Creative Industry

FG, MyCityApp Group Target Tourism Growth with ‘Ember to Remember’ Initiative

Published

3 months ago

August 17, 2026

Cyril Ogar

The Federal Government, in partnership with MyCityApp Nigeria, has unveiled plans for a 100-day tourism season, “Ember to Remember,” aimed at promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage, boosting tourism, creating jobs and unlocking new economic opportunities.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, stated this during a press conference on Monday in Abuja, during the official announcement of the initiative, which is being implemented in partnership with MyCityApp Nigeria

She said that, the initiative is as a deliberate effort to position Nigeria as a year-round tourism destination for Nigerians, the diaspora and international visitors.

According to her, the programme will run from September to December 2026 and bring together festivals, concerts, cultural celebrations, hospitality, transportation, commerce and creative activities across the country.

Musawa noted that while December had become synonymous with Nigeria’s tourism, entertainment and homecoming season, the country’s cultural and tourism offerings extend far beyond the festive period.

“Ember to Remember” would provide a coordinated platform to showcase experiences across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory while generating economic benefits for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tour guides, retailers, event organisers and local communities.

“At the centre of the programme is MyCityApp Nigeria, a digital platform designed to provide a single gateway for discovering events, destinations, hotels, restaurants, cultural experiences and other tourism opportunities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.”

Musawa explained that increased travel would generate economic benefits across several sectors, including hotels, restaurants, transport companies, tour operators, retailers, event organisers and local communities.

She said that the initiative would not replace existing programmes of government agencies but would instead bring them together, amplify their visibility and present Nigeria’s diverse tourism offerings as part of one national story.

The Minister said the objective was to create “one country, one national calendar and one trusted place to discover Nigeria,” adding that government alone could not build a sustainable tourism economy without strong private-sector collaboration.

She acknowledged the support of MTN Nigeria and Providus Bank, while calling on more businesses and stakeholders to join the initiative.

Musawa said the ultimate goal was to establish a stronger annual tourism season that encourages domestic travel, supports businesses, creates employment and gives every state an opportunity to showcase its unique attractions.

She also urged Nigerians in the diaspora to look beyond December and consider returning home during the wider tourism season.

She said the initiative was not merely about celebrating Nigeria but about positioning the country’s culture and experiences as drivers of economic growth and international tourism.

Speaking earlier, MyCityApp Chief Executive Officer, Ifeoma Mbonu, said Nigeria already had a natural tourism season from September to December, characterised by festivals, concerts, food, fashion, music, nightlife, carnivals, homecomings and destination experiences.

“Ember to Remember” would bring these experiences together, increase their visibility and make it easier for Nigerians, the diaspora and international visitors to discover and plan their trips.

She explained that MyCityApp, as a digital city and tourism platform, would serve as a major gateway connecting people with Nigeria’s events, destinations, hospitality, culture and experiences.

Mbonu added that the vision was simple: wherever people are in the world, they should be able to ask what is happening in Nigeria and find the answer through a reliable digital platform.

However, a 100-day tourism season, “Ember to Remember National Digital Events and Experiences Calendar will be unveiled at the Ember to Remember National Stakeholders Conference scheduled for September 14, 2026, at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

The conference is expected to attract government representatives, state tourism authorities, private-sector operators, financial institutions, airlines, hospitality providers, creatives, technology companies, event organisers and the media.

Other speakers at the event include, David Ogunsola — GM Operations, MTN, Honourable Dr. Aare Abisoye Fagade — Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Olayiwola Awakan — Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA). Silely Lothan – Head, private banking, and Abuja and North Region, Providus bank.

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Creative Industry

CAFA Targets $500bn Fashion Economy At Canex Wknd 2026

Published

1 week ago

November 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA) will present its roadmap to grow Africa’s fashion economy from an estimated $30 billion to $500 billion at CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos.

Marking its first anniversary on November 5, CAFA will unveil a joint stand with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly the National Arts Theatre, on November 5, 2026.

CAFA President, Aare (Prof.) Lai Labode, said the institution works with African governments to align sourcing, production, trade and intellectual property policies, ensuring African creativity generates greater value for African businesses and communities.

Nigeria became the first country to sign the African Fashion Industry Growth Charter on November 5, 2025, when the Honourable Minister Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa signed on behalf of the Federal Government.

Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Minister Musawa said: “Afroliganza seeks to build a structured, values-driven fashion economy rooted in African heritage, led by African institutions, and positioned for global impact.”

On employment potential, the minister emphasized that Investment in fashion will create millions of jobs, particularly for women and youth.

Registered in Rwanda, with an office in Kigali and a desk at the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, CAFA is also working with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs towards African Union adoption of the Charter. Rwanda is progressing towards becoming its second participating country and the first in East Africa.

Its first year saw fifty nations gather at the Egbaliganza-Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta and a signed MoU with Türkiye’s ASRIAD.

CAFA’s programmes promote processing African raw materials into finished apparel locally. ‘Own What We Create’ addresses intellectual property protection, while the CAFA Certified Seal and CAFA Heritage Mark support standards and authenticity. African Global Fashion Houses are currently being established across international markets.

The African Global Fashion Games will debut in Nigeria in 2028, bringing designers together under national colours. Held every three years, the Games will alternate between African and international hosts, combining competition with investor meetings, deal signings and policy discussions. Its Instant Craft event gives competing nations identical materials and a fixed clock, placing skill at the centre of the contest.

CAFA is inviting creatives, fashion designers, artisans, diplomats, economists, investors and policymakers to its CANEX stand. Visitors can explore the roadmap, ask questions and identify opportunities to contribute through design, manufacturing, investment, research, trade and international partnerships. The stand will be open daily from November 5 to 8.

CAFA calls on the African Union to adopt the Charter, and governments to sign the Games Register and form national teams.

“Fashion has always told the world who Africa is. Now Africa will decide what fashion pays,” Aare Prof. Lai Labode said.

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