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Ofala Festival , A Good Nigerian Tourism Asset – Coker
The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr Folorunsho Coker has described the Ofala festival as a viable and sustainable Nigerian Tourism asset which should be further developed into a regional and global outing of culture and heritage.
Coker, who said this at the 18th Ofala festival of the traditional ruler of Onitsha, explained that festivals such as Ofala remain a unifying factor in connecting diverse cultures and interest as it brings people together from all walks of life and different parts to Onitsha, Nigeria.
The “Ofala, among other cultural festivals in Nigeria, does showcase the rich culture of our people through dance, colorful attire, traditional foods among other things. It boosts the local economy and encourages unity of the people whilst creating value on many micro platform ” he said.
Coker, also emphasized the need for collaboration among the tourism stakeholders in Nigerian economy namely airlines, hotels, Tour operators and festivals owners toward creating a festival economy in tourism.
He encouraged them to come up with an all-inclusive package that both foreign and local tourists can easily consume. Packages that are bite-sized and digitally driven to consumers.
The NTDC Boss then urged people to fully embrace the new media in telling the Nigerian story globally. He said the digital revolution is available to drive tourism to generate the values we need.
His words: “It is expedient for us to explore the new mediums of information which has grown beyond print and the conventional electronic media – radio and TV. The disruptive technologies available to us now can create the cash we need.
‘The new media – social media provides wider coverage and dissemination of information about our activities even to the global community, the impact is exponential.” The DG asserted that Tourism remains a central pillar of economic growth and diversification in many countries while also expressing governments readiness to support and promote other cultural festivals in Nigeria.
“We at NTDC are always ready to collaborate with the private sector to strength events that will make people focus on the consumption of tourism assets in Nigeria, hence we are willing to promote other cultural festivals in Nigeria”, he pledged.
The Obi of Onitsha – Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe in his welcome address thanked the NTDC for endorsing the Onitsha Ofala festival as a national tourism activity.
The headquarters of Heritage Bank at Victoria Island, Lagos, was besieged on Thursday by members of the labour union, protesting the recent dismissal of 1,000 support workers.
The National President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, Comrade Anthony Abakpa, led the demonstration, condemning the bank’s management for what he deemed a lack of adherence to due process in the termination of employment contracts.
Speaking during the protest, Comrade Abakpa asserted that the leadership of Heritage Bank failed to follow established protocols before executing the mass layoffs.
He emphasised the union’s commitment to pursuing justice for the affected workers, vowing to escalate their demands until the bank’s management rectifies the situation.
“We will intensify our demands for justice,” declared Comrade Abakpa, urging the bank’s management to take corrective action to address the grievances of the dismissed workers.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, clarified that Nigeria is not utilising its foreign reserves to bolster the naira, despite recent fluctuations in reserve levels.
Speaking from Washington DC, where he is attending the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Spring Meetings, Cardoso highlighted the influx of $600 million into Nigeria’s reserves account within the past two days.
While the naira has experienced a notable appreciation against the dollar in recent weeks, climbing over 40% from approximately N1,900/$ to about N1,000/$1, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have been dwindling. As of April 15, reserves dropped to approximately $32.29 billion, marking the lowest level in over six years.
Cardoso emphasised that the shifts in reserves are typical for any country, where various financial obligations, such as debt repayments, necessitate withdrawals.
He stated, “What you’ve seen with respect to the shift in our reserves is normal in any country’s reserves where, for example, debts are due and certain payments need to be made. They are made because that is also part of keeping your credibility.”
Continuing, Cardoso underscored the dynamic nature of the market, advocating for a system driven by willing buyers, willing sellers, and price discovery.
He emphasised, “The shift in our reserves has really little or nothing to do with defending the naira, and that is certainly not our objective.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Yahaya Bello wanted for an alleged financial crime to the tune of N80.2 billion,” Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency announced.
“Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is wanted by the EFCC for offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.2 Billion,” the EFCC stated in a Thursday evening Facebook post titled ‘Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello Wanted By the EFCC.’
“Anybody with information as to his whereabouts should report immediately to the Commission or the nearest police Station,” the statement continued.
This declaration follows the absence of the chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Federal High Court in Abuja earlier in the day for a suit instituted against him by the EFCC.
Consequently, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the suit and called for substituted service and the possible arraignment of Bello for alleged money laundering.
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