Wizkid, Tuface, Tiwa Savage, and others to perform at A/Ibom Christmas Groove

Wizkid, Tuface, Tiwa Savage will perform at the maiden edition of the Akwa Ibom Christmas groove tagged, “Ukap’isua,” scheduled to hold Dec. 26 and Dec.27 in Uyo.

Mr Victor Antai, state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, who made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo, listed other acts to include Tekno, Phyno and many more.

He said more than 100,000 fun seekers are also expected at the “Ukap’isua’’ groove which means the end of the year Christmas festival and would feature musical concerts, dance party and beach competitions.

According to him, the star studded event will also include a parade of five bands along the carnival routes, University of Uyo mini stadium – Ikot Ekpene road – Aka road – UdoUdoma Avenue – Unity Park.

He said that five bands have been named after tourist attractions and historical features in the state such as, Blue River Band, Rolling Hills Band, The Beach Town Band, The Bridge Band and The Plaza Band.

Tiwa Savage

He said, “the bands are named after tourist attractions and historical features in the state.’’

“The bands will further expound on the significance of their respective tourism features in their costumes, presentation and parade, thereby helping to market the tourist potentials of the state.’’

“Following our highly successful outing in `Orange September,’ a series of events organised to commemorate the 30th anniversary of our dear state.

“The Ministry of Culture and Tourism under my supervision has decided to undertake another major event in our conscious and regular efforts to further stamp the state as a tourism destination.

“As we all know, yuletide periods in the state have hitherto been bereft of hyped activities.

“During this period we usually witness an outflow of human traffic into neighbouring states as indigenes and fun seekers leave the state in their numbers to other parts of the country in search of entertainment and recreation.

“It is in an attempt to remedy this and spice up the yuletide experience for the citizens of Akwa Ibom State, while effectively marketing our huge tourist potentials that the Ministry has decided to host “Ukap’isua.”

Tuface 

“We hope to create during this same period, a unique experience that will not only create recreation and entertainment, but also market our huge tourism potentials,’’ Antai said.

He explained that “Ukap’isua would commence with the opening of the festival village, located at the auspicious Ibom Unity Park, Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo.

Antai said that the festival village would host relaxation spots, shopping stalls and other recreational facilities.

The commissioner expressed the commitment of the state government to focus on tourism as major source of revenue generation and jobs creation rather than depending solely on oil.  

Wizkid

Four points Sheraton Lagos special Thursday with Hennessey at the rooftop bar

In a bid to continually excite and deliver memorable and bar experiences to esteemed customers; Four points by Sheraton Lagos has announced the commencement of a worthy partnership with Hennessy to create a unique entertainment experience every Thursday evenings at the Hotel’s Office Bar.

According to the General Manager of the Hotel -Marc Wozniak “Thursdays at the Four Points Lagos is now Friday eve”, and undoubtedly described as one of the best events to happen on that day of the week on the island”.

“We are inviting our valued customers to come and enjoy world-class entertainment alongside great Hennessy based cocktails to shake off the day’s work stresswhile taking in the panoramic view of the rooftop bar; savoring well-seasoned barbecued jumbo prawns; signature dodo (plantain) alongside our well spiced snail”.

“Those visiting can be sure to experience some soul lifting live music performances from our band of the day and also dance to your own choice of beats during our silent disco everyThursday’s fortnight”.

“Wednesday eveningsis also not left out; as our customers can now get a bottle of Fantinel Prosecco Brut or even a complimentary room night according to the value spent”.

“The bar opens every weekday from 6pm and 12pm on weekends and public holidays”.

“Four Points by Sheraton Lagos looks forward to welcoming all fun loving fans to the rooftop bar to relax and unwind”. Remarked the General Manager.

Le Meridien Ogeyi Place Unlocks Beaujolais Wine with an exclusive Celebration

Le Meridien Ogeyi Place recently launched a new French wine “Beaujolais”, the launch celebration took place at the poolside of the hotel.

According to the General Manager of the Hotel , Fabian Martinez, “as part of our brand initiative, Beaujolais offers the opportunity to unveil our Le Meridien brand Summer Soiree culture. This program brings to our international guests the feel of French Beaujolais tradition, which is a truly home away from home experience in Nigeria”.

“In addition, our Hotel Executive Sous Chef, Innocent Anaemeje brings a very pleasant experience and opportunity to present French traditional delicacies with assorted French cold cuts” to further inspire the dining experience of our patrons”.

“We have curated our campaign in a way that delivers to our guests yet another way to unlock their destination through French traditional celebration and a modern perspective on this quintessential theme night campaign. Le Meridien cuisine will enable us offer unique and memorable dining experiences,” remarked the General Manager.

FG to make Calabar carnival a foreign exchange earner –Minister

The Federal Government sas it will make the annual Calabar carnival a major foreign exchange earner for Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said this on Sunday in Calabar while flagging off the third dry run of the 2017 carnival which has the theme ‘Migration’.

He said that the carnival, which has united the people over the years and had attracted wider participation, was the longest street party in the world with 12 kilometre-lond route.

He said that it was time for people to start seeing the carnival beyond entertainment but see the seriousness and the message it conveys.

“”We are pushing the Calabar carnival to be a major foreign exchange earner for the country.

“”We have here today, 26 beauty queens from 26 African countries who are contesting for the 2017 Miss Africa pageant.

““That is a big statement because each of these young ladies are going to spend two weeks here and will go back to their countries as our own ambassadors.

““They will tell the story of what they have seen and the hospitality of Cross River and that is a big plus for the state and the country.

““What is happening here today is reverberating throughout the world because this dry run is unique in the sense that it gives the organisers and participants the opportunity to perfect their act.

““I also want to take this opportunity to appeal to the world to see this street party beyond dancing and beyond the costumes’’, he said.

The Minister said that festival had become a platform for youths to vent their creativity and a platform to turn Nigeria’s creative industry into a veritable creative economy.

““I am delighted to know that everything being used in the carnival is manufactured locally by Nigerians.

“”Calabar carnival does not only create an economy, but also unites the whole of Nigeria because it had enlightened the people of Nigeria and the world about Climate Change and Migration’’, he said.

Earlier, Prof. Ivara Esu, Deputy Gov. of the state, said that the annual festival had become an international brand.

Esu said that the state was happy to have the Minister in person to perform the flag off, adding all preparations had been made for the grand finale of the carnival billed for Dec. 28.

The Minister, who was earlier taken through the monorail ride from the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC) to the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, described the project as a major booster to the tourism sector in the state.

“”I am happy to know that the second phase will also link the airport. This shows that Cross River is taking a major step in building infrastructure that will help in pushing the state as a conference hub.

““We will not hesitate in helping the state government to sustain this kind of project. We are ready as a government to provide the enabling environment for states like Cross River to thrive.

“”Even in the Federal Council of Tourism, Cross River is a member because we recognise the giant stride the state is making in tourism’’, he said.

Atiku opens Chicken Cottage outlet in Abuja

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has spoken of plans to develop Chicken Cottage Nigeria as a regional hub for all operations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

He said this at the commissioning a Chicken cottage outlet, owned by him, on Saturday in Abuja.

He promised to open more of the outlets in strategically important locations in Nigeria.

“Our target is to have at least One Chicken Cottage Restaurant in every state in Nigeria.

” Ultimately, we intend to develop Chicken Cottage Nigeria as the regional hub for all operations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Towards this end, I have given approval to the management to commence talks with Chicken Cottage International.”

Abubakar expressed optimism that establishment of the cottage outlets in states would help reduce unemployment in the country.

Atiku, second right at Chicken Cottage opening in Abuja

“You can be sure that having at least one Chicken Cottage in every state will help get Nigerians working again.

“We will provide gainful employment to thousands of Nigerians who would be earning living wages which in turn contributes to reducing unemployment in Nigeria.”

He said that Chicken Cottage would also contribute to patronage of local farmers as the main raw materials for the products would be sourced locally.

This according to him include agricultural produce such as chicken, vegetables, potato, rice.

“My ultimate joy will be to patronise our local farmers and see them have their produce bought and used here in Nigeria and Africa, thereby empowering them.

“Furthermore, the multiplier benefits of this enterprise would extend to transporters, beverage suppliers, Appliance manufacturers, Artisans, Furniture makers.

Ayade’s new city, Calas-vegas, to host 2017 Carnival Calabar Barbecue fest

CALABAR- Calasvegas, the new city created by Senator Ben Ayade the Cross River State governor is to host the 2017 Carnival Calabar Barbecue fest for a select dignitaries including business executives, top political class and musical and home movie artistes that will participate in the Carnival float.

The city which is situated onshore across Calabar River and only by air or by boat is one of the signature projects of the governor which he created after cutting down large portions of mangrove forest and extensive sand filling of the waterlogged area to make for erection of structures.

Mr Eric Anderson the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism stated this at the weekend during the press briefing to highlight the activities that will feature during the 2017 Carnival Calabar, said the barbecue fest will take place on the night of Friday, 15th December.

Mr Anderson said the barbecue fest will feature music, dances and drama presentation adding that the required infrastructure are being put in place to make for a memorable and hitch free hosting of the event at the Calasvegas.

“There is so much excitement in this year’s ceremony not just with the new programme of events lined up for the festival but the fact that Minister of Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed is himself going to be present during the Carnival Tree lighting which shows the collaboration between the state and federal government“

Mr Ken Aklah, the Special Adviser Governor’s Office/Events Management , who led the team stated that more items have been added to the Carnival programme to make it bigger and better and these include ‘power week’, kings and queens contest taking place along the carnival route and camping of security agents at the Christmas Village to maintain adequate security.

He said twenty five countries are expected to participate in this year’s carnival while contestants from thirty two countries are expected to participate in the Miss Africa Beauty Pageant which will be beamed live through DSTV to over one hundred three hundred million viewers across the world.

He said adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure no ugly incidents take place during Carnival and entire festive period.

African Development Bank gives wings to Senegal’s aviation industry

Senegal’s new International Blaise Diagne Airport (AIBD), a 525 million euro infrastructure masterpiece, co-financed with the African Development Bank, opened on Thursday. The airport confirms the Bank’s commitment to Africa’s air transportation development, and a strategic component of the High 5 agenda to integrate Africa.

African Development Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina said, “I applaud the great leadership of President Mackey Sall. He is a visionary with a clear commitment to the delivery of transformative projects. This airport will improve regional connectivity, drive down costs of transportation, grow and transform the economy. The African Development Bank is proud of Senegal.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts an average annual passenger increase of 5% over the next 20 years. According to Pierre Guislain, the Bank’s Vice-President, Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization, “Africa must be ready to capitalize on this opportunity. We are delighted that our efforts to fund critical quality infrastructure across the continent are showing results. The new Airport brings us closer to winning the West African aviation connectivity and logistics hub battle.”

The Bank will continue to support the development of an industry which is a major trigger for social and economic progress and life-changing impact on the continent.

The African Development Bank contributed 70 million euros in loans and acted as a Mandated Lead Arranger to facilitate an additional 140 million euros in loans. Other major financiers are the Islamic Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, the Saudi Fund and the West African Development Bank (BOAD).

The aviation project has already had significant socio-economic impact in Senegal. 3,000 local jobs were created during the construction phase and 427 full-time jobs for the operational phase. Additional jobs are expected in engineering, maintenance, information technologies and security in the next few years.

The state-of-the-art airport facility will be a catalyst for the emergence of small and medium enterprises, attract regional and foreign investments and boost Senegal’s tourism potential.

With a 42,000m2 passenger terminal and a 12,800m² cargo terminal building that is designed to handle 50,000 tons of cargo and 80,000 aircraft movements annually, the new airport resolves a lingering terminal capacity challenge; offers a long-term solution to intra-African economic activity; and resolves a perennial problem of low levels of aviation connectivity in West and Central Africa.

Approximately 3 million passengers are expected to go through AIBD annually.

In the last decade, The African Development Bank has invested close to US$ 1 billion in the aviation sector including funding for airport construction and expansion in Morocco, Tunisia, Cape Verde, and Ghana. Recently, the Bank approved a US$ 160m loan for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). AfDB has also financed investments and capacity building in air traffic and navigation, as well as airline financing.

25 COUNTRIES TO PARTICIPATE IN 2017 CARNIVAL CALABAR FESTIVALS

No fewer than 25 countries from Africa and other continenets of the world are expected to grace the 2017 Carnival Calabar festivals as against 14 countries that took part in the festivals in 2016,they are Morrocco, Tanazania,South Korea,South Africa, and Kenya among others.

Mr. Kenneth Anklah, Special Adviser to Gov Ayade on Events Management made this known on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the calendar of this year’s Carnival Calabar festivals with the theme “Migration “ stated that the increased numbers of countries participating in this year’s event is an indication that the annual event was growing bigger and better.

According to him, a live audience of 264 million viewed the event via social media while 55 countries also watched on DSTV in 2016 edition of the event.

Anklah said the idea was to add value yearly to the festival as we have always been doing in a bid to increase the excitement.

“What we are selling is experience , which is the latest innovation in tourism marketing and tourism is the only product that you need to get to the source to enjoy and that is what we intend to achieve with Carnival Calabar”

“A lot of content has been added and more exciting event introduced and for a product to last for more than a decade, there need to be innovation and this means it will attract more audience ,we want to increase the tempo of the product we have already created “

Speaking further, the S.A said a “Black African Festival” has also been added to create a veritable platform for both local and international artiste to perform in a bid to give local content of breath of life.

He also added that Wonders on wheels a show of vintage cars to allow audience see some exotic cars that were in vogue and ruled in their time to be seen by the generation of today.

“On the streets alone we have about 800,000 people watching it and we have also introduced the wonders on wheels as part as an added value to allow tourist see vintage cars”

Artistes expected to perform at the various shows and events encapsulated in the festival include Mafikozolo from South Africa,Tuface ,Davido,Timaya,Teckno and more with the Minister of Information and Culture ,Lai Mohammed to flag off the event.

Edo Govt. promises colourful cultural fiesta, unveils EDOFEST Logo

The Edo State Government has assured culture and art enthusiasts as well as tourists, of a parade of the state’s prized culture and tourist destinations at the forthcoming Edo Festival of Arts and Culture (EDOFEST), holding between December 17-22, in Benin City.

Speaking at the unveiling of the festival logo at Government House on Monday, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, said: “The main focus of EDOFEST is to promote our people, our wealth of history and civilisation and of course our much-revered rich cultural heritage which will be manifested through our colourful traditional festival.”

He assured that the festival will attract “a large number of visitors from diverse regions within and outside the country to partake in the weeklong event that will be filled with attractions and exciting engagements reminiscent of the arts and culture of our people.”

The deputy governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwengie-Ero, said the choice of the festival theme “Arts, Culture, Our Wealth,” was informed by the fact that “Edo State is deeply rooted in history and civilisation, with global noteworthy monuments such as the arts of Benin Kingdom, the Great Walls of Benin and a host of others that need to be driven and remunerated to the greatest possible extent.”

 L-R: Commissioner for Budget, Hon. Maryam Abubakar; Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero; the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. and Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Monday Osaigbovo at the unveiling of EDOFEST logo, in Government House, Benin City, on Monday, December 4, 2017

Day one of the event will feature the opening ceremony and there will be a carnival and parade display by indigenes and other invited tribes and countries. The day will climax with a movie premiere titled ‘ESOHE’.

The festival will also feature music and cultural shows; seminars and talk shows; photo exhibitions amongst others.

Congratulating the committee of EDOFEST for a great job, the Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG) Osarodion Ogie Esq., said art is an area that will surely engage the youths positively if properly repositioned.

Ogie noted that the youth would not leave the state, or country to seek greener pastures because the greener pastures are in the state.

He expressed delight and confidence in the project and urged the team to ensure there is synergy in delivering the project.

The high point of the event was the unveiling of the EDOFEST Logo by the SSG, Ogie.

Delta Air Lines flies 1.2m passengers in 10 years of operations in Nigeria

1.2 million passengers have been flown between Lagos and Atlanta by American carrier, Delta Air Lines, in its 10 years of operations in Nigeria.

Mr Bob Cortelyou, Senior Vice President, Network Planning, Delta Air Lines, made this known at a news briefing in Lagos , yesterday , to mark the airline’s 10 years anniversary in Nigeria.

Cortelyou, who noted that Delta had operated 6,300 non-stop flights on the Lagos-Atlanta route, said Nigeria remains a very key market to the airline.

He said :“I am very pleased to announce to you that we are launching a second route from Lagos to JFK Airport, New York, starting from March 25,2018.

Delta Airline

“Delta Air Lines is the only foreign airline operating non-stop flights between Nigeria and the United States and we have carried over 1.2 million passengers between the two nations since our inaugural flight on Dec. 4, 2007.”

According to him, the non-stop flight option has made travelling between both nations very convenient for passengers.

Also speaking, Mr Shane Spyak, Delta Air Lines’ Vice President, Sales, Europe, Middle East, Africa and India, said the projections for the Nigerian market had a positive outlook.

Bobby Bryan, Commercial Manager, East & West Africa at Delta Air Lines (M) flanked by Olufemi Adefope, Managing Director, Skylogistics (L) and Salami Omeiza, Station Manager, Delta Air Lines (R)

Spyak said the Nigerian economy was getting out of recession while the issue of not being able to repatriate funds due to lack of foreign exchange had been resolved.

“Repatriation of funds was difficult for a period of one and a half years but I am pleased to say those issues are fully behind us.

“As at now, we are able to repatriate any amount we want and that is one of the reasons for our route expansion in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Bobby Bryan, Commercial Director, East and West Africa and Mr Olufemi Adefope, Delta General Sales Agent, who also spoke at the event, thanked the Nigerian people for their support and patronage.

They both assured customers that the airline would continue to invest in modern aircraft towards ensuring their comfort and safety.