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Conference of Tourism Practitioners and Politics in US
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By Frank Meke
It is becoming evident that Nigerian tourism future can only be secured if the practitioners take to some measured steps of political faith to save the sector from scavengers.
Today, and possibly in the nearest future, we shall carefully put on the public space, certain individual or collective efforts to determine the course to which the tourism and travel multi billion dollars sector, must shape up in Nigeria.
It is said and rightly admitted that man is a political animal, and to the best that one can remember, this run rings around our perception to contribute to the development of our nation, starting from our immediate localities and environment. Tourism is about the totality of humanity, the desires,the peace and tranquility and growth potentials.
This definitely finds bearing to the fact that our tourism sites, history, tradition , culture and hospitality, starts from our homes, villages and kindred.
Years ago, I had visited my kindred, having been born outside the environment and wanted to study my roots. Who is where and why we speak in a tongue, different from others in same geographical area yet can relate well, why same breathe in the good of others, culture differing yet makes meaning in the collective gatherings of multi layer culture conference and interestingly, acceptable and welcomed by others.
It was a huge experience, fact to fact to communial development, that within those circumstances and differences, the melting point, remains the progressive desire to benchmark improvements in socioeconomic development of the individual and people.
The research work, birthed a process, a history of my people, not from my Diaspora understanding but fueled through deep interactions and discussions with my uncles and relations, most who sadly had left this earthly space.
Today, that piece of cultural and historical narrative of my people, has become a living mobile library to anyone who need to know about my kindred, our forebearers, their thoughts on economy, culture, tradition, customs and even religious beliefs.
As wont with the republican nature of my people, the work was subjected to serious historical and cultural heritage interrogation, and at the end, became a bridge to further studies of our people.
This reminds me of what is actually playing out in tourism community recently. Interestingly, there are those who are quick to join voices to issues beyond their comprehension, to subjective interpretations and analysis and at the end, muddle the waters of our tourism Jordan.
About two weeks ago, Samson Akpata Nunayon , a young man, who possibly may shape lagos tourism space if he keeps his head out unnecessary tension, sent me a message. He heads Association of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, lagos chapter and also runs an online radio programme on tourism.
He told me of his intention to build a coalition of tourism practitioners across board to politically measures out the industry’s strength and also audit certain tourism benefits to lagos practitioners.
Having permitted him to give me the profiles of like minds to this conference of tourism influencers, it is positively implicative that one is supportive of the tourism political engineering to which Apkata canvassed.
How this process fared and may likely influence tourism opinion and including the lagos government tourism action plans, going forward, will pan out in the next administrative circle in lagos soon.
However, the conference of lagos based tourism practitioners seriously deepens the importance of protecting the tourism space and ecosystem with right people, experienced hands, thus engendering strategic growth of the sector.
No doubt, head hunting for the best tourism heads, with capacity, credibility and professionalism has never borne the signature of industry players.
Let me make exception to certain facts which again, placed lagos above peer scrutiny of political leadership across Nigeria and in tourism decisions, excitedly captures senior Ministry of Tourism administrators with focal Intel on tourism or related activities.
Of the lot, though retired were Ashamu fadipe, Dr Babatunde Mesewaku and presently Mrs Oyinade Nathan Mash. Dr Mesewaku retired but actively coordinates certain tourism thoughts in lagos. Nathan Mash is another kettle of intelligent expression and a grit in wisdom and fortitude. How these influenced tourism directions in lagos, is for another day.
It must be noted that the silent revolution, still in the works began with Awori festival which held in lagos late last year. Lagos governor, Babajide sanwo-0lu, was visible at the event, attended by the Professor King of Awori land, Oba Obalenlege, the economic horse powers of Awori land led by Olawale Cole, and other key influencers in Awori land.
Omoba Femi Fadina, chairman of the hugely successful festival, took to strategic Awori community sociopolitical interventions, massively deployed it and gave Awori nation their rightful place in the history of lagos.
At the Ikeja police college ground, it was absolutely certain and amazing what the thought and determination of one individual, could help to achieve for Cultural tourism in Awori land and in lagos state.
Prince Femi Fadina, didn’t just bury his head to grounds because of the challenges which comes with developmental milestones. He at every cross road, thought out of the box, connected with the Awori elders at various sociopolitical leanings, aggressively husbanded their strength and leverages, quick to deploy field experiences and Nuggets of cultural tourism achievements across the world to break down irritations to the birth of Awori festival.
These are cheering tourism political engineering statements and to which buffets fears to the possible coalition of efforts in this regard.
My fear is however legion in the sense, that we harbour trepidation, anger and mistrust against the few who wish to break away from the pedestrian summation of the industry, but if a window of opportunity beckons to their selfish gains, they come in their large numbers to foul the air.
By May this year, we shall possibly be having new and returning political leaders at each stages of our political direction. Are we ready to process opportunities, deploy same to change our tourism narratives?
What role do we play to either support or actualize the reality? Are we waiting for invitation to present long speeches and eat at high tables? To dress tourism in long beautiful ropes yet quick to run down the few who as presently sticking out their necks to enthrone measures of tourism politicking?.
Though am ftan centric, it cheering to note that the private sector tourism practitioners apex body, has not called out anyone out to public space for holding burgeoning interest to mobilize like minds to process tourism political reach for growth and development.
Gbenga Sumonu, Victor kayode, Dr Babatunde Mesewaku and many others who took to political presence for tourism in lagos, and in doing ,shown capacity and dedication.
Femi Fadina, beyond Awori festival is top material for tourism representation in lagos state. Akpata Nunayon Samson, is a lion. If you need a mobilizer in lagos tourism, then Akpata fits. But in all these, the worries of sustainability of strategic action plans, is still missing.
Ftan leadership during the last year celebration of World Tourism Day in lagos, made unforgettable statement, adopted a blue print and showcased the power of a united industry. Can the conference of lagos based tourism practitioners seriously deepen that process?
In bringing change to societal pressures and dislocations, few faces and people chicken out. It is human and their right indeed but to those who have made up their minds to process opportunities and thermotify inclusiveness to drive actuality and reality of tourism to national development, we encourage them to sing their songs. One day soon, we shall dance our tourism dance, Godwilling.
Afrobeats music singer, David Adeleke aka Davido, has said he will seek the intervention of United States President, Donald Trump, if anything goes wrong during the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
The singer made the statement during a livestream hosted by content creator Carter Efe, where he discussed his interest in politics and his concerns about the conduct of elections in Nigeria.
Davido said he would consider joining politics when he is convinced that the country’s electoral system is transparent and allows voters to freely choose their leaders.
According to him, he is confident of emerging victorious in an election that is conducted fairly.
He said the lack of transparency remains one of the reasons he has not ventured into politics despite his interest.
“Until there’s transparency, then I can go ahead with politics because nobody can beat me in any election,” he said.
Davido added that he would be confident of winning if Nigerians were allowed to vote freely and have their votes properly counted.
He also expressed concern about the upcoming Osun governorship election, saying he was waiting to see how the exercise would be conducted.
“I want to see what they are going to do in Osun. We are waiting,” he said.
The singer then disclosed that he would reach out to Trump if he became dissatisfied with the electoral process in Osun.
Davido said he would tag and call the US president and, if necessary, take his concerns to the White House.
“I’ll tag Trump, I’ll call Trump, everybody. If they still don’t see anything, I’ll go in front of the White House and say, ‘Help us,’”
“Trump will just say, ‘I think there’s a Nigerian artiste sending me a message. Don’t worry, my message will be delivered.’he said.
He stressed that his threat should not be dismissed as a joke, adding that he expected his concerns to reach the US president.
Davido concluded by calling on those involved in the electoral process to allow the people of Osun State to freely determine their next governor.
“Leave Osun alone oo, leave it,” he said.
By Henry Ukazu
Destiny Friends,
The word ‘love’ is very significant. This is because of its descriptive power towDearards an action or feeling directed at someone or something. However, love means many things to many people, depending on one’s side of the divide.
Love is a beautiful thing. It is a beautiful experience and feeling when one gets it right. It breaks the heart when one loves someone and he/she is not loved back. Trust me, it really hits differently when one is loved in the manner they wished to be loved.
Love cuts all barriers of life, whether we are talking about purpose, health, academic, spirituality, finance, relationships, family, and career/vocation.
Let’s take a minute to dwell on the concepts of love as it relates to loving what one does.
Purpose:
Our purpose in life is much more important than our career. It’s instructive to note your profession is what you are trained to do as an attorney, doctor, engineer, accountant; your vocation is what one is paid to do as 9-5 work or skill work; but your ministry is your calling, that’s where you find your passion, your gift/talent. Our focus in life is to align our vocation, profession and ministry together.
Health:
If we love ourselves, we’ll pay attention to our health and that entails what we eat, how we exercise, and how we pay attention to our body. When we love our health, we’ll pay attention to what we do because our health will ultimately affect all we do.
Academic:
Loving what we do also affects our academics. It’s sad to see students who read majors they have no interest in just because of the job market. If one studies a major they don’t like, it will have an impact in their personal and professional lives. Imagine reading law when one’s interest is in accountancy, engineering or even Mass communication. The level of impact and fulfilment one gets studying a major they like is different from the impact they will deliver if they one don’t like the major. So, it’s advisable for one to study a major they have a strong interest in.
Spirituality:
Our spirituality plays an important role in what we do. We can’t succeed in life without the support of God. According to Evangelist Ebuka Obi, behind every successful man, there’s a spirit working for him. I totally agree with this saying because when you love what you do, the universe has a way of coming close and conspiring to make you succeed because it’s in alignment with God’s master plan and purpose for your life.
Finance
When we love what we do, it will have an influence on our finances especially when we are good at what we do. Everyone likes the best person who can do a job and that even entails paying for a premium service. One of the reasons why most people are poor is simply because they are not solving problems, even though they are solving problems, they are not solving the right problem, or they are not solving the right problem for the right people at the right places and time.
Relationships
To succeed in life, we must pay attention to our relationships because our relationships determine our network which ultimately determines our net worth. Loving what one does also entails being intentional in the people they let into their lives.
Family,
Family is the highest influence in a child’s life. When there is love in the family, the child will learn to love other people when they go outside. According to Mr. Okechukwu Ukazu, you can choose your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, and best friend, but you can’t choose your family. We don’t have control over who becomes our family either as parents or siblings because that’s how God designed it. Do you see why family is everything?
Career/vocation
Succeeding in life entails working in a profession or vocation we like. When we like what we are doing, and what we are doing like us, we shall be successful. It’s sad to see people working in jobs they don’t like just to pay the bills. It’s instructive to note that at creation God grants us talents and gifts to succeed in life, but because of the challenges of life, some of us now settle for something else. This is why some people are victims of defective success because as they climb the corporate ladder, one day, they will realize that they have gotten to the top only to realize they were climbing the wrong ladder of success.
Have you ever wondered why some people feel frustrated and depressed in life despite having resources at their disposal? It’s simply because they don’t like what they are doing. Loving what you do has a strong correlation to one’s physical and psychological and mental success in life.
In conclusion, to succeed, endeavor to love what you do.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design, Unleash Your Destiny and The Six Pillars of Succes . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
Digital solution provider, Globacom, recorded the highest Internet subscriber growth among Nigeria’s major telecom companies for the month of May.
Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Nigeria’s total Internet users increased to 157 million in May, up from 154.3 million in April. That is a growth of 2.67 million users in one month.
Globacom led the market by adding about 1.2 million new Internet subscribers. This means Glo was responsible for almost half of all new Internet users in May.
The company’s subscriber base grew from 15.5 million in April to 16.8 million in May. Airtel came second with 1.07 million new users, moving from 54.8 million to 55.8 million. MTN added 382,894 users to reach 83.5 million.
T2 Mobile, formerly 9mobile, recorded no growth for the second month in a row. Its subscriber base remained at 802,534. This is despite its roaming agreement with MTN, which was approved almost a year ago to help T2 customers use MTN’s network in areas with poor coverage.
Industry experts say Glo’s strong growth is due to its ongoing network upgrade. Since last year, the company has been building new base stations, expanding its fibre network, and adding thousands of new 4G sites across cities and rural areas.
The upgrades have improved voice and data quality for customers, while Globacom remain committed to providing better network experience and affordable Internet services to more Nigerians.
