Culture and Tourism
Nigeria set to hold Arts and Culture Festival in Belgium
The Embassy of Nigeria in Belgium has disclosed that it has perfected plans to hold the Nigerian Arts and Culture Festival in Antwerp, Belgium next month.
The festival, which is designed to promote Nigeria’s culture and boost the tourism industry in Belgium, would hold in collaboration with Nigerian community/associations in Belgium, and Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).
A statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, quoted the Nigerian Ambassador to Belgium, Mr. Obinna Chiedu Onowu, saying that the festival with the theme: “Unity 2023” will feature arts and culture exhibitions, Nigerian dance, music, foods, and movies among others.
Onowu disclosed that officials of the European Union, Belgian, Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States, as well as other friends of Nigeria will grace the event that will be held at the Antwerp Cricket Center on the second of next month adding that event is free for the public.
” The cultural event will introduce Nigeria, its diverse culture, arts, and music to Belgian, African, Caribbean, and other communities in Antwerp. It also serves as a unifying factor, bringing together, all Nigerian associations to celebrate those cultural values that unite the people of Nigeria, hence the theme “Unity 2023”.
He said Nigeria remains the most culturally diverse nation in Africa, and rich in songs, dance, drama, costumes, art and craft products adding “Many Nigerians have distinguished themselves in the areas of music. Film, art and crafts and have put the country on the global map”
Onowu also explained that the present administration in Nigeria is committed to the diversification of the economy and the development of the tourism sector.
It will be recalled that in June this year, the Embassy of Nigeria in Belgium in conjunction with Belgium Luxembourg Nigeria Chamber of Commerce (BLNCC), Afrinex, and A-Law organized the Nigeria -Belgium- Luxembourg Business Forum which attracted over 200 businesses in Europe and Nigeria.
The event brought together key industry players and government officials and focused on agric-business, renewable energy, health, construction/ infrastructure, financial services, and other sectors of the economy
Culture and Tourism
Awakan Marks First Anniversary as NTDA DG, Charts New Course for Tourism Sector
Joel Ajayi
As the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) enters its second year under the leadership of the Director-General, Mr. Ola Awakan, the focus will remain on building partnerships and converting Nigeria’s tourism assets into greater opportunities for investment and accelerated economic growth.
That simple message framed the one year scorecard presented on Wednesday by Mr. Awakan during NTDA Tourism Week 2026 and activities leading to World Tourism Day held in Abuja.
“Nigeria does not lack tourism assets,” Awakan said. “What is required is a system that connects these assets to investments, jobs, technology, enterprise and sustainable economic value.” He added.
Reeling out his scorecard, Awakan observed that over the past year, the Authority concentrated on stakeholder engagement, innovation, investment facilitation, digital transformation, destination marketing, tourism intelligence and institution building.
He explained that efforts have been made towards deeper collaboration with government institutions, traditional institutions, private-sector operators, development partners, financial institutions, professional bodies, communities and international partners.
On the digital front, the NTDA boss said the Authority has advanced NITOUREY, a dedicated tourism streaming platform and content ecosystem meant to take Nigerian destinations, culture and experiences to wider audiences, in alignment with this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Digital agenda and artificial intelligence to redesign Tourism”.
He also identified Naija Flavour as a flagship project to position Nigerian cuisine as both a tourism asset and a tool for cultural diplomacy, linking tourism to Nollywood, music, fashion, food, festivals and digital creativity.
Speaking further, Awakan reiterated that the NTDA is also digitising tourism enterprise accreditation and regulatory processes while developing a grassroots tourism framework to identify, document and promote assets across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
Internationally, NTDA has expanded ties with tourism institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners and global organisations on technical cooperation, investment, destination marketing, capacity building, cultural diplomacy and market access.
The NTDA helmsman however recognised that challenges remain such as infrastructure gaps, weak tourism data, limited connectivity to some destinations, security concerns in certain locations, regulatory compliance shortfalls and the need for stronger private-sector participation.
Awakan remained positive looking ahead with his priorities including the mobilisation of more tourism investment, accelerating the development of viable assets, expanding domestic and international marketing through deeper digital transformation, strengthening regulation, increasing community participation, building capacity of tourism professionals and deepening partnerships with international tourism institutions.
The DG also announced plans for the expanded Naija Flavour International Tourism Expo to be unveiled in Abuja later this year making it the ultimate platform aimed at drawing international participation, investors and development partners into the sector.
While thanking President Bola Tinubu GCFR for giving him the opportunity to serve, he added that, “One year in office is not the destination. It is a checkpoint,” reiterating that the next phase would require stronger partnerships, greater investment and sustained institutional commitment.
Earlier, the Director of Marketing and Promotion of NTDA Mr. Olufemi Akinyele, said the milestone was being marked as part of NTDA Tourism Week, which began with a road walk and a guided tour of Abuja under the theme “Digital Vibes, Nigerian Pride: Celebrating Tourism, Culture and People.”
Government and industry representatives at the event congratulated the Director General and commended the Authority’s increased engagement with tourism stakeholders.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
