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Democratising Travel to Promote Inbound Tourism

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By Adeniyi Ogunfowoke

Blessed with great vegetation, mind-blowing landscapes, unique flora and fauna, historical monuments and rich culture that cut across the 36 states of the federation, Nigeria is one of the most beautiful and thrilling countries to visit in Africa.

However, only quite a handful of Nigerians are aware of this fact. Even the few that are aware of this don’t count Nigeria as a tourist destination. They have already concluded plans to travel to Dubai, London, Cape Town, Paris, New York and other ‘exquisite’ destinations for their vacation.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with visiting these charming destinations. However, what is wrong is that after traversing the world, you refuse to explore Nigeria perhaps because you think Nigeria has nothing to offer. You are absolutely wrong. Nigeria has so much to offer.

What does Nigeria have to offer both local and international tourists?

When it comes to tourism, the offerings of Nigeria is limitless or let’s say infinite. Each one of the 36 states has something to offer in terms of tourism. Although some of the destinations are more popular than others, it still does not relegate the fact that you will have a magical experience in any of the states.

To encourage Nigerians to travel, Jumia through its hotel and flight services has democratised travel and encouraged inbound tourism. Presently, you can book affordable packages to different destinations in Nigeria. So, there is no excuse for you not to travel or tour Nigeria or for tourists not to visit the country.

It must be added that Jumia has partnered with tour operators to enable them to push their packages and with the traction on Jumia, we have seen a significant number of people both locally and internationally making enquiries and actually booking these packages.

*Northern Nigeria

Northern Nigeria is a resplendent and charming region of the country contrary to widely held beliefs.  From Sokoto to Kano, Bauchi and Kaduna; there are so many things to do and see. Kaduna has Kajuru Castle and Kumuku National park;  the ancient city of Kano delivers history in the form of the Gidan Makama Museum and the Kano city wall; Adamawa has Sukur Cultural Landscape; Bauchi has the popular Yankari Games Reserve and Taraba state host Chappal Waddi-the highest point in the country. Additionally, northern Nigeria has the Durbar Festival that is celebrated with pomp and pageantry.

*Southern Nigeria

Although there are other destinations in Southern Nigeria, Calabar has positioned itself as the leading destination in Southern Nigeria. This is because it has been packaged to appear this way. Calabar is a total package. It hosts the biggest street party in Africa – the Calabar Carnival, Obudu Cattle Ranch, Tinapa Resort, Agbokim Waterfalls as well as a very rich food culture!

*Eastern Nigeria

If you want to see cultural display at its best, look no further than eastern Nigeria: Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu. Inhabitants of these states hold their culture dear to their hearts. That is why when you visit a destination like Ogbunike Cave in Anambra, there are some entry rules you have to follow. Beyond this, tourists will see the relics of the civil in Abia state at the National War Museum, Ngwo Pine Forest in Enugu, the Long Juju of Arochukwu in Abia and  Awhum Waterfalls Enugu. There are also festivals like the new yam and masquerade.

Western Nigeria

Festivals, tourist destinations and historical moments are all waiting for tourists who visit some of the states in Western Nigeria. One of the best places where tourists can start from is Osun state. They will be treated to the Osun-osogbo festival, the Osogbo groove (a Unesco World Heritage site), and the Olumirin Waterfalls. Other prominent destinations include the Ikogosi warm spring in Ekiti State, Idanre Hills in Ondo, Olumo Rock and Ojude Oba Festival in Ogun State as well as Badagry and the Eyo festival in Lagos.

For Nigerians who are still contemplating what the country has to offer in terms of tourism, you can now see that the bucket list is infinite. The only role you have to play is to ensure that you immerse yourself in the culture of the destination you are visiting and you will be fine!

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Travel

BSG and FRSC Announce the 2024 Edition of the “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign

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Don’t Drink & Drive Campaign by FRSC
“Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign

The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), is set to launch the 2024 edition of its “Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign.

The two-day event will take place on December 10th and 11th, 2024, targeted at raising awareness on the dangers of drink-driving and ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians.

The campaign will kick off with a media launch at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, on December 10th, where key stakeholders will address the media, highlighting the campaign’s goals, achievements, and the importance of continued collaboration in promoting road safety across Nigeria. The event will feature prominent executives from the BSG, FRSC, and other stakeholders in road safety advocacy.

On 11th December, the campaign will shift to three major motor parks—Ojodu, Ojota, and Oshodi—where drivers and road users will be engaged through an educational rally. During the rally, drivers will be sensitized on the dangers of drinking and driving, with a strong emphasis on responsible driving behavior. In addition, the FRSC will conduct voluntary breathalyzer tests at these locations, underscoring their commitment to fostering safer motoring environments across the country.

The 2024 edition of the “Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign promises to continue its tradition of educating the public on the risks of drinking and driving while providing the necessary tools for the FRSC to execute its duties effectively.

The BSG and the FRSC remain steadfast in their mission to reduce road accidents and make Nigerian roads safer for everyone.

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Travel

Defence Minister in S’Arabia to Discuss Counter-Terrorism

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H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle
Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle is in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to begin talk with the Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), Major Gen. Mohammed Bin Saeed Al-Moghedi.

The talks which began at the IMCTC Headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday November 18, 2024 is expected to yield positive results and ideas on how best to approach counter-terrorism in Nigeria.

During the meeting, Dr. Matawalle is expected to talk with other high ranking experts in counter-terrorism fight and logistics management.

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15 most common Etiquettes that can help you live a better lifestyle

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When we talk about etiquettes, you would understand that we are talking about the rules that are governing socially acceptable behavior. It is simply one having a decorum towards things and people. Because the truth is, As long as you co-exist with or Amongst other people and things, there will be times you would likely make mistakes with how you relate to them, But there’s also a bigger room for you to learn the most common rules so as to avoid some silly behaviors.

Picture of happy people

So here, I’ll be sharing some etiquettes that is most common amongst us which we often fall short of. This etiquettes will help you live better or do things better especially when it involves other people.

Here we go,

  1. Don’t call someone more than twice continuously. If they don’t pick up your call, presume they have something important to attend to.
  2. Return money that you have borrowed even before the other person remembers asking for it from you. It shows your integrity and character. Same goes with umbrellas, pens and lunch boxes.
  3. Never order the expensive dish on the menu when someone is giving you a lunch/dinner. If possible ask them to order their choice of food for you.
  4. Don’t ask awkward questions like ‘Oh so you aren’t married yet?’ Or ‘Don’t you have kids’ or ‘Why didn’t you buy a house?’ Or why don’t you buy a car? For God’s sake it isn’t your problem.
  5. Always open the door for the person coming behind you. It doesn’t matter if it is a guy or a girl, senior or junior. You don’t grow small by treating someone well in public.
  6. If you take a taxi with a friend and he/she pays now, try paying next time.
  7. Respect different shades of opinions. Remember what’s 6 to you will appear 9 to someone else. Besides, second opinion is good for an alternative.
  8. Never interrupt people talking. Allow them to pour it out. As they say, hear them all and filter them all.
  9. If you tease someone, and they don’t seem to enjoy it, stop it and never do it again. It encourages one to do more and it shows how appreciative you’re.
  10. Say “thank you” when someone is helping you.
  11. Praise publicly. Criticize privately.
  12. There’s almost never a reason to comment on someone’s weight. Just say, “You look fantastic.” If they want to talk about losing weight, they will.
  13. When someone shows you a photo on their phone, don’t swipe left or right. You never know what’s next.
  14. If a colleague or anyone tells you they have a doctors’ appointment, don’t ask what it’s for, just say “I hope you’re okay”. Don’t put them in the uncomfortable position of having to tell you their personal illness. If they want you to know, they’ll do so without your inquisitiveness.
  15. Always put “please” before asking someone to help you do something. Remember, you are asking fot a favor, not giving an order.

I hope these etiquettes helps us correct some errors and make us behave more appropriately.

Picture credit: Qed.ng

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