By JOSHUA OLOMU

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) is set to host the maiden edition of “Naija Flavour: Destination December”, an innovative initiative to showcase the nation’s rich tourism and creative sector.

Mr Olayiwola Awakan, Director-General of NTDA, made the announcement at an unveiling news conference on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the tourism fiesta is slated to hold on Dec, 13, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He said the event would showcase the nation’s rich culture identity, including cuisine, attire, music, craft and the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians

“We are celebrating the flavours of our culture, the vibrancy of our creativity, and the growing power of tourism as an economic driver under the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“As we all know, the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda emphasises economic growth, creative industry expansion, SME development, and sustainable value creation.

“Naija Flavour has been conceptualised in that same spirit, to generate wealth, empower local businesses, strengthen our creative economy, and build a tourism experience that sustains itself and stimulates national growth.

“On Dec. 13, Abuja will host a marketplace of culture, entrepreneurship, food, fashion, games, musical concert, and live theatre,” he said.

According to him, to deepen its tourism experience, the event will feature a theatrical production with the tittle “Echoes of the Drums.”

The D-G said “Echoes of the Drums” is written by him and directed by the renowned thespian Isioma Williams, and produced through a strategic NTDA collaboration with the Guild of Theatre Arts Drummers (GOTHAD).

“Together, we are using theatre as a tool for tourism storytelling and cultural preservation, We are building tourism with unity, creativity, and purpose.

“This is a celebration of communal life, unity, ecotourism, spirituality, supernatural folklore, and our rich ancestral heritage.

“The drum is not only an instrument; it is communication, identity, celebration, and a spiritual pulse that connects generations.

“Let the world know that Nigeria is shaping tourism with innovation, entertainment, and economic impact,” he said.

He called on SMEs and creative entrepreneurs, to identify with the project to showcase you’re their creativity and craft as Nigerians and visitors converge in the nation’s capital for the tourism fiesta.

According to him, If culture is our asset, then SMEs are the engine that drives tourism revenue, and through Naija Flavour, we are giving these businesses visibility, access, and platforms to thrive.

Awakan said the event will be held in collaboration with various stakeholders in the sector, including The Monoliza Abuja ,the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism(NIHOTOUR),

Others include the National Troupe of Nigeria, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) The Guild of Theatre Arts Drummers (GOTHAD) and Yankee Entertainment.

He said after the maiden edition, subsequent ones will be held in the six geopolitical zones. (NAN)

•PHOTO: Stakeholders at the unveiling of “Naija Flavour: Destination December”, an innovative fiesta to showcase Nigeria’s tourism and creative sector.