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NTDA: Naija Flavour Poised to Create Wealth, Empower SMEs, and Drive National Growth

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Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Olayiwola Awakan, has affirmed that the 2025 edition of Naija Flavour… Destination December will play a pivotal role in creating wealth, empowering local businesses, strengthening the creative economy, and accelerating national growth.

Scheduled for December 13, 2025, Naija Flavour will showcase a vibrant marketplace of culture, food, fashion, games, live theatre, and music. Designed as a platform for SMEs to increase visibility, attract customers, and build partnerships, the event aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the launching in Abuja on Friday, the DG described Naija Flavour as a strategic cultural tourism initiative that channels Nigeria’s identity, creativity, and entrepreneurial energy into economic impact.

“Naija Flavour has been conceptualised to generate wealth, empower local businesses, strengthen our creative economy, and build a tourism experience that sustains itself and stimulates national growth,” Awakan said.

He noted that Nigeria’s globally recognised Detty December culture has become a magnet for visitors seeking the country’s music, food, nightlife, and cultural vibrancy. NTDA, he explained, saw an opportunity to transform this natural phenomenon into a structured tourism product.

“Nigeria is not just a country; we are a global vibe. So, we asked ourselves: how do we package that vibe into a tourism experience that drives jobs, revenue, and international attention? Naija Flavour is our answer,” he said.

To amplify cultural tourism, NTDA also unveiled a theatrical production titled Echoes of the Drums—a celebration of unity, ecotourism, folklore, and Nigeria’s ancestral heritage. Written by Ola Awakan and directed by Isioma Williams, the production will serve as a centrepiece for cultural storytelling.

Awakan expressed appreciation for institutional partners including The Monoliza Abuja, NIHOTOUR, the National Troupe of Nigeria, CBAAC, NFVCB, and GOTHAD.

He called on the media, corporate bodies, SMEs, and creative entrepreneurs to support the movement and seize the opportunities Naija Flavour will unlock.

“Let the flavours travel. Let the world know that Nigeria is shaping tourism with innovation, entertainment, and economic impact,” he said.

Encouraging Nigerians and global visitors to save the date, he added: “Naija Flavour is a celebration of our diversity, creativity, and innovation. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we will continue to build a tourism industry that generates income, sustains jobs, and promotes national pride. Let the drums speak. Let the flavours rise. Let Nigeria shine.”

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Combating Corruption Is a Collective Responsibility At All Levels of Governance- RMAFC Boss

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Joel Ajayi 
Chairman Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu OFR has reiterated that combating corruption is not the mandate of a single institution; rather, it is a collective responsibility requiring vigilance, integrity,  and transparency at all levels of  governance


Dr. Shehu made  this remarks during a one day sensitisation program, organised by the Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit of the Commission in conjunction with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), on Tuesday, 9th December, 2025, at the RMAFC headquarters in Abuja.


 Represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Commission Nwaze Joseph Okechukwu, the Chairman emphasised that RMAFC occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s fiscal architecture.

He also said,  “As the institution constitutionally empowered to monitor accruals to and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account, we understand the critical role of ethical conduct in safeguarding public resources.”


According to him, corruption in any form undermines development, distorts fiscal planing, erodes public trust, and ultimately denies citizens the social and economic benefits that government revenues are meant to provide.


 Dr. Bello who expressed delight over the convergence of key stakeholders who share a common commitment to strengthen transparency,  accountability, and integrity within the national  governance landscape further said, “The programme offers an opportunity to strengthen the ethical awareness, understand emerging risks, and recommit ourselves to doing what is right, just, fair and equitable at all times.”


In his opening remarks, the Chairman Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), Mr. Idris Musa Sariki, who welcomed all stakeholders to the    programme, expressed appreciation to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related Offences Commission(ICPC) for their  continuous guidance and collaboration with ACTU in strengthening transparency and  accountability in MDA’s. 


He noted that the establishment of ACTU in RMAFC reflects the commitment of the Commission to uphold its core values of integrity, transparency, accountability, professionalism, and patriotism. He added that the ACTU unit of the Commission plays a vital role in promoting ethical conduct, monitoring compliance, and building a work environment where corruption has no space to  thrive. 


Speaking further, the ACTU Chairman explained that the success of the anti-corruption efforts depends not only on policies and systems but on the daily actions and decisions of every staff and management of the commission.  “Today’s programme is timely, essential and provides an opportunity for staff to better understand corruption risks, preventive strategies, and their individual responsibilities as public officers.” He said.


In his contribution, the Director Servicom in the Commission, Mr. Olaye Osayemen encouraged participants to take the one day sensitisation programme seriously in ensuring adherence to the civil service financial regulations.


 Highlight of the programme was the presentation of papers by ICPC officials on the “Definition of corruption” by Ozor Ijeomah and “Ethical decision making in doing government business” by Dr    Anike Adesina.

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