Culture

FTAN Demands Broader Input in Nigeria’s Tourism Policy Review

Published

12 months ago

September 12, 2025

FTAN demands broader input in Nigeria’s tourism policy review, urging inclusiveness before legislation to ensure robust sector growth

FTAN has called for wider stakeholder contributions to the ongoing review of Nigeria’s National Policy on Tourism and Hospitality.

Also read: FTAN to deliberate on way forward for tourism industry at 27th AGM

Speaking at the Tourism and Hospitality Stakeholders’ validation of the 2024 Draft Policy in Lagos, the National President of FTAN, Mr Nkereuwem Onung, urged for absolute inclusiveness before the policy moves to the legislative stage.

He noted that some associations within FTAN were not carried along in the process.

Onung stressed that inclusiveness would enrich the policy with diverse perspectives and expertise. “It is a wise decision to review the policy because the old one is outdated.

But we should be given the privilege to make input at FTAN, the umbrella body of tourism and hospitality practitioners in Nigeria,” he said, while acknowledging the efforts of former Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John.

FTAN leaders reinforced this call. Alhaji Muzali Dantata, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, emphasized collaboration with all states. Mr Ikechi Uko suggested distributing the draft policy to all associations within the sector, granting two weeks for feedback, followed by academic input for refinement. “Whatever is done today must be owned by the industry to make the policy work,” Uko said.

Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General of the Ekiti State Tourism Bureau, highlighted the urgent need for a strong legal framework to sustain the industry.

Responding, Mrs Ngozi Ngoka, Thematic Lead at the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), noted that over 215 people had already been engaged during the four-year review process, but assured stakeholders that further consultations would take place.

Former Minister Lola Ade-John, who initiated the review, said the draft policy was *“meticulously crafted”* with inputs from government, private sector, and international experts.

She explained that it reflects global best practices and outlines strategies for infrastructure improvement, sustainable tourism, visitor safety, and enhanced experiences.

Also read: FTAN advocates decarbonise, green industrialisation in tourism, trade in Africa

With the validation exercise underway, stakeholders now expect the Federal Government to consider the expanded input and deliver a policy framework capable of unlocking Nigeria’s tourism potential.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”