Travel
Enugu Airport: Reps Task Contractor To Double Efforts Towards Easter Deadline
Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, have tasked the contractor handling the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, PW, to double its efforts towards ensuring the airport is reopened by Easter, as earlier promised.
Speaking on behalf of members of the aviation committee, when they inspected the ongoing airport rehabilitation, on Thursday, the committee chairman, Hon. Nnoli Nnaji, expressed concern over the pace of work, stating that “it is not acceptable to us if you don’t complete this project before Easter”.
Hon. Nnaji who reminded the contractor of its promise that the rehabilitation of the runway and installation of necessary equipment will be ready before Easter, disclosed that the committee had promised Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, whom he said has made a lot of contributions towards the reopening of the airport, and the entire South East people as well as all those using the airport, that the project will completed, inaugurated and put to use as promised.
“So we are asking you to apply all necessary means to facilitate this all-important project. You promised us that even if it means working at night, that you people will achieve it. Double your efforts so that this airport can be used before Easter. There are certain things you complained about; the consultant said they have been taken care of. So I don’t think there will be issues.
“We are pleading with you to deliver quality work as scheduled. We don’t want to disappoint our people. We want to make sure that we live up to our promise”.
Insisting on quality, Hon. Nnaji maintained that his committee is also ensuring that the work being done by the contractor meets the international standard for the safety and convenience of the airport users.
During their visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi, the aviation committee chairman, had thanked the governor for all his efforts towards the realization of the airport project, including his recent promise to reconstruct the access road to the VOR/DME and meteorological facilities behind NNPC depot at Emene.
He equally appreciated the efforts of other governors of the South East geo-political zone, the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, the leadership and members of the National Assembly, especially the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and his fellow committee members, among others, stressing that “we have a mandate to ensure that the Airport is reopened before Easter”.
Addressing newsmen, the Enugu State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, who is also member of the Technical Committee of the South East Governors Forum on the rehabilitation of the Enugu airport, restated Gov. Ugwuanyi’s commitment towards completion of renovation works at the airport.
Other members of the committee, during the oversight function at the airport, include Hon. Musa Mohammad Pali (deputy chairman), Rt. Hon. Martin Oke, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Hon. Kasimu Bello Maigari, Hon. Ifeanyi Chidi Momah, Hon. Abubakar Yarima Idris, Hon. Shoyinka Olatunji, Hon. Hassan Abudulahi and the clerk of the committee, Young Woko.
Hospitality
Nature, Wellness and Culinary Drive 2025 Travel Trends in Africa, according to Mastercard Economics Institute
New Mastercard Economics Institute Travel Trends Report 2025 reveals that purpose in the form of nature-driven travel, wellness escapes and culinary adventures, are among the top drivers of tourism across Africa, SANDRA ANI reports
The Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) has released its annual Travel Trends 2025 report, revealing the latest consumer spending insights and motivation when it comes to travel.
Cross-border movement is often influenced by the most pressing economic factors of the moment, such as exchange rates and geopolitical tensions. However, these are not the only factors driving consumers’ travel spending decisions, including those in Africa. Personal and purpose-driven factors remain powerful even when economic uncertainty looms.
Building on the resilience of the global travel sector seen last year, the 2025 report highlights how destinations across the African continent are increasingly appealing to tourists and, creating additional opportunities for local markets to develop tourism.
“Africa is emerging as a global leader in purpose-driven travel, where nature, wellness, and culinary experiences are redefining the continent’s tourism landscape. These trends present a powerful opportunity to drive inclusive growth, support local economies, and position Africa as a key player in the future of global tourism,” said Mark Elliot, division president, Africa, Mastercard.
Whether drawn by Namibia’s wellness retreats, South Africa’s wilderness experiences or Morocco’s vibrant culinary scene, travelers are expanding their horizons beyond traditional hotspots.
“Tourism is playing an important role in Africa’s growth story. Travelers are increasingly drawn to the continent’s natural beauty, culinary diversity, and wellness experiences. While economic and geopolitical factors matter, the pursuit of meaningful, purpose-driven travel remains strong. The Mastercard Economics Institute’s report sheds light on how countries are tapping into this trend to attract visitors and boost local economies,” said Khatija Haque, chief economist EEMEA, Mastercard Economics Institute.
By exploring a full range of travel motivations, the report identifies the main themes shaping travel today:
Africa trends:
- Nature-fueled adventures: South Africa and Zambia dominate cross-border spending around national park areas. Spending around South Africa’s major national parks far outpaced that of other countries, with nearly a quarter of the cross-border spending occurring within these zones. Zambia is also highly ranked as an outdoor adventure destination.
- Culinary crossroads: Marrakech ranks highly on the foodie list with its median restaurant hosting tourists from many different countries, often to enjoy meals of tagine and b’stilla. Cape Town is also on the list, with its bobotie dish proving popular with visitors.
- Wellness in the wild: Africa is establishing itself as a global leader in wellness-centered travel as consumers prioritize rejuvenation and self-care. Namibia, South Africa and Botswana are among the top destinations for travelers seeking spa-style and nature-based retreats and immersive eco lodges. Kenya is also ranked among the top 20 destinations for wellness In the Mastercard Wellness Index 2025.
Other global trends:
- Spa, summit and savor: Personal passions and goals motivate travel choices. Adventure-seekers are heading to the Nordics, where Finland’s national parks account for 7.1% of cross-border spending in the country.
- Summer destination draws: The Asia-Pacific region commands the list of trending summer destinations. Flight booking data reveals the top global destinations gaining most momentum for June-September travel, relative to last year. Tokyo is the number one trending spot for summer 2025, followed by Osaka and then Paris.
- Fuelled by fans: Fans travel internationally to see their favorite teams and athletes play. Case in point? During Shohei Ohtani’s World Series debut, spending by Japanese visitors in Los Angeles surged by 91%, six times the broader cross-border boost.
- Money matters: Despite geopolitical tensions and fluctuating prices, the factors that motivate consumers to travel are often more complex than just economic. But currency depreciation can make certain destinations, like Japan, more attractive due to their better value for money.
- Wheeling and dealing closer to home: In general, business travelers favor longer trips within their own regions, driven by hybrid work models and geopolitical uncertainty. However, there are exceptions, with UK businesses spending a growing share of their travel budgets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Mastercard is dedicated to helping the global tourism sector grow through market analysis and high-frequency, data-driven insights that enhance the travel experience. By empowering destinations and businesses to better understand evolving consumer trends, Mastercard is helping to shape a more connected and resilient future for travel across Africa.
You can view the full “Travel Trends 2025: Purpose-driven journeys” and other reports and insights from the Mastercard Economics Institute can be found here.
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.
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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