Entertainment
NTDC Boss Tasks Stakeholders On Digital Tourism
The Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr Folorunsho Coker, says there is the need for stakeholders in the tourism industry to collaborate to promote growth of the sector.
Coker said this at the opening of the South South Tourism Stakeholders Forum in Calabar, yesterday.
The theme of the forum is “Use of Digital Technology to Revamp the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Amid Covid-19 and Security Challenges in Nigeria”.
Coker said that the time had come for actors in the tourism and hospitality industry to stop competiing with one another and embrace collaboration to move the industry forward.
“This is the season of collaboration not the season of competition. In this season of technological advanencement, stakeholders should collaborate rather than compete, “ he said.
He observed that there was a disconnect in the tourism policies between the Federal, States and Local Governments in terms of participation in tourism development.
He attributed the gap to tourism laws, and stressed the need for a new legal framework for the sector.
“Tourism begins at the local government, so, we need active participation of the local governments for tourism to thrive, “ he said.
He urged tourism stakeholders to embark on regular training of their staff in view of the new trend in the industry occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Dr Adoara Ayanwutaku, said the forum was timely in view of the damage done to the tourism sector by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ayanwutaku, represented by Deputy Director, Domestic and Eco-Tourism, Promotion and Control Mrs Sani Sodangi, said the forum would provide opportunity to stakeholders to make postulations on the way forward.
According to her, the theme is apt.
She pedged the ministry’s readiness to provide the enabling environment for all agencies “to perform optimally.”
In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Tourism and Culture in Cross River State Mr Eric Anderson, said that in spite of the setback brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the tourism industry in Nigeria was still vibrant.
According to him, the industry has come to terms with the adaptation to product and service enhancing technologies, including online transport solution, and destination marketing on social media, among others.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’
