LAGOS, NIGERIA – In a remarkable show of national unity, Commissioners, Director Generals and Senior Special Advisers of Tourism and Culture from Ekiti, Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Osun states and other key stakeholders in the industry gathered at La Campagne Tropicana, Lagos, for a pivotal two-day sensitisation event, dedicated to refining the final details for the IPADA Initiative and Carnival 2024. Spearheaded by the visionary founder of La Campagne Tropicana, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye and supported by the Federal Ministry of Tourism, this assembly represents a concerted effort to celebrate and elevate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The event scheduled to hold from November 29th – December 12th 2024 is poised to captivate both local and global audiences, reflecting the nation’s vibrant traditions and fostering a renewed sense of pride and engagement among Nigerian residents, diaspora and international community alike.
The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Minister. Lola Ade-John and the Permanent Secretary, Tourism and Arts, Culture & Creative Economy, Mrs. Ibiene Roberts, OON, both attended the event. The Honourable Minister delivered a powerful speech represented by Mr. Sunday Bisong, Director of Domestic Tourism. In her address, the Minister highlighted the IPADA Initiative and Carnival as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and a prime opportunity to align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which seeks to strengthen national unity and drive economic prosperity. She emphasised that the IPADA Initiative and Carnival are not merely a celebration but strategic platforms to showcase Nigeria’s cultural wealth and promote tourism that benefits both local communities and the national economy.
“The IPADA Carnival is a significant occasion for us to share our diverse cultural heritage with the world. Through the collaboration of state governments and the Federal Ministry of Tourism, we are determined to create an experience that will attract millions of visitors, foster national unity, and position Nigeria as a leading cultural tourism destination globally,” stated the Honourable Minister.
The Honourable Minister further elaborated on the critical role that this event plays in driving economic growth, noting that the Carnival will not only boost tourism revenues but also create lasting benefits for local communities by fostering job creation, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting cultural exchange.
Mr. Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, the mastermind behind La Campagne Tropicana, played a pivotal role in the event, reinforcing the vital partnership between the private sector and the government. His unwavering passion for the IPADA Initiative is seen as essential in elevating Nigeria’s cultural tourism profile on the international stage. Mr Otunba Akinboboye’s contributions to the Carnival have been instrumental in ensuring that the event will offer world-class experiences that resonate with both local and international audiences.
As the IPADA Carnival 2024 approaches, the collaboration between federal and state governments, along with private sector support, is set to make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s tourism landscape. The Carnival is expected to attract the Nigerian populace, diaspora and global visitors, fostering a renewed sense of pride in Nigeria’s cultural identity while contributing significantly to the country’s economic development.
For further information, please contact:
Chindaya Ahmadu
Director of Press, Ministry of Tourism
