By Jimoh Babatunde

President of La Campagne?Tropicana Beach Resort and founder of the IPADA Initiative, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, has reiterated the need for greater unity among African nations to unlock the continent?s vast tourism potential.??

He made the call while giving an update on preparations for this year?s edition of the IPADA  celebration.

Akinboboye noted that despite being the world?s wealthiest continent in natural and cultural endowments, Africa has yet to fully harness these resources due to divisions, fragmented policies, and limited collaboration among member states.

He emphasized that the IPADA Initiative was created to promote African unity, strengthen ties with the diaspora, and showcase the continent as a global destination for cultural tourism and economic investment.

According to him, this year?s celebration will feature a series of cultural displays, investment forums, tourism showcases, and diaspora engagement activities designed to deepen cooperation and reposition Africa as a collective force in global tourism.

?Africa has over 30 million square kilometers of land, countless natural wonders, and a population rich in creativity and innovation,? he said. ?If we unite, collaborate, and promote what we own, tourism alone can transform our economies.?

Akinboboye expressed optimism that the 2025 IPADA celebration will draw increased participation from governments, private-sector stakeholders, and diaspora groups, adding that the initiative is gaining momentum as a continental platform for cultural renaissance and economic empowerment.

He reaffirmed his commitment to using tourism as a tool for African integration, job creation, and the strengthening of Africa?s global influence.

Partnerships Central to Transforming NAFEST 2025 ? Asika

The Director-General of the?National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika, has said that strategic partnerships are at the heart of delivering a transformative 2025 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), scheduled to hold in Enugu State from November 22 to 29.

Asika said the Council has strengthened its Public-Private Partnership framework, attracting corporate sponsors, development agencies, and creative industry collaborators to ensure a financially sustainable and impactful festival.

He noted that early commitments from partners?including the British Council, Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)?will enhance programming, professional development, and logistics. 

The festival will also feature Creative Hustle workshops targeting young filmmakers, fashion entrepreneurs, and music professionals.

According to him, NAFEST is moving beyond dependence on government funding, adopting sponsorship activations, branded events, and revenue-generating models.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, affirmed the state?s readiness, saying NAFEST 2025 demonstrates how culture, innovation, and partnerships can drive economic growth. The state?s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ugochi Madueke, added that collaborations with local and international partners will help deliver a world-class, impactful festival.

Asika said NAFEST 2025?featuring cultural parades, fashion showcases, culinary contests, and over 15 competitive categories?aims to balance entertainment with capacity building, setting a new benchmark for future editions.

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