Culture and Tourism

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

Published

6 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

CAFA Targets $500bn Fashion Economy At Canex Wknd 2026

Published

2 weeks 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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