Creative Industry

National Breakdance Championship: FAME Foundation hold Kano, Kaduna Qualifiers

Published

3 years ago

July 21, 2023

FAME Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Abuja, recently organized a national breakdance championship qualifier in Kaduna and Kano, respectively.

This event aims to empower the youth through sports under the Play it Dream it Initiative, strengthening the inclusion of young people and vulnerable people through sport, will inspire and teach valuable life skills to young people – particularly those that are consistently underserved, excluded, or economically disadvantaged.

The championship which started on July 17, 2023 at the Alliance Francaise office of Kaduna state, had a total of 41 break dancers in attendance, while Kano qualifier that took place on July 17, 2023 at the Alliance Francaise office of Kano, had 30 participants. Kaduna and Kano recorded six and five finalists, respectively.

An excited participant from Kano, Benjamin Samuel, aka Bboy Xsycho commended the organizers for organizing a breakdance championship in Kano for the very first time, “I have been a dancer for a very long time, like 15 years, and throughout my journey as a dancer, I have never had an opportunity like this in Kano where a qualifier of a National Breakdance will come to the Kano state, I want to say a big shoot-out to French Embassy and FAME Foundation for remembering Kano state, “he said.

Similarly, Obed Bawa, aka Bboy Bawa, one of the finalists from Kaduna, expressed his excitement, “I’m thrilled about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the youth in Kaduna. As dancers, we usually have to travel outside the state for auditions. I want to extend my gratitude, and we are determined to train hard for the finals in Lagos to make Kaduna proud, “he assured.

After the event, Executive Director of FAME Foundation, Ms Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the French Embassy for their invaluable support in making this event possible. Furthermore, I appreciate the technical support provided by the Nigeria Dance Sport Federation. Through the ongoing play, it Dream it initiative, young, and vulnerable individuals will be included and empowered through sports.”

The competition will continue in three more states, Port Harcourt, on August 2, 2023; Abuja on September 9, 2023, and Lagos on September 22, 2023, with the grand finale scheduled for October. Two winners from the grand finale will represent Nigeria at an international breakdance championship in France with other consolation prizes for the runner-up.

The project is financed by the Solidarity Fund for Innovative Projects (FSPI – R) of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. It aims to support initiatives in the areas of democratic governance, culture, French, higher education, and research.

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Creative Industry

NTDA, LEXLUC Sign MoU to Unlock Nigeria’s Domestic Tourism Potential

Published

5 days ago

October 23, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd. to promote domestic tourism, cultural heritage and destination awareness across Nigeria.

The agreement establishes a framework for implementing and expanding the Meet My Town, Know My State tourism initiative, which aims to encourage Nigerians to explore destinations within the country, learn about their cultural heritage and support greater community participation in tourism.

Speaking at the signing, Chief Executive Officer of LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd., Mr Oluwole Ajayi, said the initiative was developed to help Nigeria harness its tourism potential, attract investment and create more opportunities within the sector.

“Tourism is number one employer worldwide. Whether we like it or not, we have to key into it and make sure it becomes the number one employer in Nigeria, too,” Ajayi said.

He also referenced plans for a proposed West African Jollof Rice Championship and Tourism Festival, which he said could complement the initiative’s broader objectives. The proposed event is expected to form part of future tourism activities, subject to the necessary planning and approvals.

Ajayi expressed confidence that the collaboration with NTDA would help advance the initiative and attract investors to Nigeria’s tourism industry.

Director-General of NTDA, Mr Ola Awakan, said the partnership alignes with the authority’s mandate to promote and develop tourism, noting that collaboration with the private sector was important to the sector’s growth.

“It’s a laudable project. We are going to give you national and institutional backing. You are also helping us achieve our mandate, and we are helping you to bring your idea to fruition. So, it is a win-win situation. All of this is in the interest of Nigeria,” Awakan said.

He commended Ajayi for sustaining the initiative and reaffirmed NTDA’s commitment to supporting its objectives within the authority’s mandate.

The Meet My Town, Know My State initiative is designed to raise awareness of Nigeria’s destinations, promote cultural heritage and encourage domestic travel. Its activities may include organised tours, tourism education, awareness campaigns, events and stakeholder engagements across the country.

Under the MoU, LEXLUC will coordinate and implement approved activities, develop tourism packages, mobilise sponsorship and partnerships, and report on progress. NTDA will provide relevant tourism information, institutional coordination, policy guidance and support for stakeholder engagement, subject to its mandate and applicable approval processes.

The signing was coordinated by Head of Legal Services at NTDA, Olufunke Soleye, and Head of Legal at LEXLUC, Mary Oluwatoyin Noibi-Edoze. Director of the Marketing and Promotions Department at NTDA, Mr Olufemi Akinyele, was also present alongside staff members of the department.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations to expand awareness of Nigeria’s tourism offerings and encourage greater participation in domestic tourism.

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