Experts in the tourism and cultural sector have called for involvement of Nigerians in the participation of the the Cultural Oneness Festival scheduled to take place from 13th- 16th November, 2024 in Tamale, Northern Ghana.
The call was made during a Press Briefing organized recently in Abuja by the Festival Country Director for Nigeria, Amb. Kazeem Balogun, who noted that both the Government and individual’s participation will create more synergy and further sustain existing diplomatic, social relationships between Nigeria and Ghana.
Amb. Balogun emphasized the significance of Nigeria’s participation in the event and highlighted the benefits the country stands to gain by engaging with more other African nations through cultural exchange and collaboration.
In a passionate call for Nigeria to invest in cultural exchange and tourism, the Country Director also highlighted the success of the Ghana’s “Year of Return” initiative, which generated nearly $9 billion in its first year.
He made a parallel comparism between Ghana’s burgeoning tourism sector and the untapped tourism potential in Nigeria, saying, Nigeria need to do it right or better learn from those that are doing it right.
Amb Balogun outlined the key activities planned for the four-day event, which centered around the theme: “Leveraging on Our Strength for Shared Growth and Prosperity as One People”, includes Cultural Exhibition, Cultural Roots Tours, Cultural Fusion Durbar/Street Carnival, Business Forum, Fashion Show, and Musical Concert.
He said the event is expected to attract 80,000 participants, offering a platform for cultural exchange, business networking, and the promotion of African arts. “Also features Nigeria-Ghana tourism roundtable, providing an opportunity for stakeholders from both countries to share insights and foster closer ties”.
Contributing to this briefing through zoom were co-founders of The Taste Of Afrika, the organizers of the Cultural Oneness Festival, Tengol Kplemani from Ghana and Chief Martin Chris Glin from United States both emphasized the need for African unity and the role the festival plays in fostering this unity.
Kplemani also emphazised the rationale behind the establishment of the tourism festival which is to promote and foster unity and diversity through cultural exchange and continental visibility for economic empowerment.
“The festival will serve as a platform for various traditional rulers, kingdoms and leaders from across the continent to come together, share their rich cultural heritage, and collaborate on ways to advance their communities,” he said.
Chief Glin, who has personally retraced his roots back to Africa, reiterated importance of Africa’s integration and encouraged African diasporans to reconnect with their heritage.
“This event will also improve our relationship with Ghana even more. It will help us to understand ourselves better,” he noted.
Also speaking was the Cultural Oneness Festival Assistant Director, Ambassador Peace Onuiri, emphasized the importance of Nigeria embracing such initiatives to boost its own tourism and cultural sectors.
She said, “When Nigerians partner and participate in this, we will gain a lot. We’ll learn how to do things properly and reap the benefits,” She explained, noting that the festival would also serve as a platform for fostering unity and integration within West Africa.
The call to action extends beyond government participation. Amb. Peace, highlighted the need for cultural shift among Nigerians, urging greater appreciation for local traditions and attire. “Our mentality has to change that we are Africans,” she noted, encouraging the adoption of African attire and cultural practices in daily life.
The organiser, The Taste Of Afrika, an international organization dedicated to promoting African culture, has made the festival to become a platform for African countries to showcase their heritage, engage in cultural exchange, and discuss ways to leverage cultural assets for socio-economic development.