NLC petitions Minister over Togolese govt’s rejection of ECOWAS travel certificate from Nigerians

The Nigeria Labour Congress on Tuesday petitioned the minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, demanding an immediate investigation into an allegation that the Togolese government was rejecting travel certificates issued by the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) to Nigerians travelling to the country.

Copies of the petition were also sent to minister of Foreign Affairs; executive secretary, ECOWAS Commission; Togolese ambassador to Nigeria; and comptroller-general of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The petition, signed by the general secretary of NLC, Peter Ozo-Eson, said the national president of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, was personally humiliated by officials of Asky Airline at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja on Monday, when he was about to board the flight to Lome, Togo.

Mr. Ozo-Eson said Mr. Wabba was denied boarding and prevented from travelling out of the country by officials of the airline after tendering his ECOWAS Travel Certificate duly issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria on behalf of ECOWAS.

The NLC scribe said officials of Asky Airline who denied Mr. Wabba boarding on the flight said they were acting on the instructions of the Togolese government.

He explained that the travel document issued on July 16, 2015, with an expiration date of July 15, 2017, was previously used by the NLC president on trips to Senegal and Ghana, both members of ECOWAS.
Urging the federal government to consider the issue as a matter of national significance and urgently intervene to save Nigerians the humiliation and embarrassment, Mr. Ozo-Eson said he did not understand why Togo would not recognize a travel document issued by ECOWAS, of which it is a member.

“It is curious that at the time of ticket purchase, Asky Airline did not deem it necessary to warn prospective passengers of ECOWAS origin that the Togolese government does not accept or recognize the ECOWAS Travel Certificate,” the NLC scribe stated.

He said the NLC believes Nigerians, wherever they are, deserve protection if they act within the law, pointing out that by denying Mr. Wabba the right to make the trip, the central labour body was denied the representation at the International Trade Union (ITU)-Africa activity held in Togo.

“The disruption of his travel plan and by extension, denial of his participation at this major activity, has caused the NLC president considerable embarrassment as well as constituted a set-back to the Nigeria Labour Congress and Nigeria,” Mr. Ozo-Eson noted.

When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Sandra Elleingand, the director of communications of ECOWAS, she declined comment, saying she was in a meeting.
But another senior official of the community said on the condition of anonymity that ECOWAS had since stopped issuing travel certificates.

“They should know that ECOWAS does not accept travel certificate anymore, because we do not issue it anymore. What we issue is laissez-passer (a kind of travel document).
“ECOWAS travel certificate is only issued by the embassies in a country when somebody is stranded and is coming back.

“If he said he has used the certificate to travel to Senegal and Ghana before, how long ago? If you go to immigration, being a government official, it does not take a few minutes it would be issued to you at N5, 000 and save yourself from all those embarrassment.

On the petition to the minister, the ECOWAS official said nothing is going come out of it as all government officials already know that travel certificate were no more accepted.

“I don’t know what purpose the petition would serve. He can’t get anywhere with that petition. There was a time ECOWAS was publicising that everyone should get laissez passer. Everybody, including traders, has it,” the source explained.

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/198900-nlc-petitions-minister-togolese-govts-rejection-ecowas-travel-certificate-nigerians.html

Read More

Yellow Cards: A Mere Travelling Document or a Necessity?

Someone very close to me had a harrowing experience whilst travelling to South Africa for the first time. One of the entry requirements is a valid yellow fever card. What he didn’t know however, was the fact that the card in his possession was a fake which he obtained at a ridiculous amount from an illegitimate seller at the international airport. Because he was travelling on a student visa, he was given two options; argue with immigration officers and be deported or be quarantined and given the vaccine. He automatically chose the latter.

Many Nigerians have suffered a worse fate of detention and subsequent deportation all because of fake, invalid yellow cards. Countries that insist on Nigerian travellers having valid yellow cards at the point of entry include Ghana, Benin Republic, Egypt and South Africa.

What exactly is a yellow card? It is an international certificate indicating dates and history of vaccination for yellow fever, cholera and smallpox.

Though the last confirmed case of yellow fever in Nigeria was in 1995 with twenty five reported cases and one death, cholera is still very prevalent in our society with a fairly recent outbreak a couple of months ago. Countries at risk of yellow fever (WHO has listed Nigeria) are required to have their citizens travelling out of the country take the yellow fever vaccination and have a yellow card in accordance with the international health regulation.

In September 2013, after a diplomatic row between Nigeria and South Africa, the Nigerian government changed the yellow card with added security features.

A yellow card is valid for ten years beginning from 10 days after first vaccination.
With a process duration of under one hour, yellow cards can be obtained from the following places for a fee of one thousand naira;

Airports

• Muritala Mohammed airport, Lagos
• Nnamdi Azikwe International airport, Abuja
• Margaret Ekpo International airport, Calabar
• Port Harcourt International airport, Port Harcourt

Seaports–

• TinCan
• Ibaka Seaport
• Akwa Ibom
• Brass in Rivers
• Warri
•  Sapele

Land borders

• Seme
• Idiroko
• Shaki
• Chikada
• Babana
• Mubi as well as others.

It must be reiterated that the cards be obtained only from authorized government port health services who receive the vaccines from the primary healthcare development agencies; private hospitals are not permitted to issue yellow cards.

It is advised not to patronize illegitimate sellers who hang around the respective public health facilities trying to lure their prey. Do have a safe trip.

by Staff Writer

Read More

Nigeria: 'Nigerian Carnivals Need More Cultural Environments to Flourish'

Interview By Omolola Itayemi

With each passing year, more and more carnivals are appearing in Nigeria's tourism bouquet. But Yaya Ndu, a tourism advocate believes the country is presenting it in the wrong cultural environment. He speaks with Omolola Itayemi.

Quite a large number of Nigerians might not agree with you that we are presenting our carnivals in the wrong cultural environment? What really is the issue?

The problem with most of the cultural festivals of the people of Cross River, Lagos, Nigeria and Black Africans, which they organise and expect to attract cultural tourists in commercial numbers, is that they are held and organized in environments that are not cultural at all. The festivals are therefore half-cultural and turn out to be a mere mockery. They are like fishes out of the water and have robbed the thunders of their bolts.

We must begin to construct cultural environments to host our cultural festivals and it is only when we do this that they will achieve the sync necessary, even essential to attract the local and foreign tourists that we target in numbers that make economic sense.

In Enugu my home state, for instance, the masquerade festival which the state has made its primary tourist product is usually held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, which I dare say makes it a miss-fit, and a cynical joke and ensures that the state is denied the full benefits that would have accrued to it if they were held within an African cultural environment. The same goes for the stupid nonsense that passes as Abuja carnival where we annually waste money that could help tourism.

So creativity is missing?

Most of the carnivals organised in Nigeria are blatant insults to our cultural and historical heritages. We are desperate to copy the Caribbean, forgetting that the Black Diaspora who were forced out of had to make do with what was available to them in the foreign and alien environments. It is a matter of the original copying the imitation - What a joke and what disservice to the motherland!

So how can we do it better?

The most important ingredient required for meaningful tourism development is perhaps the most neglected in Nigeria's pursuit or rather pretentions at tourism development. That ingredient is imagination and creativity. Imagination/creativity is essential not only for tourism development but indeed in all aspects of human endeavor. In absolutely every field of human undertaking, creativity imagination is not only useful but necessary, be it in agriculture, in music, games, war, diplomacy, science, you name it. In fact, one can argue that without imagination/creativity, we cannot be truly human.

When we talk about tourism potentials and endowments in Nigeria, we only think of natural endowments. Even the culture we refer to, we fail to realise that they are products of the creativity and imagination of our ancestors. Without imagination and creativity, we cannot harness any tourism potentials. We fail to realize that many of the nations that are making waves in tourism in the modern world are relying mostly on imaginationand creativity and less and less on any natural endowments. Dubai is a place that most travelling Nigerians go to all the time. Are we blind to seeing that the Dubai we know of today is a product of human imagination and creativity?

Destinations across the world are beginning to replace or supplement culture-led development strategies with creative development strategies. In fact, books have been written that critically analyze the impact and effectiveness of creative strategies in tourism development and chart the emergence of creative tourism.

Questions have been asked as to why creativity has become such an important aspect of development strategies and of tourism development in particular. Further questions have also been asked as to why this phenomenon happening now, apparently simultaneously, in so many destinations across the globe?

In a related development, questions are being asked as to the difference between cultural tourism and creative tourism? In Nigeria, we have been speaking for far too long about our tourism potentials and what these potentials could do for us if developed. I make bold to say that it is time to move beyond rhetoric to practicality. Why are we always talking about what we can and shall do in this country? When shall we begin the doing? What are we waiting for?

Can tourism contribute to Nigeria's GDP?

The World Trade Organization (WTO) estimates that tourism accounts for up to 10 per cent of global gross domestic product, making it the world's biggest industry. The potential for tourism to contribute significantly to poverty alleviation is considerable.

The WTO's report on Tourism and Poverty Alleviation published for the World Summit on sustainable development in Johannesburg in 2002 drew substantially on the work of the Pro-Poor Tourism Partnership and there are now a range of initiatives taking place on pro-poor tourism.

What is Pro-Poor Tourism?

It must be clarified however that Pro-Poor tourism is not a specific tourism product, rather, it is a humane approach to tourism development and management which ensures or at least strives to ensure, that local poor people are enabled to practically secure economic benefits from tourism in a fair, equitable and sustainable manner.

In this regard, Pro-Poor tourism may improve the livelihoods of poor people in many principal ways such as economic gain through employment generation as well as development of micro enterprises. It can also improve infrastructure which include roads, electricity, water, waste disposal and management, telecommunications, security, e.t.c. It can help facilitate democratic empowerment through engagement of the people in decision making.

The tourism industry needs to operate in environments which are attractive and friendly to tourists. It necessarily demands an educated work force, adequate and functioning health delivery system, good transport, telecommunications, potable water supply and stable power.

When one considers the financial gains that many nations and states in the world are deriving from the tourism, it is a surprise that other communities in search of alternative means of earnings and with comparative advantages in tourism such as Bayelsa State are not looking seriously enough in tourism directions. With 76.8 million visitors in 2004, Florida is the top travel destination in the world.

The tourism industry has an economic impact of $57 billion on Florida economy. Thailand recorded a 31% increase in tourism receipts in 2011 over 2010, according to Ministry of Tourism and Sports figures.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201602221472.html

Read More

#ExploreBauchi: Win the Weekend of a Lifetime to the Yankari National Park

The Yankari National Park is
offering you a chance to win one
FREE weekend to explore Bauchi,
Nigeria's Pearl of Tourism, and
visit the famous Yankari national
park and other great places.

Click here To WIN

Yankari National Park is Nigeria’s biggest national park and one of the most popular destinations for tourists in West Africa. It is a wildlife park located in the south-central part of Bauchi State. It covers an area of
about 2,200 square kilometres and is home to several natural warm water
springs, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is uniquely located to afford tourists and holidaymakers’ opportunities to watch wildlife in their natural habitat.

Yankari is a beautiful, eye-opening, safe, and affordable destination for holidaymakers, tourists and anyone looking for a place to relax and experience nature. If you would like to visit, please fill the form and we will contact you soon

Read More

Vegetarian? Here’s how to survive a trip to Lagos

As a tourist destination, Lagos ticks all boxes when it comes to a great travel experience: lots of entertainment and attractions, scenic landscapes, impressive neighborhoods, and numerous transport options but one thing its is not known for is its vegan food culture.

The concept of “vegetarianism” is not very popular in Lagos, in spite of how metropolitan the city is. A majority of its people love meat and hardly acknowledge the existence of beets, radishes, lettuce and kale; except during special occassions when they include salad as a side dish. This however does not mean that all hope is lost for vegetarians who dare to visit the city. Meat may dominate menus around, but  we have basic tips on how a vegetarian can survive a trip to Lagos.

Rent an apartment

The best option for a vegetarian visiting Lagos is to rent an apartment rather than a hotel or inn. This affords you the flexibility to cook your own meals and takes away the worry of possibly consuming something that is not completely made from vegetables. It also takes away the stress of having to explain to the hotel kitchen staff the ingredients that should be included in your meal.

Be very clear about what you want

Not everyone will understand what you mean by vegetarian, so rather than simply asking if a restaurant offers a vegetarian menu, be specific about what you want to eat and what ingredients you are looking for. That way they do not just say ‘No’ to your order, when in fact they may have those options you actually are looking for. If there is nothing on the menu, make a request. Simply ask for a meal to be prepared with your favorite vegetable(s) instead of chicken or fish. This usually works with a la carte meals.

Seek out restaurants with vegetarian options

Vegetarian food is not hard to come by in Lagos; you just have to know where to look. Actually, from delis in large shopping malls like Park ‘n’ Shop and Shoprite, to proper restaurants, especially Indian and Chinese, there are plenty of places to get healthy vegetarian meals. There are also some cafés and bakeries that specialize in meatless dishes. You will find vegetarian sandwiches, quiches or other baked products that are way cheaper than whole-meat meals.

Stick to Local beverages

While visiting the city of Lagos, it would certainly be great to try local cuisines and delicacies; especially those available on the streets, however, aside from fruits and leafy vegetables, it will be safer to stick to beverages, as most times the local cuisines have meat and fish or the stock included as ingredients. With beverages however, you are safe as they are mostly made from roots and leafs.

By Jovago team

Read More

5 ways to keep your travelling companion happy

Travelling is much more interesting when you have a companion. Whether it is a lover, a husband, an old friend or someone you met on the trip, everything seems much more exciting when you have company. You will find yourself doing everything together and relying on them as they rely on you.  However, how you get along will make all the difference to everyone’s enjoyment and the success of the trip or expedition. The truth is, the life of your friendship with the companion can easily be terminated if you do not know how to keep him/her/them happy.

Do not discuss contentious topics

Yes. Contentious and controversial topics are usually interesting topics to discuss as they fan the embers of our thoughts and imaginations. However, they can easily get personal and turn an exciting moment into a dreadful experience. For instance, you might be a PDP supporter, while your companion is an APC supporter. Or perhaps you are a Christian and he is Muslim. Whatever the case, try to avoid topics on which you disagree, not matter how tempting. It will only stress you both out, making future altercations more likely. Instead, stick to mutually pleasing subjects. .

Do not judge, empathize

It is very easy for us to judge people rather than try to understand and consider their own angle or plight. When you are travelling with a companion don’t be too quick to make conclusions about them, give them the benefit of doubt and remind yourself that you are not perfect as well. No matter what reason you may think is justifiable for a negative or unfriendly reactions, try and put it aside while on the journey.

Control your moods

A foul mood can ruin the moment at any time. No one enjoys a bad mood, and likewise, no one will be happy spending time with a companion in bad mood…especially when it is a long trip . Keep track of your emotions, try to avoid situations that could possibly put you in a bad mood. And if by chance you find yourself suddenly feeling melancholic for no reason, apologize to the companion in advance him or at least give him/them a hint. It may not help matters much, but at least they will have an idea on why your attitude might have changed or why you are acting strangely.

Apologize after an argument

No matter how peaceable or even boring two people are, they are bound to have an argument at some point. Even when you are sure the argument might not necessarily escalate into a fight, it is important to walk away from it if you can. Walk away; calm down and approach the issue with a clearer head. If you give it some thought, you may find out that you might have been a bit wrong. Apologize for that and don’t throw a feat if your companion does not acknowledge or accept the apology immediately. Time is a great healer, with time they most probably would and you could be laughing about it over a cup of tea an hour later.

Take breaks

No matter how interesting you or your companion might be, spending every waking moment together may become stifling in the long run. Ensure you get some time apart from your companions. If your travel companion wants to spend the day at sightseeing or visiting a museum, and you’re dying to explore the malls, why not go your separate ways for a few hours? It will give you both time to relax Or, at least, hate each other less, and you might actually start to miss each other. To keep yourselves sane, where possible, plan ‘alone time’ into the program, and just relax.

By Nkem

Read More

Creative ways to talk with loved ones when travelling

 

A concern for travellers is the expensive cost of making calls especially during international travel. In spite of the efforts made by telecommunication companies to beat down prices by roaming your number, the telephone bills for travellers keeps piling.

As to providing some reprieve, we roundup cost effective ways to make calls anywhere in the world.

Skype

There has been an increase in internet penetration in Africa with as much as 70% of the Nigerian population optimizing internet services such as online telephony at a higher rate.

Skype is a cheap way to make voice and video calls as the user will either buy credit to call a number or have enough internet data to make communicate to another skype user. However, this mode of making calls is reliant on how good your internet connection is.

WhatsApp

Aside from chatting with friends and colleagues, you can now use this app to make inexpensive voice calls. Unlike skype that you cannot call an unsaved number, WhatsApp allows you to call any number of your choice as long as it is saved in your contact.

Roaming

Roaming is a network service that makes it possible for people travelling to use their phones in a foreign country. Roaming may not be an option for some travellers however, it is effective for persons who are not tech savvy or rely on their phones for business and other transactions.

Read More

Nigeria: NSIA, IFC Collaborate to Cut U.S.$1 Billion On Medical Tourism

 

By Martins Ifijeh

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, said they are mapping out strategies to increase investments in the nation's health sector, as part of efforts towards ending the over $ 1 billion Nigerians spend on medical tourism.

Speaking at the NSIA, IFC, joint media briefing in Lagos, Chief Risk Officer and Executive Director, NSIA, Mrs. Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli, said they are seeking to catalyze private sector investment in the healthcare space by establishing Public-Private Partnerships and innovative solutions, which is their core mandate as they are saddled with the responsibility to invest on behalf of the government.

She said NSIA has set aside $400 million for investment in the economy and could use 35 per cent, about $140 million of it on the health sector, which though small, would serve as the start-up capital, hence the need to look for co-investors like the IFC.

On his part, the IFC Country Director, Eme Essien Lore said there was need to support the private hospital sector in Nigeria so that they can deliver affordable, accessible and quality care informed the forum.

To progress in the sector, she said the country will need innovative approaches like public private partnerships (PPPs), among others to mobilise private capital for public healthcare. According to her, longer term outlook indicates that considerable opportunity exists for the private sector to play a viable role in providing affordable healthcare across the country. Lore said,

"IFC is committed to help increase affordable quality healthcare services by financing and facilitating financing for integrated networks. This will support the development of critical healthcare infrastructure and attract private capital into the sector. "We are working with NSIA to boost investment in the healthcare sector and bridge the gap in under supply of quality healthcare in Nigeria."

Read More

South Africa set to dominate Africa Responsible Tourism Awards

Cape Town – South Africa rules the Africa Responsible Tourism Awards (ARTA), as more than two thirds of the long-listed tourist organisations, initiatives, businesses and projects for the upcoming African Responsible Tourism Awards are based in the southernmost tip of the continent.

The final awards will be announced in Cape Town as part of the Africa Travel Week, taking place from 6 -8 April 2016.

The competition awards responsible tourist initiatives that take responsibility for the environment of African destinations and the local citizens.

“We want to celebrate the shining stars of responsible tourism - the individuals, organisations and destinations working innovatively with local cultures, communities and biodiversity,” ARTA said.

“The variety of organisations which have made it through to the long list this year demonstrates just how powerful a force for good responsible tourism is becoming in Africa,” Heidi van der Watt for ARTA said.

Out of a total of 60 African institutions from 13 African countries, these are the 25 South African contenders for the African Responsible Tourism Award:

!Xaus Lodge

Abang Africa Travel

Access2africasafaris

Africa!Ignite

African Bushcamps

ATKV Goudini Spa


Bushmanskloof

Cape Camino

City of Cape Town

Eco Atlas

Elundini Backpackers

Endeavour Safaris

Epic Enabled

Face Adrenalin/ Bloukrans Bungy

Flamingo Tours & Disabled Ventures

Gauteng Tourism Authority

Hermanus Tourism

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Leriba Hotel Group

National Department of Tourism/ RSA

Original T-Bag Designs 

Proudly Macassar Pottery
QuadPara Association of South Africa

SaltyCrax Adventures & SAVE Foundation

Sani Lodge Backpackers


Last year, South African tourist initiatives were awarded gold in 6 of the 8 categories.

The jury awarded the South African Gansbaai Tourism organisation in the Western Cape the overall gold winner for making Gansbaai a truly responsible tourist destination with a long row of environmental projects.

Several organisations in Gansbaai were also awarded. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in partnership with the Grootbos Foundation was awarded “Best for Poverty Reduction” and Marine Dynamics was awarded “Best for Wildlife Conservation”. South Africa definitely has a reputation to live up to this year.

Winners in the Africa category will automatically be nominated for the world’s most prestigious international tourist award World’s Responsible Tourism Award, set to take place in London in November this year.

Share your travel experiences with us. You can email us at sagewonders@gmail.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter

http://traveller24.news24.com/Explore/Green/south-africa-set-to-dominate-africa-responsible-tourism-awards-20160218

Read More

#SAAConnectsAbuja – SAA Connects Abuja to the tail end of the world

On the 27th of January 2016, history was made as South African Airways, Africa’s leading airline that have won the SkyTrax Awards for the best African carrier for 13th consecutive years, touched down in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city in the early hours of the morning at exactly 6:15am.

Not that this is the first time SAA is landing on Nigeria soil, but it is certainly the very first time, heralding a new chapter in the history of South Africa and Nigeria that the airline touched down in Abuja – All the works, plans and commitment of both nations came to fruition as SAA commences Johannesburg-Abuja flight on that epoch day.

The inaugural SAA Johannesburg-Abuja flight like any other all over the world landed with pomp and celebration with over 150 passengers which included dignitaries from both countries, businessmen, private passengers and of course members of the media.

Water salute for the SAA Johannesburg-Abuja inaugural flight

The Nigerian Fire Service stationed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport became the very first agency to welcome the aircraft to Abuja with two colourful water tank shower.

South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Lulu Louis Mnguni received the dignitaries at the SAA check-in counter for a formal mini ribbon cutting ceremony before heading to the majestic Transcorp Hilton Hotel in the heart of Abuja business district where the gracious celebration took place later same evening.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, South Africa Airways, Musa Zwane (right); South Africa High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni; SAA Board Member, Yakhe Kwinana; General Manager, Operations Zuks Ramasia; General Manager Commercial, Aaron Muretsi and Dr John Tambi SAA Board Member during the Inaugural Flight of South African Airways, Abuja-Johannesburg Route

In the evening of same day, the fountain area of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel was beautifully decorated with SAA blue and red colours, sparkling to the high heavens as the light rays clashed stunningly with the water fountains.

#SAAConnectsAbuja

The dignitaries and the invited guests elegantly walked into the venue that have been so well decorated to celebrate another new positive chapter in the renewed brotherliness of South Africa and Nigeria.

“We are happy to witness this day in the history of both South Africa and Nigeria and to deepen Africa Agenda. This truly shows both countries commitment to the development human and business relations”,

South African High Commissioner said during his opening speech at the SAA inaugural Johannesburg-Abuja flight launch dinner.

SAA acting Chief Executive Officer, Musa Zwane glaringly a proud man on the occasion of the launch said,

“I am very proud today to stand in front of you on behalf of our staff to announce the launch of Johannesburg-Abuja route and it is such a great present for us as we attain 82 years. We have flown here for 20 years and have seen the growth of the Nigerian market overtime, hence the decision to fly to Abuja’’.

Senator Hadi Sirika, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Aviation, who was represented at the occasion by Mr Hassan Musa, the Director of Air Transport, Ministry of Transportation, praised the commitment of SAA in ensuring further integration of South Africa and Nigeria – the two most powerful economies on the continent of Africa.

He observed that virtually all African airlines had more than one entry point into Nigeria. Therefore, Sirika said that Nigeria would work assiduously to ensure the integration of the African continent through aviation and other sectors.

Lusanda Jiya, SAA GM Stakeholder Relations presents gift to Mr Hassan Musa, the Director of Air Transport, Ministry of Transportation

In between the speeches, there were colourful traditional dance performance from the indigenes of Abuja, known as the Gbagyi people. The celebration also witnessed stand-up comedy performance from Buchi, popular Nigerian comedian.

Africa renowned entertainment personality, IK Osakioduwa host of Big Brother Africa added glitz to the event as compere while Praiz, Nigeria soulful singer infused dance and romantic rhythm to the event.
The Johannesburg-Abuja SAA inaugural flight extended beyond celebrations at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. For two days, South African delegation toured the city of Abuja exploring all the beautiful sights and sounds including food.

The delegation started with a visit to Jevenik Restaurant for a taste of Nigerian menu, then explored the impregnable Zuma Rock – The rock with human face – just outskirt of the city of Abuja. Afterwards, the visiting South Africans visited Ushafa Village (otherwise known as President Bill Clinton Village) where the delegation danced to the live rhythm of the Gbagyi people, inhabitants of the village after a special reception by the traditional ruler. The delegation also witnessed the art of pottery for which the village is famous. President Bill Clinton had earlier in 2001 put Ushafa Village on world tourism map by visiting the village alongside his daughter, Chelsea during his state visit to Nigeria.

South Africa delegation with the Traditional Ruler of Ushafa Village

Undone with exploring the beauty of Abuja, the South African delegation also visited the new Jabi Lake Mall constructed and managed by South African firm before arriving the world renowned Nike Art Gallery where art speaks volume.
 

To appreciate a variety of handmade artifacts and souvenirs, the delegation also visited the Abuja arts and craft market.

credit: BellaNaija.com

In the end, SAA successfully connects Abuja to the tail end of the world #SAAConnectsAbuja

Read More

Visa-free travel ‘key to African tourism - Oscar Nkala

Gaborone - Africa remained largely closed off to inter-African travel with Africans requiring visas to travel to 55 percent of the continent, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has said.
In a statement released ahead of the launch of its first-ever “Africa Visa Openness Index” scheduled for Abidjan, Ivory Coast from March 21-22, the AfDB said the stringent inter-state visa regulations were hampering African travel to African countries and had adverse impacts on the continent's economic growth and development.

“Opening up a country's visa regime is a quick-win on development that remains untapped. Visa openness promotes talent mobility and business opportunities.

“Africa's leaders and policymakers have a key role to play in helping Africans to move freely in support of Agenda 2063's call to abolish visa requirements for all Africans by 2018.

“Africa remains largely closed off to African travellers. On average Africans need visas to travel to 55 percent of other African countries, can get visas on arrival in only 25 percent of other countries and don't need a visa to travel to just 20 percent of other countries on the continent,” said Moono Mupotola, the Director for the New Economic Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), Regional Integration and Trade at AfDB.

The research was conducted by the AfDB, with assistance from global development consultancy firm McKinsey & Company.

According to a preamble of the Visa Openness Index, East and West African countries have taken the lead towards attaining the continent's goal of visa-free travel by 2018 with a 75 percent rating for visa freedom.
Seychelles tops the African visa openness policy because it offers visa-free access for all Africans. Mauritius and Rwanda were highlighted among the 10 most visa-open African countries which have reaped the benefits with improved tourists and investment inflows, which greatly improved their economic competitiveness.

Central Africa represented the biggest drawback in progress towards a visa-free continent with none of its countries making it to the top 20 list for visa openness.

With just one country making it to the top 20 visa-free nations list, North Africa also remained closed to travellers from within the continent.

The report also noted that while Africa's “Middle Income Countries” have low visa-openness scores, the continent's smaller, landlocked and island states were more open.

However, lead research consultant and director of MCKinsey and Company, Acha Leke said despite the seemingly sluggish progress, Africa had made great strides towards visa openness today than when the research started five years ago: “When we started this work, only five African countries offered liberal access to all Africans. This number had grown to 13 over the past three years. We are making progress, but we clearly need to accelerate the pace,” said Leke, who is also member of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Agenda Council on Africa.

By: Oscar Nkala

Read More

BI: A couple who has traveled to 100 countries just got back from a crazy trip to Africa — here's what it was like

Canadian couple Justin and Anna Williams have traveled to more than 100 countries around the world.
But there's one continent they always look forward to returning to: Africa.
The duo recently got back from their fifth trip to Africa, this time traveling through Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

"From the stunning landscapes and teeming wildlife to the agreeable climate and friendly people, it always seems to draw us back," Justin told Business Insider.
From visiting the world's biggest waterfall to having their room attacked by an elephant, here's what happened on their adventure-packed trip.

After a number of connecting flights, the couple landed in Livingstone, Zambia, on the snaking Zambezi River.

Justin Williams

One of the first sights they saw was Victoria Falls, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls are the largest in the world, with columns of water that plummet into a gorge more than 300 feet below.

Justin Williams

After taking a short boat ride and hiking across Livingstone Island, they got right up to the edge of the falls at a place known as Devil's Pool.

Justin Williams

They then arranged for a flight over the falls with motorized gliders, where they were treated to incredible views. They even got close enough to the ground to witness herds of elephants and hippos migrating below.

Justin Williams

Justin and Anna had to take a ferry to cross the Ganglia River, which forms the border between Zambia and Botswana. They stopped to take a photo with a Zambian solider at the border before boarding their ferry.

Justin Williams

Their next stop was Chobe National Park in northeastern Botswana, which is home to the world’s largest concentration of elephants.

Justin Williams

While there, they connected with two friends they'd met during a previous trip six years ago. They now run a boat safari company called Pangolin.

Justin Williams

The Pangolin safari boats were equipped with ultra high-resolution cameras, so they were able to get stunning pictures of the area's wildlife.

Justin Williams

They saw everything from herds of springbok...

Justin Williams

... to hippos, which they were surprised to learn are actually considered the continent's most dangerous animals. Hippos often unpredictably ram safari boats, accidents that sometimes result in fatalities.

Justin Williams

Next, they traveled to a lodge called Elephant Sands in Nata, Botswana. Since there were no walls or fences, massive herds of elephants could be seen roaming the grounds.

Justin Williams

Justin and Anna were even woken one night to find a massive elephant had broken into the back of their hut and was drinking water from their toilet with its trunk. "It's almost like being in Jurassic Park when you can hear such a huge creature breathing so close to you," Anna said.

Justin Williams

The couple then caught a flight on a small island-hopper plane to the Okavango Delta in Botswana, where they were treated to gorgeous views below.

Justin Williams

They took a pit stop on their way. Many of the stores they visited were so remote that there was nothing to buy but white rice and warm soda.

Justin Williams

Once they arrived, they hopped on some mokoros. These traditional wooden canoes are a common form of transportation in the Okavango Delta since they can easily navigate through the area's extremely shallow waters.

Justin Williams

Although the water levels were low from the dry season, the mokoro polers were able to navigate the couple to their camp.

Justin Williams

Since there were no showers at the campsite and the weather was a scorching 40 degrees Celsius, the couple would cool down by taking baths in the swamp water.

Justin Williams

The conditions at the camp were a bit spartan. There were no bathroom facilities in the camp except for bush toilets, which Anna told us is essentially just a seat elevated over a hole.

Justin Williams

They then traveled to the frontier of Ghanzi, a town in Botswana that is nestled deep in the Kalahari Desert. Here, they stayed in the traditional huts of the San Bushmen, an indigenous group of hunter-gatherers that live in the area.

Justin Williams

They said the huts they stayed in were very basic, which made for an authentic experience. They were built out of thin sticks and straws and included small iron beds, mosquito nets, and a single light bulb.

Justin Williams

While there, they were able to meet some of the local San Bushmen. They learned that the San Bushmen have been living there for thousands of years, almost entirely without contact from the outside world.

Justin Williams

Travelers can also organize walks with the Bushmen to learn some of their traditions. While on the walk, the Bushmen explained how they start fires and hunt for food to Justin and Anna though a translator. As a token of appreciation, Justin gave one of the Bushmen his Toronto Blue Jays hat.

Justin Williams

The Bushmen they were with had never seen a phone, Anna told us, so they introduced the group to a selfie.

Justin Williams

They were treated to some incredible local food on their trip. Justin told us they tried crocodile, which he said tasted like a combination of fish and chicken, as well as oryx and kudu (varieties of antelopes), springbok, and ostrich.

Justin Williams

"There are a lot of wide open spaces that haven't yet been overrun with development and tourism," Anna said of Africa. "It provides a perfect backdrop for authentic exploration and healthy soul-searching."

 

 

 

Credit:
Canadian couple Justin and Anna Williams have traveled to more than 100 countries around the world.
But there's one continent they always look forward to returning to: Africa.
The duo recently got back from their fifth trip to Africa, this time traveling through Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
"From the stunning landscapes and teeming wildlife to the agreeable climate and friendly people, it always seems to draw us back," Justin told Business Insider.
From visiting the world's biggest waterfall to having their room attacked by an elephant, here's what happened on their adventure-packed trip.
For the full set of images, visit Justin's Instagram account.

View As: One Page Slides

After a number of connecting flights, the couple landed in Livingstone, Zambia, on the snaking Zambezi River.

Justin Williams

One of the first sights they saw was Victoria Falls, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls are the largest in the world, with columns of water that plummet into a gorge more than 300 feet below.

Justin Williams

After taking a short boat ride and hiking across Livingstone Island, they got right up to the edge of the falls at a place known as Devil's Pool.

Justin Williams

They then arranged for a flight over the falls with motorized gliders, where they were treated to incredible views. They even got close enough to the ground to witness herds of elephants and hippos migrating below.

Justin Williams

Justin and Anna had to take a ferry to cross the Ganglia River, which forms the border between Zambia and Botswana. They stopped to take a photo with a Zambian solider at the border before boarding their ferry.

Justin Williams

Their next stop was Chobe National Park in northeastern Botswana, which is home to the world’s largest concentration of elephants.

Justin Williams

While there, they connected with two friends they'd met during a previous trip six years ago. They now run a boat safari company called Pangolin.

Justin Williams

The Pangolin safari boats were equipped with ultra high-resolution cameras, so they were able to get stunning pictures of the area's wildlife.

Justin Williams

They saw everything from herds of springbok...

Justin Williams

... to hippos, which they were surprised to learn are actually considered the continent's most dangerous animals. Hippos often unpredictably ram safari boats, accidents that sometimes result in fatalities.

Justin Williams

Next, they traveled to a lodge called Elephant Sands in Nata, Botswana. Since there were no walls or fences, massive herds of elephants could be seen roaming the grounds.

Justin Williams

Justin and Anna were even woken one night to find a massive elephant had broken into the back of their hut and was drinking water from their toilet with its trunk. "It's almost like being in Jurassic Park when you can hear such a huge creature breathing so close to you," Anna said.

Justin Williams

The couple then caught a flight on a small island-hopper plane to the Okavango Delta in Botswana, where they were treated to gorgeous views below.

Justin Williams

They took a pit stop on their way. Many of the stores they visited were so remote that there was nothing to buy but white rice and warm soda.

Justin Williams

Once they arrived, they hopped on some mokoros. These traditional wooden canoes are a common form of transportation in the Okavango Delta since they can easily navigate through the area's extremely shallow waters.

Justin Williams

Although the water levels were low from the dry season, the mokoro polers were able to navigate the couple to their camp.

Justin Williams

Since there were no showers at the campsite and the weather was a scorching 40 degrees Celsius, the couple would cool down by taking baths in the swamp water.

Justin Williams

The conditions at the camp were a bit spartan. There were no bathroom facilities in the camp except for bush toilets, which Anna told us is essentially just a seat elevated over a hole.

Justin Williams

They then traveled to the frontier of Ghanzi, a town in Botswana that is nestled deep in the Kalahari Desert. Here, they stayed in the traditional huts of the San Bushmen, an indigenous group of hunter-gatherers that live in the area.

Justin Williams

They said the huts they stayed in were very basic, which made for an authentic experience. They were built out of thin sticks and straws and included small iron beds, mosquito nets, and a single light bulb.

Justin Williams

While there, they were able to meet some of the local San Bushmen. They learned that the San Bushmen have been living there for thousands of years, almost entirely without contact from the outside world.

Justin Williams

Travelers can also organize walks with the Bushmen to learn some of their traditions. While on the walk, the Bushmen explained how they start fires and hunt for food to Justin and Anna though a translator. As a token of appreciation, Justin gave one of the Bushmen his Toronto Blue Jays hat.

Justin Williams

The Bushmen they were with had never seen a phone, Anna told us, so they introduced the group to a selfie.

Justin Williams

They were treated to some incredible local food on their trip. Justin told us they tried crocodile, which he said tasted like a combination of fish and chicken, as well as oryx and kudu (varieties of antelopes), springbok, and ostrich.

Justin Williams

"There are a lot of wide open spaces that haven't yet been overrun with development and tourism," Anna said of Africa. "It provides a perfect backdrop for authentic exploration and healthy soul-searching."

Read More