The Abuja IBelieve Carnival kickoff proved to be a remarkable success, launching with an inspiring Culture and Tourism Summit. The summit, themed Sustainable Tourism: Be the Light: Connecting Cultures, Creating Tomorrow, showcased exceptional guest speakers and attracted a diverse gathering of individuals dedicated to enhancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Among the esteemed speakers were Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat at the FCTA; Mmadili Okwumabua, Founder and Executive Director of the Community Planning and Design Initiative Africa; Chika Offor, MD/CEO of Vaccines Network for Disease Control; Sam Obafemi, Founder/CEO of Cerca Africa; and Nduwhite Ndubuisi and Muhammad Safudeen, among others.
The event was further enriched by the presence of dignitaries, including ambassadors from various African and Asian nations, each promoting their rich and diverse cultures. The opening ceremony also featured colorful performances by dance troupes representing the Irigwe tribe of Plateau State, whose captivating display of traditional dances added a lively and cultural dimension to the event.
Discussions during the five-day event centred around overcoming the challenges that have constrained Nigeria’s tourism potential. The emphasis was placed on fostering knowledge-sharing and championing change at the community level. Speakers highlighted the ripple effect that education and awareness can have, noting that when individuals lead by example, they inspire change within their households and communities. For instance, educating children about environmental preservation can lead to a generational shift, as they carry these lessons beyond their homes to their schools and peers.
The summit also addressed infrastructural gaps within the tourism sector, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. While government efforts are crucial for developing tourist-friendly infrastructure, speakers stressed the need for private sector innovation to create unique cultural experiences. Initiatives such as designing architectural landmarks that celebrate Nigeria’s diverse heritage were highlighted as a means to attract both local and international tourists. By cultivating environments that reflect local culture and traditions, Nigeria can become a destination that people are eager to explore, photograph, and celebrate.
In conclusion, the summit called for a deeper reflection on Nigeria’s cultural identity through architectural designs and tourism projects, urging both government and private entities to champion sustainability and cultural pride. This approach aims to transform tourism into a vital, thriving aspect of Nigeria’s national identity and economy.
