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Be Good Ambassadors, Gov AbdulRazaq Urges Kwara Pilgrims  The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has urged Christian pilgrims from the state to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and Kwara State. Governor AbdulRazaq made this plea on Friday, February 4, 2025, while bidding farewell to the pilgrims at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, as they departed for Israel and Jordan for the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise. The governor, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum, commended President Bola Tinubu for his Renewed Hope initiative, which supports both Muslims and Christians in their religious obligations. He promised to continue supporting pilgrims from Kwara State, regardless of their faith. "I commend President Tinubu for his interfaith support for both Muslims and Christians. His Renewed Hope initiative is for all Nigerians, irrespective of religion or tribe. I promise to continue supporting both Muslims and Christ...

 NCPC Boss Attributes Success to Hard Work BY WALE OLAPADE CELEBRATION: The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has emphasised that hard work is the secret to achieving success. Bishop Adegbite made this statement on Sunday, February 9, 2025, during the 50th birthday celebration of Mr. Solomon Nwachukwu, CEO of Son-Check Tours and a key stakeholder in Nigeria's Christian pilgrimage sector. The NCPC boss expressed his delight in celebrating Mr. Nwachukwu's milestone, acknowledging his contributions to the growth of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria. He noted that reaching the age of 50 is a significant achievement, symbolizing light and positivity. Bishop Adegbite praised Mr. Nwachukwu's character, stating that he has "paid his dues" and earned the respect of many. The celebrant's relationships with esteemed individuals and the caliber of guests at the event testified to his good character and love fo...

 NCPC Boss Emphasises Role Beyond Pilgrimage BY WALE OLAPADE PILGRIMAGE: The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has reiterated that his duty goes beyond organizing pilgrimages to fostering peace and unity in Nigeria. Bishop Adegbite made this statement during a courtesy visit from the Executives of the Tekan Women Fellowship Association, Jos, at the NCPC headquarters in Abuja. The NCPC boss commended women for their resilience and dedication to service in the Christian community. He specifically acknowledged the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as the "Esther of our time" and a "beacon of hope and light" to the body of Christ. Bishop Adegbite assured the Association of his support for their forthcoming program in March. He expressed his commitment to running his office with integrity, stating, "I will run this office with a clean hand, and show people how it is done." ...

Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Pray for Peace and Progress in Nazareth BY WALE OLAPADE PILGRIMAGE: A group of Nigerian Christian pilgrims arrived in Nazareth, Israel, on December 28, 2024, as part of the 2024 Main Pilgrimage Exercise. The pilgrims, mostly from Lagos State, gathered at the Tabar Hotel in Nazareth for a combined Sunday service. During the service, Hon. Mrs. Omowunmi Ogunlola, Federal Commissioner representing the South West in the Board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), read a Bible lesson from Joel 2:18-27, highlighting God's restoration of Israel's glory. Bishop Akinpelu Johnson, Chairman of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, delivered a sermon titled "Restoration of Nigerian Hope," emphasising the need for collective prayer and cooperation with God to restore Nigeria's glory. The pilgrims offered prayers for Nigeria, its leaders, and citizens, seeking God's guidance, wisdom, and restoration. They specifically p...

Akwa Ibom , Yakurr took top spots in other categories By Wale Olapade CARNIVALWINNERS: The Carnival Calabar 2024 came to a close on December 28, 2024, after a month-long celebration of music, dance, and culture, with Calas Vegas adjudged as the band of the year. The carnival, which is one of the largest and most popular in Africa, attracted thousands of visitors from all over the world. The event featured a range of activities, including street parties, cultural performances, and competitions. The grand finale of the carnival was held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, where thousands of revelers gathered to watch the final performances. The event featured a range of performances, including music, dance, and acrobatic displays. The highlight of the event was the announcement of the winners of the various competitions, including the Cultural Carnival, Local Government, Junior Carnival, and Band of the Year categories. Announcing the results of the Carnival Calabar 2024, Akwa Ibom t...

As governor Adodo, AbdulRazaq laud Otu's carnival, economic trends By Wale Olapade CARNIVALCALABAR: In a move to take Africa's biggest street party to the world stage, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has pledged to make the Calabar Carnival a global phenomenon in 2025.  Otu disclosed during the official opening of the biggest street party (Carnival Calabar) in Calabar, which featured seven competitive bands and seven non-competitive bands performing along the 12-kilometer carnival route. He said the 2024 Calabar Carnival, themed "Our Shared Prosperity has been a massive success, with a 32-day celebration packed with exciting activities, including a boat regatta, choir competition, and beauty contest. Governor Otu expressed his gratitude to the dignitaries, tourists, and sponsors present, emphasizing the importance of exploring Calabar's tourism assets. “The Calabar Carnival has become a significant contributor to Nigeria's cultural and economi...

  NCPC boss enjoins Delta   intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors BY WALE OLAPADE PILGRIMAGE: The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) , Bishop Stephen Adegbite has enjoined Delta State i ntending p ilgrims to be good a mbassadors of their state and Nigeria in  Israel and Jordan. Adegbite who was represented by the South South Zonal Coordinator of NCPC, Nkaiso Edemenang gave the advice during the screening of the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise to the h oly l and in Asaba, the state capital. He urged them to  protect the image of their state and not bring shame upon their state, by attempting to abscond in the course of the pilgrimage exercise. Adegbite said the Commission was keen in ensuring the successful pilgrimage exercise that will bring honour to the state and nation at large. He advised the intending p ilgrims to endeavor to provide accurate information in the course of the screening. Speaking, he said the Commission was i...

  NCPC gears up for  2024 main pilgrimage  flag off  to Israel , Jordan BY WALE OLAPADE PILGRIMAGE:   Preparatory to the commencement of the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise to the Holy Land, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite recently undertook a state of readiness visit to Israel and Jordan to ensure smooth operations for this year's Pilgrimage exercise scheduled to commence on 22nd December, 2024. During the visit, the NCPC boss had strategic meetings with relevant stakeholders in Israel which includes officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Border control. As part of his engagement in Israel, the Executive Secretary also visited the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem where he prayed fervently for the nation, for the well-being of Mr President, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the success of the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise, for Board members of the Commission and Staff. It is also i...

NCPC C hristmas carol  sends   message of peace, hope, grace, love -- Bishop Adegbite BY WALE OLAPADE CHRISTMASCAROL:  The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite has said that the message of Christmas is a message of peace, hope, grace and love. Adegbite disclose this recently during the 2024 Christmas carol held at the Commission's corporate headquarters in Abuja. The NCPC boss expressed optimism that the Lord would restore all the cankerworms that the locust had eaten in the lives of Nigerians. He reaffirmed that there would be pilgrimage this year even when many thought it was not going to be possible, "but because Emmanuel, God is with us will never abandon us", he said. According to him, " our Pilgrimage starting on December 22, will be a resounding success", he assured. The NCPC boss cashed in on the Christmas Carol to pray for the well being of President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu...

  Institute of Tourism Professionals Nigeria to induct Aeroport College of Aviation  graduates as members INDUCTION:  As part of the effort to integrate the newly graduated students of Aeroport College of Aviation into the skill pool of the tourism and travel value chain, the Institute of Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) will induct students from the Aviation and Travel Management program as members of the institute during the college’s 10th anniversary celebration and 8th convocation & award ceremony on Friday. This information is outlined in a letter signed by the National President of ITPN, Mr. Abiodun Odusanwo-FITPN, dated December 9, 2024. The letter (ref: ITPN/SW/APA/24/03) states: "On behalf of the National Executive Council of the ITPN, I am pleased to assign you, Otunba Ayodele Olumoko-IFTPN, to represent me at the 10th anniversary and membership induction of Aeroport College of Aviation and Travel Management on Friday, December 13, in Lagos. ”You...

 FTAN President, Benson-Awoyinka, Ajina, Others to speak at Aeroport College of Aviation's 10th Anniversary, 8th Convocation   ANNIVERSARY: Aeroport College of Aviation and Management is excited to announce its 10th anniversary and 8th convocation ceremony, scheduled to take place from December 9 to 15, 2024. The theme for this milestone celebration is "From Dreams to Wings: Celebrating the Journey for a Global Sky."  The event will be held at No. 1 Bilkaminu Akinsanya Street, Off Ajao Estate, NNPC, Ejigbo, Lagos State. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the institution, which has been a leader in aviation education in Nigeria. The week-long celebration will include various events, starting with a convocation ceremony where graduating students will receive their diplomas and certificates. Attendees can look forward to a keynote address by a renowned aviation expert, as well as cultural performances and exhibitions that highlight the institution's acco...

Nigeria validates national fisheries and aqua culture policy AQUAPOLICY:  Stakeholders in the Marine and Blue Economy sector recently gathered in Abuja to validate the National Fisheries and Aqua Culture Policy for Nigeria (2025-2029). The policy, which is the result of collaborative efforts between the International Food Policy Research Institute, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, aims to ensure sustainable development of fisheries and aqua culture for nutrition and food security. According to Professor Anthony Onoja, Team Lead of the Policy Writing Committee, the policy has three primary objectives: to ensure sustainable development of fisheries and aqua culture, to optimise human and natural resource utilisation and conservation, and to provide inclusive and sustainable livelihoods, create wealth, and reduce poverty. The Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, commended the CG...

Travel journalists to be honoured at National Tourism Transportation Summit  AWARDS:  The organisers of the National Tourism and Transportation Summit (NTTS) have announced plans to honour some of Nigeria's travel journalists at this year's summit, scheduled to hold on December 3 and 4, 2024. Among the recipients of the prestigious award are Frank Meke, a frontline multi-talented print and broadcast journalist; Andrew Okungbowa of New Telegraph newspaper; Lucky George of Africa Travel Times; and Okorie Uguru, publisher of Africa Travel Herald. Meke, a pioneer awardee of the Nigerian Travel Journalism Award and a Tourism Advocate Awardee, has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to tourism journalism, spanning over three decades.  His incisive developmental reports on the industry have earned him numerous accolades. A widely travelled and Nigerian tourism-centric journalist, Meke is also a notable cultural tourism columnist and broadcaster.  He pi...

Frank Meke wins 2024 Pioneer Tourism Journalism Leadership Award  ITPNAWARD:  Renowned journalist, Frank Meke has been awarded the 2024 Pioneer Tourism Journalism Leadership Award by the National Tourism Transportation Awards, a flagship arm of the Institute of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ITPN). Meke, a veteran journalist with over three decades of experience, was recognised for his outstanding contributions to tourism journalism, particularly his developmental reports on the industry. A pioneer awardee of the Nigerian Travel Journalism Award by the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and a Tourism Advocate awardee by the National Association of Nigeria Tour Operators (NATOP), Meke has consistently demonstrated excellence in his reportage and interpretation of the travel, tourism, transportation, and hospitality sectors of the Nigerian economy. According to Shettima Abdullahi, Fellow Institute of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (FITPN), Meke's achiev...

Adegbite hails FG's directive to sell crude oil to local refineries in naira ECONOMY: The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has described the Federal Government's recent directive to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) to sell crude oil to local refineries in Naira as a welcome development. The NCPC boss said, "This is a bold move to stabilize the economy and promote local refining." He explained that this presupposes that the NNPCL will sell crude oil to local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, in Naira. Interestingly, the NCPC boss maintained that the implementation of the NNPCL/Local Refineries Crude oil and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) sale in Naira has enabled the creation of sufficient room for all interested market participants to participate in the purchase and sale of petroleum products. He asserted that "this policy change is aimed at conserving Foreign Exchange res...

We’re simplifying visa processes, connecting Nigeria travel agents to tourism board globally— Ayodeji, Principal Executive, Flyzone Tourism TRAVELINNOVATION:   IN its determination to revolutionise travel businesses in Nigeria, Flyzone Tourism has strategically explore avenu to streamlining visa processes and connecting Nigerian travel agents with global tourism boards. The Principal Executive of Flyzone Tourism, Mr Awomoyi Ayodeji, who   disclosed this in an interview at the sideline of Akwaaba African Travel Market held in Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos attributed the company’s success to its extensive network and relationships with tourism boards worldwide. According to Ayodeji “Flyzone Tourism, established in 2018, leverages its extensive network and relationships with tourism boards worldwide to simplify visa applications for Nigerian travel agents. With over 8,900 agents in its database, Flyzone has expanded its services to Kenya and Dubai through franchise partners...

NCPC to explore holy sites in Turkey BY WALE OLAPADE PILGRIMAGE:  The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has announced the commissions bid to explore holy sites in Turkey. Adegbite disclosed this on October 8, 2024, while playing host to a Turkish delegation from Turquaz Group and Afrosum Faith Tourism in Abuja. The place of Turkey in the history of the church is very vital, explaining that Turkey takes about 60 percent of the Old Testament events in the Bible. Turkey is significant in pilgrimage; it makes Bible real." The NCPC boss assured the Turkish delegation of a robust partnership with the Commission that would snowball into the exploration of Christian Holy sites in Turkey.  He inform the delegates that most members of the church in Nigeria want to go to Turkey on pilgrimage. Bishop Adegbite further assured them that "for us at NCPC, we are open; we are ready to partner with credible organizations." He...

CINEMAX TRANSFORMS NIGERIAN FILM DISTRIBUTION LANDSCAPE By Wale Olapade FILM:   Cinemax celebrates Wumi Toriola’a debut film in cinema In the ever-evolving world of Nigerian cinema, one company stands out for its commitment to transforming film distribution Cinemax, Founded by visionary entrepreneur Ope Ajayi is leading the charge to deliver quality content to audiences across different platforms. Through its fully owned production company, Captain of The Sea Productions Ltd; the company is, dedicated to telling compelling African stories, breaking out exciting talent to the forefront of the entertainment industry. Cinemax emerged at a time when the Nigerian film industry was ripe for innovation. With a clear mission to bridge the gap between creators and audiences, the company focuses on producing and distributing quality content that resonates with viewers across the nation. Its strategic approach has redefined how films reach cinemas and ultimately the hearts of mo...

  NCPC Boss, Bishop Adegbite Congratulates President Tinubu, Nigeria @ 64 By Wale Olapade ANNIVERSARY:  The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria for its 64th independence anniversary celebration. The NCPC boss affirmed that "it is a great privilege to be part of history as Nigeria marks her 64th independence anniversary, having got her independence on October 1st, 1960." He urged President Bola Tinubu and his team to ensure that "the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain." He added that "though tongue and tribe may differ, but we shall remain united as one entity called Nigeria." Bishop Adegbite further urged President Bola Tinubu to "remain focused and unwavering in his commitment to deliver the dividend of democracy through the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration." He commended him for assenting to th...

Ade-John  says  leveraging on tourism is a catalyst for peace, prosperity By Wale Olapade TOURISM:  Nigeria's Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, reiterated the country's commitment to leveraging tourism for peace, understanding, and economic growth at the World Tourism Day 2024 celebrations. Speaking at the FCT Arts Pavilion, Minister Ade-John emphasised tourism's vital role in advancing national and global peace efforts, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. "Tourism is more than an industry; it is a pathway to peace and reconciliation," Ade-John stated. "Every interaction between a visitor and a host is an opportunity to build bridges of understanding." She said Nigeria's tourism sector projected to create 2.6 million new jobs and contribute ₦ 12.3 trillion to the economy by 2032 (WTTC). Ade-John spoke on the revitalization of National Tourism Policy and Tourism Development MasterPlan, noting that reactivati...