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Dep. Speaker hails organizers of Nigeria Cultural Festival and Business Forum (NICFEB).. calls for government involvement
Joel Ajayi
The Right Honourable Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representative has admonished the Nigeria Federal government to leverage on the benefit that accrue in the yearly event of the Nigeria Cultural Festival and Business Forum (NICFEB).
He stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2024 edition of the event which took place in Rome recently. The event which aims and objective is to give opportunity for Nigerian and their European counterparts to showcase their investment potentials, rich cultural heritage in arts & craft, music, fashion, foods and tourism attracted dignitaries from Nigeria and the Italian communities
The Deputy Speaker who was the special guest of honour at the event was represented by Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, MHR representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency of Anambra State. And speaking further on the benefit of the event he said,
“This event is basically an enthronement of culture, trade, partnership yearning between Nigeria and Italy. It’s an event that we have the opportunity to hear the wonderful things that can be attained in our dear country, in our dear nation, Nigeria and as well as to see avenue whereby we can bolster partnership, bolster relationship, not just growing on the business area, but also growing on cultural heritage. Growing on area that both countries can benefit towards the greater future.
“I commend the organizers of this event. From what I have heard it’s been a long journey to make sure that the event takes place. And you can see that the turnout was moderate. But I know that in the second edition the attendance will be a lot more. Because from here we are going to go back to Nigeria and inform the people of such wonderful, boisterous whereby we can be able to both nations and have our people and the Italian people both in business environment, both in the cultural environment, both in different industries as well, and also in the legislative because as we saw here, we saw members of parliament of Italy that came to witness the event and also gave their relevant speeches.
“So, we are going to go back to Nigeria with this information and prepare a detail report whereby we can submit to the floor and then urge Nigerians and also urge the government of Nigeria to take note of making sure that this event is expressed in a larger audience and this even can be able to be highlighted more because it holds a great significance for the growth of both Nations.
Speaking also at the event, Amb. Engr. Augustine Chigbolu who is the Chairman Central Organizing Committee harped on the need for the Nigerian and Italian governments to do everything possible to restore direct flights between Nigeria and Italy. He also threw more light on the purpose for putting together the event.
“The consortium was formed with the primary role of creating a new platform for investment drive and cultural exchange as well as for inter-personal relationship, propagation off socio-economic and political development of our nations (Nigeria and Italy).
“This edition accommodated and featured critical sectors such as Agriculture, Energy, Oil & Gas, Aviation, Trading, and Exhibition. In the coming years, we hope to introduce new strategies that will improve on the international standards and pattern of this present edition,” he concluded.
The 2024 edition was put together by the National Union of Nigerians in Italy, (NUNAI), Nigeria- Italy chambers of commerce, Giant Gee Nigeria limited, with the Support of Amb. Engr. Augustine Chigbolu and Senator Tony Iwobi.
News
Ringo Sport Club, National Parks Service Team Up to Promote Eco-Tourism, Combat Climate Change
By Joel Ajayi
The Ringo Sport Club–Nigeria and the National Park Service (NPS) have begun moves to strengthen collaboration on eco-tourism promotion, environmental protection and climate change mitigation ahead of the maiden Nigerian Para-Military Ringo Sport Tournament (NIPAMRIST) 2026.
The National President of Ringo Sport Club–Nigeria and Chairman of the National Inter-Agency Organising Committee (NIAOC) of NIPAMRIST, Malam Ahmed Mohammed Sule, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Musa Goni, at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja.
The visit was part of ongoing stakeholder engagements to secure the participation of personnel from para-military agencies and explore areas of cooperation ahead of the three-day tournament scheduled for November 19 to 21, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Sule said the tournament was designed to bring together officers and personnel of Nigeria’s para-military agencies to compete for honours while promoting inter-agency cooperation, national unity, physical fitness and general well-being.
He explained that the engagement with the National Park Service was aimed at strengthening preparations for the inaugural competition and building a lasting partnership that would extend beyond sports.
According to him, the National Park Service is a strategic partner in advancing the tournament’s objectives, particularly through the integration of sports and tourism to showcase Nigeria’s natural attractions and encourage environmental awareness.
Sule disclosed that the Service had registered for the tournament and that some of its personnel had benefited from the intensive Ringo sport training programme organised by the club.
He urged the Conservator-General to mobilise more personnel for the competition, stressing that adequate preparation and mass participation would contribute to the success of the tournament.
The Ringo Sport Club president added that NIPAMRIST offered an opportunity to use sports as a platform for promoting Nigeria’s eco-tourism potential, improving the fitness of security and para-military personnel, and encouraging stronger institutional partnerships.
He called for sustained collaboration between the club and the National Park Service to leverage the tournament’s visibility in promoting the country’s protected areas and supporting tourism development.
Responding, Goni expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to the success of NIPAMRIST 2026.
He pledged that the National Park Service would encourage active participation by its personnel, describing the tournament as an avenue to improve physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and esprit de corps among staff.
The Conservator-General also welcomed the proposal for deeper cooperation on eco-tourism, noting that the Service had continued to pursue partnerships that support biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods and tourism development across Nigeria’s protected areas.
Goni linked the growing effects of climate change to environmental degradation and the neglect of environmental protection principles, noting that damage to ecosystems and the depletion of natural protective cover could contribute to displacement, migration and conflicts.
He said the relationship between sports and eco-tourism presented an opportunity to raise public awareness about Nigeria’s national parks while encouraging healthy lifestyles among service personnel and the wider population.
Goni assured the organising committee of the Service’s readiness to explore practical areas of cooperation before, during and after the tournament.
He also clarified that Nigeria has 17 national parks, with about 13 currently in active operation, correcting what he described as the misconception in some quarters that the country has only seven parks.
The visit ended with both parties agreeing to establish a working framework for the Service’s participation in the tournament and sustain discussions on eco-tourism promotion and other areas of mutual interest.
The organising committee expressed optimism that the partnership would strengthen NIPAMRIST 2026 and support its broader objectives of sports development, institutional cooperation and tourism promotion.
NIPAMRIST is the maiden inter-agency Ringo sport tournament organised by Ringo Sport Club–Nigeria for officers and personnel of Nigerian para-military establishments.
The 2026 edition is expected to feature 120 players and officials from eight agencies, including the National Park Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others.
The tournament is scheduled to run from November 19 to 21 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
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