Creative Industry

Ministry of Art Opens Entries for “Nigeria Everywhere Creative Collection”

Published

3 weeks ago

April 19, 2025

By Joel Ajayi

The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has announced an open call for fashion designers and creatives to apply for “Nigeria Everywhere: The Creative Collection”.

According to a statement issued over the weekend in Abuja by Nneka Anibeze, Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity to the Honorable Minister, the nationwide competition seeks to spotlight Nigeria’s top fashion creatives on a global stage.

“This initiative aims to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit at the Exhibition Weekend during the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) scheduled for June 2025,” the statement read.

Selected participants will have the opportunity to design for the Ministry and showcase their work at this prestigious international event. Benefits include collaborations, fashion commissions, national and international exposure, future exhibitions, residencies, and a global platform to highlight Nigerian creativity, culture, and craftsmanship.

Eligibility: The call is open to fashion designers and creatives with a strong portfolio, who are currently active in the industry, willing to collaborate, and committed to contributing to the Creative Collection.

Application Deadline: April 24, 2025To apply, visit: clapnigeria.taplink.ws

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Creative Industry

Nigeria, Gambia Pledges Commitment to Improve Tourism Sector

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger tourism collaboration with the Republic of the Gambia, following a courtesy visit by a four-man delegation from the west African country, led by Hon. Yakuba Darboe, Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, Western Region.

The delegation was received by Mr. Richard Ovie Esewhaye, Director overseeing the Office of the Director General, NTDA, and the Management Staff at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja.

In his remarks, Hon. Darboe described The Gambia as having a long-standing relationship with Nigeria, often referring to the country as the “37th state of Nigeria” due to the cultural and historical ties between both nations.

He noted that tourism is the backbone of The Gambia’s economy and that the country is in Nigeria to promote its tourism offerings.

He emphasized the importance of the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, stating that West African countries have much to learn from one another in terms of culture, investment opportunities, and tourism development.

“Nigeria, with its large population, presents a ready market for Gambian tourism, and we urge NTDA to include The Gambia when recommending travel destinations,” he added.

Mr. Esewhaye, in his response, welcomed the delegation and lauded the existing relationship between the NTDA and the Gambia Tourism Board. He recalled past engagements, including meetings with the Gambia Investment Forum, and highlighted the need to move beyond agreements on paper to tangible outcomes.

“Though small in size, The Gambia has made remarkable progress in tourism. Nigeria can learn from their model—particularly in revenue generation, cultural exchange, and capacity building,” he said. He also advocated for the establishment of a technical committee to identify concrete areas of collaboration.

Speaking at the event, Mr. F.O. Anumba, Director of Special Duties, NTDA, raised concerns about the current lack of direct air connectivity between Nigeria and The Gambia. He stressed that establishing direct flights would greatly enhance tourist traffic and improve bilateral tourism relations.

The visit concluded with the presentation of an Outstanding Leadership and Humanitarian Award to Mr. Esewhaye by Hon. Darboe.

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