for an artiste whose musical journey began in the church.
As previously documented, Mariaa Voice’s early exposure to music came through the church choir, including her time with the “Little Angels” choir, before her talent was recognised and she was encouraged to pursue music professionally.
Over the years, that foundation has developed into a career spanning gospel music, songwriting, recording, performance and voice-over artistry. Her repertoire has also demonstrated a willingness to explore different contemporary gospel influences while maintaining a strong emphasis on positive and uplifting messages.
With “Akoko Mi,” that message remains central.
The song is built around the reassurance that delay does not mean denial and that every individual has a season ordained for them.
“Akoko Mi (My Season) is not just a song, it’s a declaration,” Mariaa Voice said.
“A reminder that no matter how long it takes, your time will come. Transformation will happen. Doors will open. Grace will speak. Nothing can stop what God has already ordained for you.”
That message has become particularly consistent with the direction of her recent work, music that does not merely entertain but seeks to encourage listeners, strengthen their faith and point them towards hope.
While the CCC Hymns series looks back to a rich worship tradition and helps bring lesser-known hymns to a wider audience, “Akoko Mi” looks forward, offering a contemporary expression of faith and expectation.
Together, the two strands of her recent work reveal an artiste increasingly defining her ministry around both preservation and inspiration, preserving hymns that deserve to be heard while creating new music that speaks to the experiences and expectations of today’s listeners.
With four CCC Hymns volumes now completed and “Akoko Mi” adding another chapter to her catalogue, Mariaa Voice continues to carve out a distinctive space for herself as a gospel minister committed to using her voice not only to perform, but also to teach, inspire and preserve a musical heritage for the next generation.
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