The Nation Newspaper

Category: Travels on Saturday

  • COSON , hoteliers agree on royalty as NTDC settles rift

    History was made in Abuja recently as hoteliers in the country under the aegis of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and Hotel Employers and Personal Services Association of Nigeria (HOPSEA) and the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) signed an agreement seeking to ensure the payment of royalties to music artistes across the country.

    The agreement, which was brokered by the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation NTDC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, was signed at the Bolingo Hotel and Towers and had the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the Hotel Owners’ Forum Association (HOFA) as witnesses.

    The agreement for payment of royalties by hotels and similar establishments took two days of intense negotiations between all affected parties with Otunba Runsewe having to intermittently calm frayed nerves.

    In his remarks just after the signing ceremony, the NTDC chief expressed his joy at the landmark achievement saying his passion for the growth of the hospitality and music industry necessitated his resolve to find a lasting solution to the impasse, while thanking all concerned for their cooperation, especially the NCC whom he described as a major witness to the event.

    Fielding questions from journalists, Runsewe said, “Today is very historical because, for a very long time, there had been some disagreement between the copyright and different stakeholders and our corporation has taken the lead by resolving the entire issue. We have signed the agreement and all hotels across the country will now be able to pay the royalty fee for using intellectual materials”.

    Speaking further, he revealed that all court cases had been withdrawn, stressing that what obtains now is a level-playing field for all parties. In his words, “Most importantly, all court cases have been withdrawn. No more court cases and so it’s now a level-playing field for everyone”

    Displaying the documents to journalists, Otunba Runsewe noted that all parties involved signed the agreement, saying, “I would like to show it to you. All parties have signed, from the Copyright, HOPSEA and HOFA whose presidents are here, my good self and the NCC have all signed this agreement.”

    He observed he was particularly happy and proud as a Nigerian that we can resolve issues among ourselves instead of dragging issues, thereby overheating the polity.He said the historic event represented a boost for tourism development and victory for the generality of Nigerian artistes.

    Runsewe used the platform to appeal to other sectors to take a cue from the momentous occasion by resolving issues expeditiously and amicably, advising that such moves would help the country by creating more jobs and making the environment better for Nigerians.

    Reacting to the development, the Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji, was visibly excited, averring that, “The basic issues are that music used in Nigerian hotels and similar establishments from now on would be paid for so that the musicians will no longer be working in vain”, adding, “This has taking many decades of fights, but finally we have put pen on paper and we have all agreed that this is worth doing because it is what is done everywhere in the world.”

    He was upbeat that the move will create employment for Nigerians, while young people will now be excited expressing their talents because, according to the COSON chair, “A lot of our young people who will want to get employment in the area will be excited because they know that they will be reward for the work that they do, and creativity will thrive in Nigeria”

    At the end of the signing ceremony, all parties involved including HOFA President, Abuja Chapter, Engineer Onofiok Ekong; HOPSEA boss, Chief Samuel Alabi, who also doubles as president of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN); representative of NCC, J. S. Fagbemi and DG, NTDC shook hands in a show of friendship and unity which they agreed was necessary in taking the industry to the next level.

  • Oritsejafor calls on Israel to facilitate easy clearance of pilgrims

    The leader of the federal government delegation for the 2012 Christian pilgrimage, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has called on the Israeli authorities to help in facilitating the easy and smooth clearance of Nigerian pilgrims at the Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv, Israel. He made this known in Jerusalem while meeting with the Israeli foreign affairs officials recently.

    The meeting, which was attended by other members of the federal government delegation, members of the house committee on foreign affairs and the executive secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission ( NCPC), Mr John Kennedy Opara, was important in order to strengthen the entire pilgrimage exercise.

    Pastor Oritsejafor, who is also the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), further canvassed for a permanent permit for Nigerian pilgrim desk officers in Israel. He equally appealed to the Israeli foreign affairs officials to reduce the visa approval period for Nigerian pilgrims from five days to three days.

    He also charged them to help in facilitating and fast- tracking the signing of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Israel as this would reduce the stress the pilgrims go through.

    Earlier, the Israeli head of African division in the ministry, Mr Ari Granot, described the visit of the Nigerian delegation to Israel as a home visit as the country has become a second home to Nigerians who yearly come to Israel to fulfil their spiritual desires.

  • When CARNIRV 2012 set Rivers aglow

    The week-long bouquet of exciting and highly engaging activities at this year’s Rivers State carnival, CARNIRIV, reaches the climax on Saturday, December 15, with Governor Rotimi Amaechi, leading scores of very important personalities and hundreds of participants in two epic closing events – Garden City Freestyle Parade and World Peace Concert.

    The parade was an artistic blend of contemporary cultural procession during which the governor, who is the chief celebrant as well as dignitaries, residents and tourists adorned different kinds of colourful costumes and matched through designated streets within Port Harcourt metropolis.

    The Director-General, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA), Dr. Sam Dede, said the morning cultural procession is one of the peak moments of CARNIRIV while the peace concert, a rhythm-filled musical session accompanied by spectacular fireworks, brings the carnival to a grand close in the evening.

    The procession through Aba, Ikwerre and Stadium roads, was lit up by eight live bands in a bid to add to the exhilaration which the parade already promised.

    The cultural fiesta, which held from December 9 to December 15 in Port Harcourt, features a variety of indigenous and international displays. The Black African Music Festival (BAMFest), which held on Wednesday, December 12, featured Grammy Award-winning reggae star and rapper, Shaggy, and fellow reggae singer, Patra, celebrated Nigerian music acts, Tuface Idibia, and Duncan Mighty. The artistes thrilled the crowd with a memorable performance.

    Another main attraction was the Ekere: Rhythm of the Tribes, a display of the rich cultural heritage and glamour of the Rivers people in the 23 local government areas. Each local government area put of a show of glamorous costumes and captivating dance steps.

    Speaking about his assessment of this year’s edition of CARNIRIV, Dede expressed satisfaction with the organisation, attendance and active participation of the residents and other stakeholders at every aspect of the fiesta, while assuring them that subsequent editions would be better and bigger than what they have witnessed so far.

    He said: “It has really come with challenges, but they are not challenges that were insurmountable. The first important thing that we want to do with the carnival is to impact on the economy of the host community, that is, Rivers State.

    “We set out to employ data services company and they have been giving us reports and it has been positive. People are beginning to warm up to the carnival. We invited people to come out and own the carnival and they have really overwhelmed us with their participation. So, it is good thing.

    “We are going to make the data available. We had visitors from Trinidad and Tobago, and we had a hectic time getting places for them. The hotels were booked. We really had a hectic plan getting things in place not because we did not plan for all these, but really did not envisage the huge turnout. It has been really enormous. It was overwhelming, but we are coping with it. People out there on the field are looking for accommodation for people. Our website is bursting and the transport system has been really overwhelmed by the number of people. I think that is what the aim of the carnival is about. People must begin to feel the impact of the carnival just they way that we also expect them to come out as spectators or as volunteers. If you look around, you see over 500 volunteers and some of them have volunteered their services for free; some of them we are going to pay. We are really happy about that.”

    On this year’s theme, Dede said: “The theme for this year’s carnival is reminiscing our past, consolidating our future. It is not unconnected with the Port Harcourt’s 100 years celebration. I think that after 100 years, you should be able to sit down and look at your past and then seriously assure yourself that the future is going to be bright. So, that is what we’ve sat back to look at. If you recall, we had Professor Wole Soyinka giving us a key- note address at the CARNIRIV colloquium and then we have looked at our culture in the last 100 years. We have looked at our economy. We have looked at the struggle of people in the last 100 years, and I think for sure we are assuring ourselves that the future can only get better.”

    Dede said the Amaechi government has a five-year rolling plan for the carnival within which it will be turned into a world class spectacle: “We have a five- year development plan for CARNIRIV and this year’s is the first year of the development plan.That is why we call it a road map for the carnival. The idea is that in the next five years we would have a brand that is recognizable in every part of the world.

    “From five bands last year, we have 10 because the existing bands that we have are bursting with application. So, what we have is five new bands, two were created by individuals and we have created another two and one other official band. The membership of these bands is enormous, but for purposes of control and administration, we are trying to restrict each to about 450. In some bands, they have registered over 1000. So, we threw out an invitation to our people and they responded in a way that we are even overwhelmed.”

    While the enthusiasm of the people for the carnival is unmistakable, the logistics for the carnival needs to be worked out better in terms of route crowd control and vehicular movement.

    One major minus for this year’s carnival was the poor timing. The float left Silverbird Galleria starting very late when the sun was at its brightest. It will be difficult to get the best out of the participants. It is very important for organisers to allow the float to move early.

    The freestyle bands would need to improve on the costuming and float decoration.

    Overall, it was a showpiece that had the people of River State rocking for one week. This is a testament of peace in the state, a sine qua non for tourism to thrive.

  • Why we’re committed to CARNIRIV, by Amaechi

    Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has said that the state government keeps date with the hosting of its annual cultural carnival popularly referred to as CARNIRIV because the event is a major platform that celebrates the uniqueness of the Rivers people and their rich cultural heritage.

    This is as the organisers of the carnival have reported an upsurge in the number of tourists and visitors from across the world, including Nigerians in the Diaspora and other visitors who have moved into Port Harcourt, the state capital, since the carnival began on Sunday.

    Amaechi explained that unlike the popular opinion in certain quarters, carnivals are not just the display of costumes and dances, but a celebration of the value of the people. He stressed that CARNIRIV in particular is a symbolic event that speaks to the distinctiveness of the people of the state who he described as a good people.

    The governor, in a message to formally declare CARNIRIV 2012 open, said that it was worth celebrating the state and its people because of their commitment to excellence in all areas of their endeavours.

    ‘‘It is good to be from Rivers State. I salute all those who have climbed on the local government floats, and everyone who will climb into a costume and the costumier who made them. I salute every dancer, singer and poet. You are our story tellers and CARNIRIV is our story’’, Amaechi said.

    Although some activities such as the Kid’s Carnival and Praise Jam had earlier held on Sunday, the carnival was pronounced formally open on Monday at a colourful evening where Amaechi was represented by the Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru. The ceremony had in attendance some members of the state executive council.

    The governor told the teeming crowd at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt which also doubles as the Carnival Village that the activities packaged for this year’s carnival were purposely designed to create a unique feel.

    ‘‘Over the next six days, we will be celebrating our uniqueness and rich cultural heritage as a people. We will celebrate our uniqueness and heritage. People, including international tourists, will see our streets agog with the exquisite display of the rich culture that tell the story of our past, sing the songs of our present and light the path to our future’’, he said.

    Speaking in the same vein, the Director-General, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA), Dr. Sam Dede, said the carnival was living up to its billing as available statistics has revealed significant inflow of visitors and increased socio-economic activities since the festival began last Sunday.

    He attributed this to the uniqueness of the carnival, saying the difference between CARNIRIV and other carnivals in the country is that the former showcases the peculiar indigenous culture of the Rivers people.

    ‘‘The costume, dance and music on display are indigenous,” he said.

    The opening ceremony was heralded by a blend of spectacle of fireworks that made the Port Harcourt skyline a beauty to savour. It was such a night of wonders that witnessed a parade of glamour and exquisite dance performances which included the famous Dance of Fireflies.

  • Place to visit this Christmas

    The desire to go out and have a good time is one of the feel-good moods of the Yuletide. Of course, this has to do with the holiday that comes with the season. Many   believe having toiled all year round, the Yuletide period offers the opportunity for one to relax, enjoy and plan for the coming year.

    In Lagos, the traditional hangouts during this period are gradually giving way and new places are springing up.

    The Bar Beach , one of the favourite hangouts for fun-seekers, is gradually giving way to the more ambitious Eko Atlantic City. Gone are the days when Lagosians basked in the thrill of the roaring Atlantic Ocean at the beach side, instead what one sees is the artificial semi-lake. The ocean has been pushed kilometres back for Eko Atlantic City. Further up, the once upon the bubbling   “Sin Colony” of Kuramo has been wiped away by  the angry ocean.

    So with these two  regular hangouts removed, other traditional  Yuletide  fun spots  are still very much around.

    In the Badagry  axis, the fun spots are still very much there, but the road to the place is terrible and that might not make a pleasant experience having to spent quite a good chunk of the period on the road.

    Lagos, the City of Aquatic Splendour,  always has a lot to offer to leisure seekers. On land, the Lekki-Epe axis beaches have become favourite for many at the period. Places like Oniru, Elegushi, Eleko, Akodo and many other beaches are there to visit. Resorts like The La Campagne  Tropicana Resort are also there.

    This year, for families who want to explore the best of Lagos, they could  charter a boat from jetties like the Tarzan Jetty and explore Lagos. According to the manager of the jetty, there is flexibility in charges for those who want to explore the lagoons and Lagos waterway. A family can charter a boat for N20,000 for a half a day trip on water.

    On land, the Lagos State government, through its environmental  friendly parks, have created many family friendly parks for those who may not wish to go near water.   Places such as the Oshodi Heritage Park with a huge Christmas tree and other  facilities is very ideal for families with young children during this Yuletide period.  The Alausa Park and others are also options for families.

    There  are also package tours for the exploration of Lagos and some of its iconic spots. S.J. Tours, a company that has been organizing corporate tours called the Tate of Lagos, said it had also put together special  Yuletide tours. According the Managing Director of the company, Mrs Atinuke Ogunbiyi, apart from the regular visits and tour of interesting places like Eko Atlantic City, National Museum, Onikan, Nike Art Gallery, Lekki, Terra Kulture and so on, there will be a boat cruise and some special activities that would be a surprise to  participants.

    Calabar is  a very good place to spend Christmas. The people of Calabar use one year to prepare for this season when thousands of visitors troop to the city.

    So, what makes  Calabar  a destination for the holidays.  It is simple. It is the only time they are not preparing for themselves and their families. They prepare, having in mind that visitors will come in large numbers to the city.

    For those going to  Calabar, the edikang ikong delicacy has become a speciality of the people, but there are other delicacies better than the cuisine. La Cheatau , along MCC Road with its fisherman soup, is a good place in Calabar. Tourists could explore this delicacy. They will have a story to tell.

    Abuja may not be as “hot” as other  parts of the country during this period, as many residents normally prefer to relocate to their country homes for the holidays,  but  for those who decide to stay, places like Millennium Park, Jabi Dam Bank, Amusement Park beside the National Stadium and Gurara Waterfall in nearby Niger State are all there to explore.

    For couples and families, it is the Yuletide.It is the end of the year. It amounts to a huge waste to stay indoors and explore life to the fullest.

  • Nigerian becomes Swiss International Hotels  boss

    Dr Wasiu Babalola has joined the Switzerland- based Swiss International Hotels & Resorts group as its Managing Director for West Africa, bringing over 17 years of developing operational and growth strategies for multi-unit concepts, international and brand experience to the market.

    Babalola’s duties as Swiss International Hotel’s exclusive hotel development representative in the West African Region will include strategically expanding the presence of Swiss International Hotel’s growing portfolio of new and unique hospitality concepts and franchise operations throughout its territory, including performing hotel development and commercial representation functions for Swiss International Hotels & Resorts.Babalola will report directly to CEO and Managing Director, Henri (Hans) W.R. Kennedie.

    ”We are in a key phase of growth and development.

    “We believe Wasiu’s demonstrated experience and knowledge of the growing West African market, plus his ability to implement effective controls will help us expand our portfolio in strategic and profitable ways for us,”said Henri.

    Besides his nearly 17 years, including executive level experience leading nationwide and regional brands in Nigeria and West Africa, Babalola’s educational pedigree includes a PhD in Hospitality Management, a MBA and Higher National Diploma in Catering & Hotel Management, among others.

  • Southern Sun bags awards

    Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel  won in two categories each in this year’s West African Tourism and Hospitality Awards (WATHAWARDS 2012) in Lagos and at the International Hotel Awards 2012 held recently in the United Kingdom.

    The “Best Fine Dining Restaurant 2012” and “CEO/GM of the year 2012” Awards were presented to the hotel’s General Manager , Mark Loxley,  and the hotel’s Executive Chef at a colourful and well-attended ceremony in Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac , Lagos under the auspices of Hospitality Global Resources Services (HGRS) which was conceived as a catalyst to drive the desired change in the sub–region in the hospitality and tourism sector.

    Loxley was awarded Platinum plaque as the “Best CEO” for 2012, while the hotel received a Gold Award in the “Best Fine Dining Restaurant” category for 2012.

    In another part of the world, Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel achieved two other prestigious awards as the “Best Hotel in Nigeria 2012/2013’’ and “Best Hotel in Africa 2012/2013’’ from the International Hotel Awards (IHL) in the United Kingdom.

    Receiving the awards on behalf of the hotel, Mr Loxely reassured all stakeholders of Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel’s resolve to continue to deliver products and services that consistently meet and surpass customers’ needs and expectations.

    According to him, “Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel’s integrity is hinged on the quality of our products and services which will never be compromised because value creation is synonymous with how we delight our clients”.

    Commenting on the award, the Managing Director, Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel, Mr. Ernest Oji, said: “These awards once again demonstrate the positive impact Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel has in the hospitality industry.

    “We are indeed encouraged by these awards to continue our quest in creating more value for our clientele and the Nigerian economy at large”.

  • United adds B787 Dreamliner

    United Airlines and the Consul General of the U.S Consulate, Lagos celebrated the first anniversary of the airlines’ direct flight from Lagos to Houston in a cocktail reception held on Tuesday, November 20 in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The event was also used to inform the audience about the plans of the airline to add the B787 Dreamliner to its fleet flying between Lagos and Houston direct route, come early January 2013.

    It would be recalled that United Airlines officially inaugurated its Lagos to Houston non-stop direct flight on November 17 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

    The reception was held in celebration of the route’s success in its first year of operation. The event set in a spectacular location, the very residence of the U.S Consul General, Mr. Jeffery Hawkins.

    The location turned out to be a beautifully well-trimmed, natural turf over-looking a panoramic waterfront view of the massive Lagos Lagoon. The setting creates an ambient atmosphere that speaks of class, the event’s packaging answers to qualit and creative perfection and uniqueness for which the Americans are noted for.

    The event turned out not to be one of long speech makings but rather afforded participants the opportunity to connect, familiarise and network among themselves freely amidst abundant flow of assorted delicacies, wines and good music. Thanks to the classy and quality services of the staff of Four Points Hotel who positioned themselves at strategic spots within the event arena to respond to guests’ requests and so displayed their skills in the hospitality business to perfection.

    Rebecca Armand, the commercial counsellor for the Embassy of the United States of America, stepped on to the podium, called the attention of the participants and opened the event.

    The commercial counsellor, in steering the event, explained that it has been a huge experience doing business in Nigeria, as it has been yielding benefits to them.

    Making a short remark at the event also, the Country Manager for United Airlines, Gary Bidmead, touched on the importance of the Nigerian aviation industry to focus more effort on air safety issues. “Nigeria needs to upgrade her security facility in the aviation sector as air safety is important to the travelling public”, he concluded.

    The Country Manager went on to reveal, to the excitement of the audience, that the airline is joining the league of companies that has the new B787 Dreamliner aircraft in their fleet.

    “Come early January 2013, United Airlines will be launching and adding the B787 Dreamliner aircraft to its fleet to fly the Lagos and Houston route”. The B787 is one of the most technologically advanced commercial airlines in the world, with the right humidity for passengers’ comfort and the biggest window in the sky.

    Mr. Hawkins took time to recount his pleasant experience in Lagos within the period that he has been in the country.

    Some of the dignitaries present at the event included Capt. Edward Boyo, MD/CEO, Landover Aviation Company; the GSA for United Airline, Ashley Batemann; Senior Consultant, U.S. Federal Team, Global Business Services, IBM; Chief Bintan Famutimi, Deputy President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce; Dr Ladi Awosika, CEO Total Health Trust Ltd; Queen Ahneva Ahneva, Chief Operating Officer, Quintessentially Lifestyle, among others.

    In his remark, Chief Famutimi observed that “Nigeria was one of the countries blacklisted for non-safety in air transport by the United states.

    “A Delta airline was the first to break the non-safety jinx to fly direct to Lagos from the United States. And now United Airlines has joined with its Lagos to Houston direct flight”.

  • Starwood to open three hotels in Nigeria

    Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has announced that it will increase its African portfolio by nearly 30 per cent with 10 new hotels set to open over the next three years, adding more than 4,200 guest rooms to the continent and creating thousands of local employment opportunities. Three of these hotels will be in Nigeria.

    Emphasising the importance of Africa as one of the world’s fastest-growing hotel and travel markets, the company’s Frits van Paasschen and members of Starwood’s senior executive team were in Nigeria and two other key growth markets,Angola and Gabon.

    “Home to seven of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies, there could not be a better time to expand our footprint in Africa,” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO, Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

    ”From a vastly improving infrastructure, major investments from China, rapid economic growth, rising personal incomes and a growing middle class – we are seeing exciting changes that are driving the African future and we intend to be a part of it,”he said.

    At a press conference in Lagos, van Paasschen shared Starwood’s plans to further expand its portfolio in Nigeria, the company’s largest growth market on the African continent.

    Starwood currently operates five hotels in Nigeria, one in Abuja, one in Ibom, one in Port Harcourt and two in Lagos under its Sheraton, Le Méridien and Four Points by Sheraton brands. By 2015, Starwood will open three additional hotels in Nigeria, one property in Benin City and two in Lagos.

    “Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and boasts the second-largest economy on the continent, presenting tremendous opportunities for the country to play a key role in our African expansion.With investor-friendly policies in place and ongoing economic growth, Nigeria epitomises the economic ascent of Africa as a development destination,”said Simon Turner, President of Global Development & Acquisition, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

    With more than 70 per cent of the world’s economic growth coming from fast-growing markets over the next few years, Starwood is focused on expansion in developing African countries such as Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt and South Africa. The company is also looking to enter key emerging countries, including Angola, Ivory Coast and Ghana.

    As part of this strategy, Starwood is investing in the development, sales and expansion of its Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) programme in Africa. By the end of this year, Starwood will double its dedicated development team focused on growth in Africa, underscoring the company’s commitment to continued growth in the region.

  • NCPC charges pilgrims to be ambassadors

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara, has charged intending pilgrims from Niger and Nasarawa states to be good ambassadors of Christ and Nigeria while in the holy land.

    Mr. Opara gave this charge recently at the Local Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport through his representative, Mr Simeon Gana, the Director of Administration of the NCPC during the airlift of intending pilgrims from Niger and Nasarawa states to Israel for this year’s pilgrimage exercise.

    Mr. Opara advised the intending pilgrims to conduct themselves decently while in Israel because, according to him, “as soon as you are out of this country, you are abmbassadors of Nigeria”. He further said, “You are representatives of our Lord Jesus Christ and ambassadors of Nigeria”.

    The NCPC helmsman also admonished the intending pilgrims to ensure that they guard their travel documents jealously while in Israel, eat moderately, obey table manners and abide by the Israeli laws.

    Three members of the Federal Government delegation were also at the airport to observe the procedures for the airlift and they all took turns to address the intending pilgrims.

    In his own remarks, the Chaplain of Aso Villa Chapel, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba, stressed the need for the intending pilgrims to be good Christians that their states and the nation would be proud of.

    He charged them to work with their heads high while in Israel and not to be timid. He thus wished them well and prayed that they would go in good health and come back in like manner.

    In his own remarks, Prof. Joseph Otubu, who is also a member of the Federal Government delegation for this year’s pilgrimage, said, “Nigerians are very good people”. He posited that the transformation of one person would lead to the transformation of many others.