Creative Industry

NIHOTOUR Shuts Bagauda Zonal Campus Over Security Threat

Published

5 years ago

April 28, 2021

Joel Ajayi

Following the directive of the Kano State Government to close the Government Technical College, Bagauda, which is a close proximity to the Kano Zonal Campus of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), on security ground, the Management of NIHOTOUR has ordered the immediate closure of the Bagauda Campus of the Institute to avert security threat.

In a statement by the Coordinator of the Zonal Campus, Dr. Abba Shehu on the order of the Director General of the Institute, Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa, closure of the Campus became imperative in view of security reports that put the Bagauda axis on security danger list of possible attack by insurgents.

The directive further ordered students to vacate premises of the campus and also staff of the Institute to stay off the campus in the interest of the protection of lives of the students, staff and all community members of the Institute at Bagauda.

However, the Mini Campus of the Institute located at the Civic Centre Road in the Kano metropolis, where the IATA Course Programs are offered will remain operational, and therefore staff and students of the Mini Campus are to go on with their normal academic activities unhindered.

While the Director General expressed his displeasure at the decision to close the Bagauda Campus of the Institute, he said this has become necessary ‘because we have the responsibility to protect the lives of our staff and students’ he noted.

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Creative Industry

NTDA Moves to Transform Gelede Festival into a National Cultural Event with Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom

Published

3 weeks ago

April 27, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan paid a courtesy visit to the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration for cultural tourism development.

The delegation was received by His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeshina Adeniyi (Maforunyomi I), the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba; Olori Mosunmola Anike Adeniyi; the Bales of the kingdom; and members of the White Cap Chiefs. The visit commenced with a vibrant cultural procession by the revered Gelede Masquerades, showcasing the rich heritage of the community.

Addressing the Director-General, the monarch applauded him for honouring the invitation and commended his efforts in leveraging his office to drive innovation within Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The monarch applauds the NTDA Boss for his initiatives towards repositioning the country’s cultural heritage on a global stage.

Oba Adeniyi further expressed his interest in fostering a strategic partnership between the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom and the NTDA, emphasizing the community’s readiness to actively participate in ongoing efforts to develop and promote tourism across the country.

He highlighted key cultural assets within the kingdom, including the Gelede Masquerades; an important cultural symbol associated with fertility and childbirth; and two ancient iroko trees within the community, each over 250 years old.

In response, the DG appreciated the traditional ruler for the invitation, honour, and warm reception, stating that the visit was not only culturally enriching but also strategically important to the Authority’s mandate.
He continued by emphasizing the role traditional institutions play in advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.

He stated that effective storytelling is essential to unlocking the value of cultural heritage, explaining that documenting and sharing the stories behind cultural elements such as the Gelede Masquerades and the ancient iroko trees would enhance their appeal to both local and international tourists.

The NTDA DG further proposed featuring Igbobi-Sabe’s tourism assets in the ongoing NITOUREY Project, the first-ever tourism dedicated streaming platform in Africa aimed towards showcasing Nigeria’s rich and vibrant tourism assets to the world.

The meeting proceeded with a guided tour of one of the iroko tree sites located in Abule Ijesa, Yaba, where the Director-General observed that the site holds significant potential for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

He encouraged the traditional ruler to work closely with the NTDA in developing initiatives that would revitalize the historic landmarks, positioning them as prominent symbols of Nigeria’s cultural tourism.

The Director-General received royal blessings from the Monatch who wished him wisdom and success in his tenure, while expressing confidence in his leadership and vision.

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