The senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly, Ned Nwoko, has called for the reinvention of tourism in Africa through a pan-African tourism and development mechanism to drive the Tour Africa Lottery.
As the Chairman of Project Tourism Africa and a leading advocate for pan-African tourism, Nwoko made this appeal on Monday, while hosting the winners of the inaugural “Visit Rwanda” campaign at his residence in Abuja.
The event celebrated the visionary initiative, which aims to showcase Africa’s vast tourism potential and position Nigeria as a gateway for global travel and cultural exchange.
Senator Nwoko praised the winners for their accomplishments and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing tourism as a key driver of Africa’s economic transformation.
“Tourism is not just a tool for economic growth; it is a means to connect people, promote cultural affinity and foster regional unity and integrations.
Through initiatives like Project Tourism, we are redefining Africa’s narrative and showcasing the continent as a premier destination on the global stage,” the statement stated.
The Senator also charged the winners to remain focused on the goals of the trip, which include fostering cultural exchange, appreciating Africa’s natural beauty, and bringing back laurels during an interactive session,
The lawmaker who delved into critical topics such as global warming, climate change, and the rich cultural identities of African peoples, stressed the urgent need to preserve these identities in post-colonial Africa, noting their significance to the continent’s heritage.
Furthermore, Senator Nwoko drew the attention of Nigerians and the African continent to a growing continental awareness, underscoring the recent pushback by African states against cultural and policy impositions by external forces.
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Addressing the gathering, at the occasion, Project Director of Tour Africa, Chukwuebuka Anyaduba, hinged the success of the Visit Rwanda campaign on bridging the gaps between African nations and inspiring exploration of the continent’s unparalleled beauty.
The winners of the Visit Rwanda campaign, who are set to embark on an exciting journey to Rwanda from December 15–20, 2024, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity, lauding the Tour Africa Lottery for creating a platform that will encourage pan-African exploration and fosters cultural appreciation.
The trip, coordinated by East Africa Regional Representative for Project Tourism, Ms. Anita Soina, will showcase Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant heritage, and world-renowned hospitality.
The winners of this maiden edition are: Ezirim Linda Chioma, Christiana Sanni, Juliet Ezeugbo, Hope Omale and
Ifeoma Okparajiego
The Tour Africa Lottery, was sponsored by Linas International and supported by the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), representing a bold initiative to promote pan-African tourism and regional integration.