The Federal Government has demanded a full and unconditional return of the 1,130 Benin Bronzes that were looted from the African nation in the 19th century and domiciled in German museums.

The Minister of Information and Culture,Alhaji Lai Mohammed  made the demand in Berlin, Germany,  during separate meetings with the German Minister of State for Culture, Prof. Monika Grutters, and the German Foreign Minister, Mr. Heiko Maas.

Alhaji Mohammed,who led the Nigerian delegation to the talks, said the return should be whole rather than substantial being ascribed to Prof. Grutters

He  maintained  that the issue of provenance, which has to do with the place of origin of the artefacts, should not be allowed to unduly delay the repatriation of the art works, adding: ”That they are known as Benin Bronzes is already a confirmation of their source of origin (which is

Benin).”

He added  that there should be ”absolutely no conditions attached” to the return of the artefacts, which he described as an idea whose time has come.

He emphasized the need  for the parties to commit to definite timelines for the return of the Benin Bronzes.

He said the ongoing discussion between Nigeria and Germany on the return of the art works is not just the end of an era but the beginning of a new vista of stronger relations, pivoted by cultural

diplomacy, between both countries.

Alhaji Mohammed thanked the Government of Germany for taking the lead in the global efforts to repatriate all artefacts that were looted from Nigeria and indeed from the African continent.

”We see Germany as a leader in the efforts to take practical steps to

repatriate our stolen artefacts, and we hope Germany will sustain that lead,” he said

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who is also a member of

the Nigerian delegation, said a ”transformational” museum is being

built in Benin city to house the artefacts upon their return, as part of a new cultural district in the city.

The Governor said he was attending the talks to demonstrate the strong

partnership involving the Federal Government of Nigeria, the (Benin)

royal family and the people of Edo State.

Mr. Yusuf Tuggar,  the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, said the issue of the repatriation of the Benin Bronzes should be seen as an opportunity to take the cooperation between Nigeria and Germany to a greater height.

”This is an opportunity that must not be missed. Minor issues should not delay the repatriation,” he said, commending the government of Germany for taking the lead in the repatriation process.

Earlier, the German Minister of State for Culture, Prof. Grutters, said ”the way we deal with the issue of Benin Bronzes is important to addressing our colonial past,” describing the issues as a ”an

important personal concern.”

She disclosed that the 1,130 artefacts would be returned to Nigeria from the beginning of 2022.

She noted that the fact that Germany has twice sent delegations to Nigeria for talks over the planned repatriation is an indication that both sides have moved beyond mere talks, saying all the Museums in Germany that are holding Benin Bronzes have agreed to cooperate.

French Embassy says it is  exploring new way to develop tourism in Oyo State

A team from French Embassy said this over when they visited the State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and a tourist site, Ado-Awaye hill.

Speaking during the visit, the leader of the French delegation, Dr. Vincent Hiribarren said the country is determined to engage Oyo State and seek ways to explore its tourism potentials in different archaeological and historical sites.

He said: “Currently, France is seeking to help the Oyo State government to document its tourism potentials. This is the first working visit to the state’s tourism sites.The field visit to potential archaeological sites in Oyo State would afford us the opportunity to assess them, with the aim of developing an archaeological project”.

The team also toured studios and archives of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism with the aim of developing a project on digitalisation of archival materials and training of personnel.

Dr. Vincent Hiribarren also promised the French Government’s support to Oyo State, in ensuring the full digitisation of its archaeological documents, archival materials and cultural heritage.

The French delegation added that the relics put up for consideration include Idere Relics, Kunrunmi Relics, Iyake Suspended Lake Ado Awaye & Aso Ofi centre, Iseyin (home of weavers).

“This official visit to the State is marked with a trip to the famous Ado-Awaye hill where we discovered big tourism potentials such as the Iya’ke suspended lake, the Iya’laro lake and an ancient cave”.

Dr. Hiribarren, who heads the French Institute for Research in Africa, promised the French Government’s support to ensure Ado-Awaye among other tourist sites in the State are enlisted on the UNESCO recommendation for tourism, which he noted will consummate the state’s economic diplomacy upgrade.

“We will ensure this is established as part of UNESCO tourism sites, such that it will influence tourists and improve the rating and cultural heritage of the community”, he said.

He added that the visit was an attempt to build on the priorities set by the French Government, saying it was also a sign of Paris’ “willingness to change the narrative of the relations between the State and France”.

“We are working for a new, more sustainable, fairer way to support the tourism potentials in Oyo State. We want to find ways to partner with Oyo State on tourism to create more jobs, and to create more economic growth”, he added.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. ‘Bunmi Babalola appreciated the French Government for the visit, which he noted will increase the volume of economic impact on the people of Ado-Awaye.

He also promised the State Government’s full support to prioritize the tourism sector, which will in turn expand the State’s economy.

The Alado of Ado-awaye, HRM, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran said the community has waited long for the realisation of this age-long dream.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ,says his administration  will promote ease of doing business and attract more tourists to the state.

The governor,who  at the public presentation of the Lagos Tourism Masterplan and Policy and Domestication of Tourism in Lagos,was represented at the occasion by his deputy,

Dr. Obafemi Hamzat

He said since the assumption of Office over two years ago, this administration have taken decisive steps to explore the abundant possibilities in this very critical sector by giving the practitioners and key stakeholders an opportunity to be directly involved in every of the state’s policies, including the process that have led to the development of the two documents being presented today.

“Today’s event is an evidence of our commitment to inclusiveness and stakeholders’ partnership knowing that this sector thrives on public-private partnership and collaboration.

“Our resolve to ensure that the production of these documents come to fruition speaks to our sincere intention to better the lots of Lagosians, promote ease of doing business, and attract more tourists to our State and domestic tourism activities in the Centre of Excellence.

Commending previous administrations that have taken deliberate steps to advance the tourism sector, he said that there are numerous tourism potentials in Lagos State that are yet to be fully harnessed, that the need to harness these untapped tourism potentials necessitated the development of both the Tourism Master Plan and Policy which was conceptualized in 2018.

“We have been decisive in the implementation of all our plans, programmes and policies as enshrined in our THEMES Agenda. Specifically, the Entertainment and Tourism Pillar, being an integral part of these six pillars have been given due attention by our administration.

He added that his administration inherited this document and with the efforts and contributions of relevant stakeholders in the tourism industry, it was reviewed to reflect the current administration’s policy thrust and plans for Entertainment and Tourism pillar under the THEMES Agenda.

The Federal Government (FG) has reiterated its  commitment to formulate effective policies that will provide the enabling environment for the hospitality industry in Nigeria to operate in line with global best practices .

Vice President of Nigeria,Prof. Yemi Osinnbajo, made the call at the commissioning of Marriot Hotel in Lagos,where he also  extolled the resilience of the hospitality industry in bouncing back to operations after it was heavily hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He expressed delight that the industry is taking advantage of technological innovations to adapt to the new norms of providing contact-less services as well as strictly observing the non-pharmaceutical Covid-19 protocols in its impeccable business operations within the sector.

Osinbajo said the sustainability of growth in the hospitality industry is heavily dependent on the capacity of human resources and talent which NIHOTOUR was established to provide for the nation’s travel tourism and Hospitality industry.

He further called on all stakeholders in the industry to place greater focus and priority attention to building capacity and harnessing talents of the indigenous people and vast tourism potentials of the communities where they operate in the country.

He implored  operators of the Nigerian hospitality industry to collaborate with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR, in manpower and capacity development to reposition the sector for better service delivery, enhanced performance and sustainable operations in the sector.

Sterling Bank Plc has expressed its readiness to help develop the productivity of the locally made Aso Ofi weaving industry in Oyo State.

This was disclosed during a stakeholders’ meeting held between the Oyo State government, Sterling bank Executives and representatives of Aso Oke Weavers and Marketers Association, Iseyin

Speaking at the meeting, the Branch Manager of Iwo Road branch of the bank, Mr Gboyega Owojuyigbe explained that as part of corporate responsibilities of the bank to create employment and job opportunities, it set aside N10billion  as Tourism Development Fund to help grow the Tourism potential in Nigeria which is already being enjoyed in Ekiti, Lagos, Osun and Ogun states.

He added that the bank was willing to partner with Oyo State in empowering the Iseyin traditional industry by granting loan to members of the association with little or no interest without collateral so as to increase their productivity and boost domestic tourism industry in the State.

He said:” Sterling Bank has done it in Lagos, Osun and Ekiti and we are happy that Oyo State has shown interest to also benefit from the scheme. Oyo State will even be better because of its uniqueness in tourism and it’s Pace setter status.”

“Our aim is to improve the standard of living of the the traders in Aso oke business by giving them loan to boost their economy without any collateral as it is being practiced in some advanced countries. Once they access the loan it will be easier for them to produce the Aso Ofi fabrics in large quantities and this will go a long way in promoting the culture and tourism in the State.” He submitted.

In his remark, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige disclosed that the government of Engr Seyi Makinde accords great priority to empowerment and security of the people in the state,adding that the development explains its  interest in partnering with Sterling Bank so that its citizens can access and benefit from the N10billion  Tourism Development Fund set aside by the bank.

Hon Ige disclosed that the meeting which happened to be the first physical meeting between the bank and the Oyo state government after series of virtual meeting previously held, hinted that many weavers will benefit from the scheme once the arrangement has been perfected between the government and the bank on how the beneficiaries can access the fund.

The Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) under its Education Tourism Initiative, CLR education consulting, and in partnership with Princewills Trust has announced the commencement of the 2021 Vision and Success Opportunity Challenge.

The Vision and Success Opportunity Challenge is a forum created by Princewills Trust, where ambitious young leaders pitch ideas and strategies for furthering their vision and success in life.

The challenge is designed to help current Nigerian university undergraduates and postgraduates imagine realistic career models and investigate how to shift from concept to reality while still pursuing their studies.

Backed by an incentive of an all-expenses-paid experiential tour of the city of Dubai for the best ten submissions, the objective of the challenge is to enable Nigerian university undergraduates and post graduates to envision viable career models and explore how from ideation to practice, while still pursuing their studies.

To participate, contestants are required to develop and submit a business model pitch in the area of their expertise. Such business models may be novel or the offshoot of current research plans. In either case, it needs to be the original work of the contestant and each contestant is required to work solo for this challenge. The challenge will have two rounds which include a reading Pitch Deck round and a presentation Pitch Deck round.

StellaIbiene Obinwa, Director for Africa (DCTCM), explained that the city of Dubai was chosen for this challenge to gain first-hand knowledge of a global business hub known for its great vision, hospitality, and commerce.

She added that the  tour  intends to introduce participants to the next step in their vision and success journey, including learning resources and post-graduation opportunities in Dubai.

Prince Tonye Princewill, founder and initiator of Princewills Trust, said:”I’m excited to be involved in a project like this, but I’m particularly motivated with this one because it’s Dubai. Not only because it is a wonderful tourist destination, which it is, but also because of the amazing educational opportunities it has with campuses of all the top Universities in the world having a presence there. What motivates me is how Dubai moved from a vision to become reality. It is a modern template for development, governance and nation building and I see lessons there, which no books can teach you. That is why I want others to have a chance to lose sleep, ask their own questions and dare to dream impossible dreams. Because it’s the only way you can guarantee that sustainable change can happen.”

Oyo State Government has hinted that it would make culture  a major contributor to its revenue base.

Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun,the state’s Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism,who disclosed this  first Omituntun Cultural-Tourism Festival which held at the Cultural Center, Ibadan,explained that the occasion was conceived to promote the uncommon cultural potentials inherent in the Yoruba tradition.

He added that with the array of cultural potentials that were showcased at the event, it was clear that culture can add value to the revenue base of the state.

“It is very clear, even to those that have been doubting that Oyo State posses the best of cultural potentials, the present administration will make good use of this opportunity and transform it into a revenue-generating machine.

“We assure you that the present administration, under the able leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde will continue to promote our culture and tourism and as well use the avenue to generate, not just money, but employment opportunities.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams implored  Oyo State government to give more support to cultural promotion.

He encouraged parents and guardians to make it a matter of duty to encourage their wards to speak Yoruba language at home and also greet elders in line with  Yoruba tradition.

“This event is not just about Oyo State but other states in the Yoruba kingdom that now give less value to tradition and customs, we must keep this pace up and fortunately, those that are in the saddles of governance have recognized the efforts of the stakeholders in culture and tourism sectors in the State, all that is needed is to add more support.

“I believe next year’s edition of this festival will be more profound and colorful, I use this occasion to appreciate the governor, once more.”

Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, has disclosed  that Nigeria intends to boost its century old heritage relationship with Brazil with focus on economic development.

He said should  enhance its cultural tourism with the South America country, which is the fifth largest nation in the world.

He further stated that the window of relationship sustained by the thriving community of Brazilian Descendants in Lagos Island would get the Federal Government the necessary assistance through factoring its iconic festival into Nigeria’s cultural festival calendar.

He also appreciated the support and recognition of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State in the ongoing efforts by Brazilian Descendants Association in preserving the history and architecture of Brazilian Nigerians in diaspora in Lagos Island.

Mohammed, represented by Otunba Segun Runsewe, the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), explained that the first generation of Nigerians who were taken by the Portuguese slave merchants, left an enduring legacies of Yoruba culture, which according to him has become a veritable platform of cultural and historical relationship between Nigeria and Brazil, today.

Speaking at the unveiling of the Afro Brazilian Cultural centre in Brazilian Quarters, Popo  Aguda Lagos Island, on Easter Monday, the Minister noted the center would not only preserve the historical narratives of Nigerian descendants in Brazil, but would encourage and foster deep relationship with the government and people of Brazil.

He said: “I want to thank Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide sanwo-Olu for the support and encouragement to the Brazilian Descendants Association and for preserving the architecture of Brazilian Descendants Community in Lagos Island, dating centuries old.”

Mrs.  Ibijoke sanwo-Olu, the wife of the Lagos State Governor, who cut the tape to open the Afro Brazilian Descendants centre, commended the efforts of the association and noted that carnival festival celebration in Lagos nay Nigeria was made manifest by the Brazilian Descendants community in Lagos Island.

She commended the cultural presence of Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture and Runsewe whom she recognized as the pivot of Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy.

Hon. Lawal Pedro, Chairman, Brazil Descendants Association and former Solicitor-General of Lagos State, explained that a museum of Brazilian Descendants community would be opened soon at the Lagos State University as a way of encouraging studies and research of Lagos descendants in Brazil.

He noted further that the POPO AGUDA Lagos Island Centre of the Brazilian Descendants association was geared towards bringing close to the community, easy access to all that needed to be known about historical narratives of Nigerian descendants in Brazil.

Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Oyo state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, has said that  Eleyele Water Front at Eleyele area of Ibadan will soon become a tourists attraction site for  lovers of nature from across the world.

Olatubosun,who disclosed this during the 2021 World Theatre Day, organized by the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Oyo State chapter, explained that the development was in line with  Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment towards promoting tourism in the state.

“By December, the Eleyele Waterfront will be a beehive of recreational activities as it would have opened to tourists from home and abroad for relaxation and rejuvenation of bodies and souls.

“Works are on to turn this vast water body to revenue-generating point for the government and the people of the State that are into hospitality and entertainment of tourists.

“The waterfront will serve the purposes, it has been there for so long without us tapping its potentials all the while, the present administration has taken interest in it and it will soon be in operation.”

He confirmed the support of a number of conglomerates on the new development, while reinstating the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde to  promoting the Cultural heritage of the people and developing tourism potentials, which informed organizing the upcoming ‘Omituntun Festival of Culture-Tourism in the State, which said would involve all the local government administrations across the State through various competitions.

He encouraged the Theatre Arts Practitioners to support the Engineer Seyi Makinde’s administration and  embrace unity and cooperation among themselves and other theatre groups.

In his remarks,the National President of ‘TAMPAN’, Otunba Bolaji Amusan (Mr Latin), represented by Mr. Yemi Amodu, the National Officer in charge of National Research and Documentation, encouraged members to always embark on researches, innovations, self improvement for adequate future plans.

Mr Amodu, who described Oyo  as true pacesetter and a home for human development, urged the practitioners especially, youths to improve on their diction, and manner of articulation in their various projects.

The TAMPAN Governor, Oyo State Chapter, Nollywood Actress, Rose Odika, implored members of the association to always showcase love, unity, cooperation in both their works, ways of life, urging them as image makers of the world to always sue for peace and harmony in the state.