Culture and Tourism

Kangiwa, DG NIHOTOUR Strategises For Enhanced Relationship With Chinese Embassy On Staff Capacity Development

Published

4 years ago

November 17, 2020

Joel Ajayi

In a bid to strengthen the existing cordial relationship between the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, the Director-General, Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa has paid a courtesy call on the Attaché of the Economic and Commercial Counselor’s Office, Mr. Wu Lyufan of the Embassy of the Peoples’ Republic of China in Abuja.

Alhaji Kangiwa has during the visit seeks for a collaborative partnership between the Embassy and NIHOTOUR in the area of capacity development of staff of the Institute which will enhance performance in the delivery of the Institute’s mandate for personnel training in the Nigerian Travel Tourism and Hospitality industry.

He observed that China is noted for its reputation in manpower training and development worldwide particularly in skill acquisition and Hands-on training which NIHOTOUR will be glad to benefit from.

The Director-General reiterated the commitment and resolve of the federal government to revitalize every sector of the economy due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially the travel tourism and hospitality sub-sector which was the hardest hit by the pandemic due to restrictions placed on the movement of people globally.

He said since its establishment over three decades ago, NIHOTOUR has trained over 10,000 certified IATA personnel in the nation’s Travel and Tourism industry and attained the best IATA training center in Africa and among the top ten best IATA training centers globally, noting that the Institute will do better if its staff receive training and retraining that will upscale their knowledge inline with new global skills and innovations in personnel training of the travel tourism and hospitality industry.

Responding, Mr. Wu Lyufan expressed his happiness with the visit, noting that his office will do everything possible to offer training slots for NIHOTOUR staff in China as soon as the embargo placed on training occasioned by the covid-19 pandemic is lifted.

He said the Chinese Government as well as the people of China are keenly interested in the culture and traditions of Nigeria and are ever willing for such a cultural interface between the two countries and exchange of training programs.

Mr. Wu said the Chinese people are great travelers and will like to make Nigeria their preferred tour destination in view of its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions which are strong tourism attractions.

The Attaché promised to continue to offer all necessary support to NIHOTOUR in line with the healthy cordial relationship already existing between the Embassy and the Institute.

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Creative Industry

Stephanie Linus, Juliet Ibrahim 8 others Appointed Jury Members For Zuma International Film Festival

Published

1 month ago

November 13, 2024

The Gleamer

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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