Culture and Tourism
Hiking On Jos Plateau, A Potential Mobiliser For Sport And Adventure Tourism- Kangiwa
The Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Nura Sani Kangiwa has stated that hiking and other forms of adventurous activities on the natural formations of the Jos Plateau is a potential mobiliser of sport, adventure and eco-tourism for the growth and development of tourism of the plateau creating jobs and empowering youths with its attendant multiplier effects on the economy of the state.
Kangiwa who made the statement during an adventure hiking tour of Ganwan Columnial Basalt Rock Formations in Riyom, Plateau state by participants of training workshop on tour guiding captioned; Promoting Eco-Tourism and Hiking in Nigeria, said God has endowed the state with natural scenic beauties of Waterfalls, Rock formation, plateau plains, lush vegetation among others, which if properly harnessed, can empower the people and curb youth restiveness by being a source of great revenue earning for government and income generation for the people of the state.
The Director General who was vividly elated by the warm reception and hospitable manner of members of the communities in the area visited, said the people should be carried along in the tourism development plans of the tourist sites as major players and critical stakeholders of the sector to achieve the much desired Community Based Tourism for Plateau state.
Also speaking during the hiking tour, Arch. Isaac Sanda, Chairman of Trustees of the Wayfarers of Jos, Hiking and Adventures Club, called on government to provide the enabling environment such as access roads, proper documentation of the tourist sites, and incentives for the local communities, noting that this will go a long way in harnessing the tourism potentials that the state is endowed with for the overall economic benefits of both the government and the people.
Arch. Sanda further noted that frequent hiking and adventurous activities at the tourist sites of riyom rock formations and waterfalls will improve the growth and development of community based tourism and empower the local communities economically, stressing that stakeholders and key players in the industry should up their game in the marketing and promotion of the country’s tourism potentials for both local and global patronage.
Mrs. Ime Udo, President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), said she was highly impressed by the breath-taking scenic beauty, awesome Riyom Columnial Basalt rock formations that Plateau state is endowed with, noting that members of her association will seize the opportunity of marketing these unique tourism potentials to attract local and inbound tourists to the sites.
On behalf of Members of NATOP, Mrs. Udo expressed her appreciation to the Management of NIHOTOUR, under the leadership of Nura Kangiwa, for the opportunity given them to acquire the requite knowledge on tour guiding during the workshop as well as the opportunity availed them to tour the natural scenic attractions of Plateau state and the leisure adventure of hiking on the Riyom Rock Formations.
Creative Industry
Stephanie Linus, Juliet Ibrahim 8 others Appointed Jury Members For Zuma International Film Festival
Joel Ajayi
Ten-member 10 jury of reputable Nigerian and foreign filmmakers to adjudicate on all entries in the competitive category of the Zuma international film festival, 2024, scheduled to hold in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital from December 1st to 5th, which is jointly being organized by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has been announced.
Announcing the constitution of the ten-member jury through a statement issued in Abuja (on Monday, November, 11, 2024); Brian Etuk, NFC’s Director of Public Affairs, said “the jury is most critical to the selection of winning entries and composition of the jury reflects the premium and niche of ZUMA International Film Festival, as one of the continents fastest growing international film festivals and market events”.
He said, this explains why membership of the jury includes both Nigerian and foreign film stakeholders who have in the recent past promoted authentic Nigerian and African resonate stories, and continue to contribute immensely to the growth of inclusive global film production.
Stephanie Okereke Linus, an A-list Nigerian actress, filmmaker, activist with lead appearances in over 100 movies, including an Afro-Hollywood, USA Filmmakers Award for Excellence, Reel Awards for Best Actress, and recently, the AMVCA Award for Best Overall Movie in Africa as well as recipient of the AMAA Award for Best Nigerian Film for her impactful work DRY was named as the Chairperson of the Jury.
Other members are Kenneth Gyang- director of This Is Lagos, Mojisola as well as Oloture Netflix’s Original from Nigeria; Aisha Halilu Abdullahi – a docu-drama and documentary specialist; Ishaq Sidi Ishaq – an actor, writer and producer of “Kamilu”,‘‘Wasila’’; Charles Novia – an avant-garde Nollywood filmmaker, scriptwriter, producer, director and creative entrepreneur; Hakeem Kae Kazim – a supremely talented actor, producer, director of great cinematic portrayal of George Rutugunda in the Oscar-nominated Hotel Rwanda, as well as playing leading roles in The Librarian.
The Triangle, and knack for creating feisty and deeply thrilling characters; Sihle Hlophe – director with multiple awards and over 15 years of experience; Ronya Man – an acting coach and creative arts specialist with handles on Lahira, SIN.
The Johnsons, as well as Juliet Ibrahim – a bilingual (French and English) speaking multiple award-wining producer, director, entrepreneur with over 100 movie appearances. Zaiyanu Tanko Waziri, a veteran filmmaker and broadcaster with over two decades of professional experience was also named as member of the jury.
In the statement, Dr. Ali Nuhu, NFC’s Managing Director & Chairman, Festival Organising Committee, on behalf of its partner, the FCTA, congratulated Stephanie Okereke – Linus for emerging as Chairperson of the Jury. Dr. Nuhu said that the Jury Chairperson and her team’s roles are critical to the overall success of the Film Festival brand, which no effort has been spared in its organization in terms of content, attendance and participation. NFC; Nuhu averred, remains committed to achieving the objectives of sustaining the positive narratives that Nigeria with a huge creative economy, is indeed the hub of film production in Africa.
Zuma International Film Festival 2024, the 14th in the series and themed: Digital Renaissance: Embracing The Future takes place December 1st – 5th at Chida Event Centre, Abuja Nigeria. Meanwhile, Etuk added that the online registration portal of the film festival has opened, and intending participants can register through the link :- https://zumafilmfest.com/zuff-2024-registration.
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