Events

Nigeria set to host 68th UN tourism commission for Africa meeting in Abuja

Published

1 year ago

April 17, 2025

Nigeria confirms its readiness to host the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting in Abuja from June 11-13, 2025, focusing on sustainable tourism and innovation

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially confirmed its preparedness to host the 68th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja from June 11 to 13, 2025.

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The significant event, themed “Boosting the Social Impact and Education in Tourism through Innovation, AI, and the Creative Industries,” aims to foster sustainable tourism development and enhance cultural exchange across the African continent.

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr Hannatu Musa Musawa, conveyed Nigeria’s assurance during a courtesy visit from a two-person team representing the United Nations Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja on Tuesday.

Minister Musawa expressed Nigeria’s enthusiasm to host this prestigious gathering, emphasizing the nation’s rich and diverse cultural heritage and its considerable tourism potential.

“We are excited to host this important event and showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential,” Minister Musawa stated. “We look forward to working closely with the UN Tourism and other stakeholders to make this event a resounding success.”

A statement released by the Minister’s Senior Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, revealed that the meeting will convene key stakeholders from across the African continent to engage in discussions on strategic policies, explore emerging trends within the tourism sector, and foster crucial collaborations aimed at advancing tourism’s vital role in sustainable development.

Furthermore, a dedicated technical workshop focusing on innovation and artificial intelligence will be conducted during the meeting. This workshop is designed to build the capacity of local teams in effectively leveraging new technologies to maximize the potential of the tourism sector.

Earlier in her address, the UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa, Elicia Grandcourt, expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s ability to successfully host the event, citing the country’s positive track record in hosting previous high-level meetings.

The upcoming event is also expected to provide significant benefits for Nigerian youth by creating empowerment opportunities through the exploration and application of AI and innovation within the tourism and creative industries.

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Events

Rechael Okonkwo’s Carnival Brings Free Healthcare to 5,000 Residents

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Rechael Okonkwo’s carnival provided free healthcare to over 5,000 Nsukka residents, alongside support for widows and children (more…)

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

3 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.

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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.”

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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.”