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By Okorie Uguru
As preparations for the debut edition of Ipada Carnival 2024 gather speed, organisers of the cultural tourism and economic project have continued to welcome more support and endorsements from across the board, with the latest coming from the management of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR). Before this time, the project, which is an initiative of the Founder and President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, has received endorsements from Lagos State government, which is the host state, Ekiti State government and the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, which noted that the project is a significant move in the development and promotion of Nigerian tourism.
Ipada Carnival 2024 and Ipada Initiative, which are aspects of ‘Motherland Beckons’ activations, is according to Akinboboye, is geared towards inspiring the mass movement of people from the Diaspora to Lagos, Nigeria and then Africa, which is the motherland of the Diasporas. With over a million people expected during this mass movement, Akinboboye said it would not only be a boost for Nigerian tourism but also a flip for the economy as a number of the people will be exposed to business opportunities for investment within the eco-system. The partnership of NIHOTOUR is a welcome development as the training institute is bringing on board two unique products; First World Polo and Beach Durbar Fiesta, to add flair and colour to the event, which is slated to hold between November 29 and December 8, 2024 at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ikegun Village, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.
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In a letter of endorsement of the project to Akinboboye, signed by the Director General of the institute, Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa, it disclosed; ‘‘We look forward to working together towards a successful partnership and contributing to the success of the Ipada Carnival by adding Polo and Durbar to the bouquet of events that would add glitter to the 2024 edition.
“We are not just going to have a Polo and Durbar Beach Fiesta; what we are going to have in November and December at IPADA Carnival will be the First Ever World’s Polo And Durbar Beach Fiesta.”
This global fiesta, he noted will feature among others; African Beach Polo (Chovken) Championship; Colourful Royal Durbar (Horse) Procession; Display of Hausa Traditional Sports and Various Folk Arts including Wrestling, Crocodiles performances, ‘Yantauri’ (knives artists) and other uncommon entertainment; and Training of La Campagne Tropicana host community youths and women on tour guide operations.
