President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the ‘Ipada’ Initiative, Lola Ade-John, the Minister of Tourism has said.
The minister at a briefing at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, September 19, 2024, said Ipada is designed to boost tourism in Nigeria and across Africa by encouraging people of African descent to visit the continent.
She also said that the initiative would use Lagos as its gateway into the hearts of Africans.
As a Yoruba word, Ipada which means the return, is aimed at uniting Africa through tourism, focusing on Africans in the diaspora and lovers of Africa worldwide.
Mrs Ade-John explained that this year-round initiative seeks to foster deep-rooted connections that can lead to future investments and business opportunities, amongst other things.
The minister said Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, the founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and Motherland Beckons, was the creator and driving force behind Ipada, and the Federal Government decided to support him to actualise the project.
“We believe that with unity of purpose, we can realise the significant economic benefits Ipada offers to our continent and individual countries.
“President Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Tourism fully endorse this project,” she said.
The minister added that various ministries, agencies, private stakeholders and civic society were collaborating to ensure that the goals of the project were achieved.
Mr Akinboboye further explained that the vision of the Ipada Initiative was to reconnect Africa with its vast and vibrant diaspora, while simultaneously unlocking the immense economic potential of the continent.
He said the Ipada Initiative was designed to facilitate the return of 50 million people of African ancestry to Africa over the next five years.
“The initiative is creating an African shopping mall to present Africa as a united tourism front, leveraging the interest of over 1.5 billion people of African descent and half a billion Africa enthusiasts.
“I am proud to announce that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu serves as the Grand Patron and Global Ambassador for Ipada Initiatives.
“Through Ipada, we offer essential services such as accommodation, transportation, security, and guided tours, ensuring that every visitor experiences the warmth and richness of Africa,” said Mr Akinboboye.
He said apart from creating a link between Africa and its diaspora, the Ipada Initiative fostered economic and cultural exchanges and encouraged investment back into Africa.
“This initiative is expected to drive job creation, increase foreign direct investment (FDI), and strengthen economic ties between the continents.
“Additionally, as tourists are drawn to experience African culture at the resort, tourism revenues will significantly rise, benefitting both the host country and African economies through increased demand,” he stated.
He said the Ipada Initiative was also a unique platform offering tailored investment packages to take advantage of the burgeoning opportunities across Africa.
The initiative, he noted, provided several pathways for those looking to invest on the continent in areas such as holiday homes within resorts, built around beaches, lagoons, rivers, caves, hot springs, oceans, and historic sites.
“Investors can earn returns through the daily rental of these holiday homes to tourists while retaining the option to use them as personal holiday retreats.
“Moreover, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort’s brand offers expertise to governments in developing their attractions into fully-fledged destinations by creating the necessary recreational infrastructure.
“Transforming mere attractions into destinations enhances tourist spend and maximises economic benefits,” he said.
A key aspect of the Ipada initiative, according to Akinboboy, is the Ipada Carnival, an annual 10-day celebration that will take place from November 29, 2024, to December 8, 2014, at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Lagos.
“The carnival will be a vibrant expression of our shared culture, history, and aspirations, bringing together people from all corners of the globe to celebrate Africa.
“The Ipada Carnival will be more than just a celebration; it will be a comprehensive showcase of Africa’s cultural wealth and innovation,” Mr Akinboboye added.
