Nigeria stands tall at WTM London 2014
font size decrease font size increase font size Print Email
19.Nov.2014 DISQUS_COMMENTS Wale Ojo-Lanre
Rate this item1 2 3 4 5 (0 votes)
DATELINE: Excel Exhibition Centre, Docklands, And UK.Time: 8: 49 am, Monday, November 3, 2014.
As she strolled into the African section of the large expanse hall of World Travel Market (WTM), London gaiting leisurely like a gazelle in the savannah, feeding on the arrays of stands of various countries, she was the cynosure of all eyes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Delegates of other countries who were busy putting their stands in order could not resist a well carved mullato who dressed in a well cut African fabric partitioned from the neck down to the ankle with the green-white-green flag of Nigeria.
As if that was not enough, the lady in question covered her head with another strand of the green-white-green apparel in a style akin to the cap of the famous Elizabeth Toro of Uganda, which made her look like an African Queen.
As she visited various stands, a Tanzanian who could no longer bottle her quest gestured warmly towards the lady, “Good morning Miss Nigeria, I guess! Your dress is fascinating. I love you.”
And with an infectious smile, the Director-General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo replied: “Thanks my dear, Nigeria is the most fascinating, pointing to the Nigeria pavilion where coincidentally, ‘Fascinating Nigeria’ was boldly written on the wall.
The Tanzanian smiled, hugged the director general passionately, patted her at the back and promptly joined her colleagues at their stand.
Mrs Mbanefo carried the enthusiasm to Nigeria’s stand. A simple, but stylishly designed and well constructed pavilion, divided into open cubicles with eco-friendly bamboos making each cubicle accessible to prompt contact and interaction.
The walls of the stand were covered by large designed flex, which paraded pictures of some cultural events and assets of Nigerian tourism.
The pictures’ production was excellent for the objects there in looked so real, which was another side attraction that lured visitors to the stand as they used them as background for photographs.
Immediately Mrs Mbanefo stepped Nigeria’s territory, the ambience changed and the aura of good tidings filled the air as she embarked on a tour of the stand, first having a look at the front desk being manned by Hannatu Ismaila a staff of the corporation. Then, she proceeded to the functional space of the Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism where the commissioner, Mrs Yewande Amusan was business ready with her delegation.
Thereafter, the NTDC boss had a brief business discussion with the officials of the Keystone Bank, made a two-minute stop at the lounge of Arik Air and had a brief interaction with journalists.
Mbanefo who also met the publisher of CometoNigeria Magazine, congratulated him for the award, which the Prime Minister of the UK recently bestowed on him for promoting Nigeria’s image.
In a breakfast talk with two managers, who manned Eko Hotels and Suites ‘s desk, she congratulated the Managing Director of Transcrop Hilton Hotel who was in for an international award, consulted with Treavan Limited Travels and Tours, was assured of a spectacular Nigeria Day at the desk of Ariya Promotions and commended the Federal Minister of Water Resources for being resourceful at locating the tourism potentialities of the ministry.
Nigeria’s mission at WTM 2014
After the tour, Mrs Mbanefo disclosed: “Our mission this year is to add value of purpose to the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan by exposing some of his strides at making sure that Nigeria is a destination ready to be explored.
“We are not here for personal aggrandizement or self glorification, but to draw the attention of the travel world that there in Nigeria, great and wonderful works of nature, arts, amazing culture, fascinating geographical features like the kashimbilla dam and others are waiting to be explored, invested and embraced.
“Thus we need the collective efforts of the public sector and most especially the private sector because our goal must be attainable, achievable and measurable, for at the end of the day, we must go back home with accomplishments and tales of success of what we have achieved here.”
One striking features which distinguished this year’s participation from the past was the presence of the members of the private sector as Mrs Mbanefo explored her contacts at making sure that some major players of the public sector added value to Nigeria’s stand as never before.
Private sector holds the ace for tourism
According to Mrs Mbanefo, “It is a well known fact that members of the private sector hold the ace for tourism development. In addition, this is why they are prominent at this year’s market. Tourism is a private sector initiative and we are ready to facilitate, collaborate and network with members. And that is one of the reasons why NTDC exists. We are no longer going to shy away from this.”
This year’s travel market was conducted by NTDC strictly in a profit-oriented paradigm, which depicted Nigeria as a tourism conscious country having distinct products to sell not just coming a testimony of the background of Mrs Mbanefo who has consistently allowed her public sector training reflect in the activities of NTDC.
Kashimbilla Dam, Taraba State put on global parade
The first product placed for the view of the over 5,000 visitors was the Kashimbilla Dam, in Taraba State where President Jonathan has turned a potent natural danger to a prosperous tourism asset.
For all to see the wonders of the Dam, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe who was represented by Mr Reginald Ikpeweajo said, “This water you are seeing was a natural danger which has the potential of sweeping away four states out of Nigeria. Nevertheless, President Jonathan in his resourcefulness has turned this, to not only a multi-purpose dam, but also added tourism value by creating an ecotourism site at the bay. Hopefully by the beginning of next year, you will witness the inauguration of one of the best ecotourism enclaves in Africa.”
The documentary which showed the extensive work nearing completion at the dam site, massive volume of water and the facilities at the tourism enclave and the style of delivery of Mr Ikpeaweajo endeared the dam to many travel buyers and visitors who bombarded Mrs Mbanefo and Ikpeaweajo with questions and begged to take pictures with them.
As Kate Grant, an American, and a member of Travel Buyers Club said, “I am fascinated by this dam. This is great and cool. If this is in your country, I will love to visit one day.”
And immediately, Haanatu Kwari engaged Grant in a business discussion, exchanged business cards and got her registered as a friend of Nigeria.
The successful global presentation of the Kashimbilla Dam project by Mrs Mbanefo on the first day at WTM London 2014 was a sign of good things to come.
BBC, Bloomberg and CNN
The successful launching of the Kashimbilla Dam to the world the previous day served as magnet to the Nigerian stand as the NTDC officials had to attend to several inquires about Nigeria’s tourism potentialities and Mrs Ifie Ezenwa-Ugokwe, Chief Executive Officer, Traevan Travels and Tours Limited was at hand engaging the visitors.
Scores of international media houses were on visit to the stand as Mrs Mbanefo played host to reporters and correspondents from the BBC, CNN and Bloomberg, an online world famous news portal.
Ogun State dazzles visitors with Adire
One of the momentous presentations, which most visitors to WTM London 2014 will forever remember Nigeria for was the Adire (tie and dye) making presentation, which was well coordinated by Mrs Amusan, the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and supervised by Mrs Mbanefo.
It was a purposeful synergy of ideas, concept and style by women, which brought immeasurable honour and created interest in Nigeria.
The visitors and buyers who gathered at the Nigerian stand for the adire production session were not only fascinated as the initial white fabric was tied, styled and soaked with dye and within minutes came out beautifully as great fabric!
A Swedish visitor yelled, “Whao! This is amazing. Nigeria is a great country.”
Mrs Amusan who briefly enumerated some of the tourism products of Ogun State, exposed how the governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has invested on Olumo Rocks and other tourism sites in the state.
“Climb Olumo Rock in Abeokuta and add more years to your life,” Mrs Amusan canvassed.
Mbanefo flaunts Ebola containment
The fear of Ebola scare was the beginning of wisdom for many countries from West Africa, which should have participated at the market but could not do so.
However, Mrs Mbanefo did Nigeria proud on November 5, 2014 at Platinum Suite 6, ExCel, WTM London where she was asked to address the world on ‘How big the problem of Ebola in Africa for Tourism.’
In a short address which commanded commendation from other countries, Mrs Mbanefo delivered a stunning message on Ebola, “To us in Nigeria, it was a test of our ability to confront challenges. Ebola sneaked into Nigeria. President Jonathan mobilised the entire citizen at combating the invasion. And to God be the glory, Nigeria, was able to contain that disease within a short space of time.”
She pointed out that though the whole world believed that Ebola outbreak would have affected the hosting of some festivals and events in Nigeria. “But with the determination of our people, the Ebola virus sneaking into Nigeria has no significant effect on the hosting of some national festivals and events as some festivals like Osun Osogbo and Ojude-Oba in Ijebu, two international festivals were held without noticeable diminishing effect as they recorded several hundreds of foreign visitors.”
Play Golf on the Trigger of Africa launched
A young Nigerian golf enthusiast and promoter of Golf Development International (NGD), Mr Bode Ayodele was one of the members of the private sector who tapped from the success of Nigeria’s participation at WTM 2014.
Mr Ayodele made a presentation of his pet project, “Play Golf on the Trigger of Africa” which is an initiative of his to make golf sport a grassroots affairs. To the sizeable number of visitors and Nigerians which included Alhaji Aminu Agoha, CEO, Visa Travels and Tours and a board member, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation.
Mrs Mbanefo who endorsed the initiative said “At NTDC, we are all for grassroots development. Golf has been seen as an elitist sport and that image needs to change. I like the ‘Play Golf on the Trigger of Africa Project’ on the grounds that it seeks to involve non- elitists in the game. The project has our full endorsement.”
Transcorp Hilton Abuja bags World Travels Awards
Nigeria’s pavilion also hosted the top management cadre of World Travel Awards who came to present the golden trophy and plague to the Managing Director of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja Mr Valentine Ozigbo.
The hotel for the second consecutive year won the prestigious Nigeria’s leading MICE Hotel 2014, which signified that, no hotel in Nigeria has ever beaten Transcorp Hilton at Meetings Inceptives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
Mrs Mbanefo who was the chairperson of the award ceremony said “It is remarkable that Transcorp Hilton has won these prestigious awards consecutively. I will like to commend the management of the hotel for sustainable and consistent excellent service delivery and for maintaining high professional standards for almost three decades. The NTDC is proud to be associated with the hotel’s achievements.”
Keystone Bank unveils package for Nigerians in Diaspora
A significant highlight of Nigeria’s participation at the 2014 WTM London was the unveiling of a value added banking product by Keystone Bank, one of the strongest players in the banking sector.
According to Yetunde Emmanuel Yusuf, Divisional Head, Products and Marketing Support, “The product is designed purposely to cater for Nigerians in the Diaspora who are searching and looking for a reliable bank to store their fortunes for profitability and high yielding. The product is both international and local as owners can operate their account anywhere they are.
Responding to this unique product of Keystone Bank, Mrs Yemi A Stars, and leader of Nigerians in Diaspora, UK commended Mrs Mbanefo for her understanding of what WTM London should be used for.
“I commend the proactive posture of Mrs Mbanefo who has been able to inject purposefulness into the affairs of NTDC. This is the first time in several years when tangible products like this was offered at this platform. We in the Diaspora are grateful to her for facilitating Keystone Bank in fashioning out this unique product for us over here.”
Fascinating Nigerian Day
“Yea, out of all countries which showcased their cultural assets in form of dance and cultural elements, your country’s package is the most fascinating. I have to abandon my people just to watch these fascinating dances and display of yours.”
This was the statement of Kwenku John Aboagaye, a Ghanaian who resides in London after watching the various cultural stunts like Eyo display, Osun Osogbo dance style, the Igbo Melody and the Hausa-Fulani dance stuff, which was played out by the cultural group owned by Mr Adisa Oladimeji.
The cultural day was not only fascinating, but also spectacular as NTDC did not only ensure that there was more than enough to eat and drink, but also provided a highlife band-Salter Melodies to complete the entertainment.
Ghanaian Minister of Tourism applauds Mbanefo
The Ghana Minister of Culture and Tourism, Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare in the spirit of regional integration and fellowship visited Nigeria’s stand to celebrate the Nigeria Day.
The minister who was accompanied by some of her delegates including the current Miss Ghana Tourism joined the sea of visitors in celebrating Nigeria’s Day.
In fact, Miss Ghana Tourism who could not hide her talents, took the microphone and rendered melodious songs to the delight of Nigerians and the visitors.
Ghana Tourism Minister equally added, said that she left her stand to celebrate and identify with a lady of honour, who has proved to be a goal getter, a mobiliser and a good networking expert. Mrs Mbanefo has shored up the credibility rating of Nigeria at this market. She is a down to earth lady who is passionate about selling Nigeria to all.”
NTDC honours Adisa Oladimeji, Publisher, Cometonigeria
As the music, dance, wining and dining came to an end, Mrs Mbanefo announced the decision of the corporation to honour Mr Adisa Oladimeji, a Nigerian culture promoter based in Liverpool and the publisher of Cometonigeria magazine, who was the only Nigerian on the award list of the Prime Minister of Britain, Mr David Cameron for community service and cultural integration.
According to Mrs Mbanefo, “We have decided to honour you for your consistent strides at promoting and projecting the cultural values of Nigeria in Britain, which has not skipped the attention of the Prime Minister of Britain, Mr David Cameron who honoured you for your selfless cultural community service. We congratulate you for being a pride to Nigeria.”
Responding, Mr Oladimeji commended the NTDC boss for her sense of purpose and well cut focus. “You have distinguished yourself as a director general with a difference. You have rebranded Nigeria’s participation at WTM London by making it a purposeful mission with minimum cost and maximum benefit which was never the case before. I thank the NTDC and you for this recognition which will spur me on to do more.”
Reviewing Nigeria’s participation at WTM London 2014, Mr Fatai Ogunribido, a Nigerian journalist based in the UK and publisher of EMN News, an online newspaper said, “You know that I have never seen anything good in NTDC coming to play the prodigal son here in the last six years.
“This year, I have noticed a significant departure from the past in the area of private sector participation, as you can see the number of giant players in the private sector at the stand.
“Also, in the area of collective responsibility and team playing, you see how the Mrs Mbanefo synchronised efforts with the Ogun State Commissioner for Tourism and other exhibitors to make Nigeria glow. You can also observe that for the first time that the Nigerians in Diaspora were not only involved, but she facilitated Keystone Bank at creating a product for our benefits. You can also see that more meaningful and tangible events, which sell Nigeria positively to the world, were hosted.
“I however appeal to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Finance to see this type of foreign event as a necessity, which must be specially funded, as done by other countries. I am sure if this lady has access to adequate funding, the story could have been a lot different. In addition, for this year WTM London, I am proud of Nigeria, proud of NTDC, proud of all the exhibitors and proud of Mr Oladimeji who was also honoured by NTDC for making Nigeria proud.”
Read 35 times
Wednesday 19 November 2014
How Sally Mbanefo sold Nigeria at WTM London 2014
Nigeria stands tall at WTM London 2014
font size decrease font size increase font size Print Email
19.Nov.2014 DISQUS_COMMENTS Wale Ojo-Lanre
Rate this item1 2 3 4 5 (0 votes)
DATELINE: Excel Exhibition Centre, Docklands, And UK.Time: 8: 49 am, Monday, November 3, 2014.
As she strolled into the African section of the large expanse hall of World Travel Market (WTM), London gaiting leisurely like a gazelle in the savannah, feeding on the arrays of stands of various countries, she was the cynosure of all eyes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Delegates of other countries who were busy putting their stands in order could not resist a well carved mullato who dressed in a well cut African fabric partitioned from the neck down to the ankle with the green-white-green flag of Nigeria.
As if that was not enough, the lady in question covered her head with another strand of the green-white-green apparel in a style akin to the cap of the famous Elizabeth Toro of Uganda, which made her look like an African Queen.
As she visited various stands, a Tanzanian who could no longer bottle her quest gestured warmly towards the lady, “Good morning Miss Nigeria, I guess! Your dress is fascinating. I love you.”
And with an infectious smile, the Director-General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo replied: “Thanks my dear, Nigeria is the most fascinating, pointing to the Nigeria pavilion where coincidentally, ‘Fascinating Nigeria’ was boldly written on the wall.
The Tanzanian smiled, hugged the director general passionately, patted her at the back and promptly joined her colleagues at their stand.
Mrs Mbanefo carried the enthusiasm to Nigeria’s stand. A simple, but stylishly designed and well constructed pavilion, divided into open cubicles with eco-friendly bamboos making each cubicle accessible to prompt contact and interaction.
The walls of the stand were covered by large designed flex, which paraded pictures of some cultural events and assets of Nigerian tourism.
The pictures’ production was excellent for the objects there in looked so real, which was another side attraction that lured visitors to the stand as they used them as background for photographs.
Immediately Mrs Mbanefo stepped Nigeria’s territory, the ambience changed and the aura of good tidings filled the air as she embarked on a tour of the stand, first having a look at the front desk being manned by Hannatu Ismaila a staff of the corporation. Then, she proceeded to the functional space of the Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism where the commissioner, Mrs Yewande Amusan was business ready with her delegation.
Thereafter, the NTDC boss had a brief business discussion with the officials of the Keystone Bank, made a two-minute stop at the lounge of Arik Air and had a brief interaction with journalists.
Mbanefo who also met the publisher of CometoNigeria Magazine, congratulated him for the award, which the Prime Minister of the UK recently bestowed on him for promoting Nigeria’s image.
In a breakfast talk with two managers, who manned Eko Hotels and Suites ‘s desk, she congratulated the Managing Director of Transcrop Hilton Hotel who was in for an international award, consulted with Treavan Limited Travels and Tours, was assured of a spectacular Nigeria Day at the desk of Ariya Promotions and commended the Federal Minister of Water Resources for being resourceful at locating the tourism potentialities of the ministry.
Nigeria’s mission at WTM 2014
After the tour, Mrs Mbanefo disclosed: “Our mission this year is to add value of purpose to the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan by exposing some of his strides at making sure that Nigeria is a destination ready to be explored.
“We are not here for personal aggrandizement or self glorification, but to draw the attention of the travel world that there in Nigeria, great and wonderful works of nature, arts, amazing culture, fascinating geographical features like the kashimbilla dam and others are waiting to be explored, invested and embraced.
“Thus we need the collective efforts of the public sector and most especially the private sector because our goal must be attainable, achievable and measurable, for at the end of the day, we must go back home with accomplishments and tales of success of what we have achieved here.”
One striking features which distinguished this year’s participation from the past was the presence of the members of the private sector as Mrs Mbanefo explored her contacts at making sure that some major players of the public sector added value to Nigeria’s stand as never before.
Private sector holds the ace for tourism
According to Mrs Mbanefo, “It is a well known fact that members of the private sector hold the ace for tourism development. In addition, this is why they are prominent at this year’s market. Tourism is a private sector initiative and we are ready to facilitate, collaborate and network with members. And that is one of the reasons why NTDC exists. We are no longer going to shy away from this.”
This year’s travel market was conducted by NTDC strictly in a profit-oriented paradigm, which depicted Nigeria as a tourism conscious country having distinct products to sell not just coming a testimony of the background of Mrs Mbanefo who has consistently allowed her public sector training reflect in the activities of NTDC.
Kashimbilla Dam, Taraba State put on global parade
The first product placed for the view of the over 5,000 visitors was the Kashimbilla Dam, in Taraba State where President Jonathan has turned a potent natural danger to a prosperous tourism asset.
For all to see the wonders of the Dam, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe who was represented by Mr Reginald Ikpeweajo said, “This water you are seeing was a natural danger which has the potential of sweeping away four states out of Nigeria. Nevertheless, President Jonathan in his resourcefulness has turned this, to not only a multi-purpose dam, but also added tourism value by creating an ecotourism site at the bay. Hopefully by the beginning of next year, you will witness the inauguration of one of the best ecotourism enclaves in Africa.”
The documentary which showed the extensive work nearing completion at the dam site, massive volume of water and the facilities at the tourism enclave and the style of delivery of Mr Ikpeaweajo endeared the dam to many travel buyers and visitors who bombarded Mrs Mbanefo and Ikpeaweajo with questions and begged to take pictures with them.
As Kate Grant, an American, and a member of Travel Buyers Club said, “I am fascinated by this dam. This is great and cool. If this is in your country, I will love to visit one day.”
And immediately, Haanatu Kwari engaged Grant in a business discussion, exchanged business cards and got her registered as a friend of Nigeria.
The successful global presentation of the Kashimbilla Dam project by Mrs Mbanefo on the first day at WTM London 2014 was a sign of good things to come.
BBC, Bloomberg and CNN
The successful launching of the Kashimbilla Dam to the world the previous day served as magnet to the Nigerian stand as the NTDC officials had to attend to several inquires about Nigeria’s tourism potentialities and Mrs Ifie Ezenwa-Ugokwe, Chief Executive Officer, Traevan Travels and Tours Limited was at hand engaging the visitors.
Scores of international media houses were on visit to the stand as Mrs Mbanefo played host to reporters and correspondents from the BBC, CNN and Bloomberg, an online world famous news portal.
Ogun State dazzles visitors with Adire
One of the momentous presentations, which most visitors to WTM London 2014 will forever remember Nigeria for was the Adire (tie and dye) making presentation, which was well coordinated by Mrs Amusan, the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and supervised by Mrs Mbanefo.
It was a purposeful synergy of ideas, concept and style by women, which brought immeasurable honour and created interest in Nigeria.
The visitors and buyers who gathered at the Nigerian stand for the adire production session were not only fascinated as the initial white fabric was tied, styled and soaked with dye and within minutes came out beautifully as great fabric!
A Swedish visitor yelled, “Whao! This is amazing. Nigeria is a great country.”
Mrs Amusan who briefly enumerated some of the tourism products of Ogun State, exposed how the governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has invested on Olumo Rocks and other tourism sites in the state.
“Climb Olumo Rock in Abeokuta and add more years to your life,” Mrs Amusan canvassed.
Mbanefo flaunts Ebola containment
The fear of Ebola scare was the beginning of wisdom for many countries from West Africa, which should have participated at the market but could not do so.
However, Mrs Mbanefo did Nigeria proud on November 5, 2014 at Platinum Suite 6, ExCel, WTM London where she was asked to address the world on ‘How big the problem of Ebola in Africa for Tourism.’
In a short address which commanded commendation from other countries, Mrs Mbanefo delivered a stunning message on Ebola, “To us in Nigeria, it was a test of our ability to confront challenges. Ebola sneaked into Nigeria. President Jonathan mobilised the entire citizen at combating the invasion. And to God be the glory, Nigeria, was able to contain that disease within a short space of time.”
She pointed out that though the whole world believed that Ebola outbreak would have affected the hosting of some festivals and events in Nigeria. “But with the determination of our people, the Ebola virus sneaking into Nigeria has no significant effect on the hosting of some national festivals and events as some festivals like Osun Osogbo and Ojude-Oba in Ijebu, two international festivals were held without noticeable diminishing effect as they recorded several hundreds of foreign visitors.”
Play Golf on the Trigger of Africa launched
A young Nigerian golf enthusiast and promoter of Golf Development International (NGD), Mr Bode Ayodele was one of the members of the private sector who tapped from the success of Nigeria’s participation at WTM 2014.
Mr Ayodele made a presentation of his pet project, “Play Golf on the Trigger of Africa” which is an initiative of his to make golf sport a grassroots affairs. To the sizeable number of visitors and Nigerians which included Alhaji Aminu Agoha, CEO, Visa Travels and Tours and a board member, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation.
Mrs Mbanefo who endorsed the initiative said “At NTDC, we are all for grassroots development. Golf has been seen as an elitist sport and that image needs to change. I like the ‘Play Golf on the Trigger of Africa Project’ on the grounds that it seeks to involve non- elitists in the game. The project has our full endorsement.”
Transcorp Hilton Abuja bags World Travels Awards
Nigeria’s pavilion also hosted the top management cadre of World Travel Awards who came to present the golden trophy and plague to the Managing Director of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja Mr Valentine Ozigbo.
The hotel for the second consecutive year won the prestigious Nigeria’s leading MICE Hotel 2014, which signified that, no hotel in Nigeria has ever beaten Transcorp Hilton at Meetings Inceptives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
Mrs Mbanefo who was the chairperson of the award ceremony said “It is remarkable that Transcorp Hilton has won these prestigious awards consecutively. I will like to commend the management of the hotel for sustainable and consistent excellent service delivery and for maintaining high professional standards for almost three decades. The NTDC is proud to be associated with the hotel’s achievements.”
Keystone Bank unveils package for Nigerians in Diaspora
A significant highlight of Nigeria’s participation at the 2014 WTM London was the unveiling of a value added banking product by Keystone Bank, one of the strongest players in the banking sector.
According to Yetunde Emmanuel Yusuf, Divisional Head, Products and Marketing Support, “The product is designed purposely to cater for Nigerians in the Diaspora who are searching and looking for a reliable bank to store their fortunes for profitability and high yielding. The product is both international and local as owners can operate their account anywhere they are.
Responding to this unique product of Keystone Bank, Mrs Yemi A Stars, and leader of Nigerians in Diaspora, UK commended Mrs Mbanefo for her understanding of what WTM London should be used for.
“I commend the proactive posture of Mrs Mbanefo who has been able to inject purposefulness into the affairs of NTDC. This is the first time in several years when tangible products like this was offered at this platform. We in the Diaspora are grateful to her for facilitating Keystone Bank in fashioning out this unique product for us over here.”
Fascinating Nigerian Day
“Yea, out of all countries which showcased their cultural assets in form of dance and cultural elements, your country’s package is the most fascinating. I have to abandon my people just to watch these fascinating dances and display of yours.”
This was the statement of Kwenku John Aboagaye, a Ghanaian who resides in London after watching the various cultural stunts like Eyo display, Osun Osogbo dance style, the Igbo Melody and the Hausa-Fulani dance stuff, which was played out by the cultural group owned by Mr Adisa Oladimeji.
The cultural day was not only fascinating, but also spectacular as NTDC did not only ensure that there was more than enough to eat and drink, but also provided a highlife band-Salter Melodies to complete the entertainment.
Ghanaian Minister of Tourism applauds Mbanefo
The Ghana Minister of Culture and Tourism, Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare in the spirit of regional integration and fellowship visited Nigeria’s stand to celebrate the Nigeria Day.
The minister who was accompanied by some of her delegates including the current Miss Ghana Tourism joined the sea of visitors in celebrating Nigeria’s Day.
In fact, Miss Ghana Tourism who could not hide her talents, took the microphone and rendered melodious songs to the delight of Nigerians and the visitors.
Ghana Tourism Minister equally added, said that she left her stand to celebrate and identify with a lady of honour, who has proved to be a goal getter, a mobiliser and a good networking expert. Mrs Mbanefo has shored up the credibility rating of Nigeria at this market. She is a down to earth lady who is passionate about selling Nigeria to all.”
NTDC honours Adisa Oladimeji, Publisher, Cometonigeria
As the music, dance, wining and dining came to an end, Mrs Mbanefo announced the decision of the corporation to honour Mr Adisa Oladimeji, a Nigerian culture promoter based in Liverpool and the publisher of Cometonigeria magazine, who was the only Nigerian on the award list of the Prime Minister of Britain, Mr David Cameron for community service and cultural integration.
According to Mrs Mbanefo, “We have decided to honour you for your consistent strides at promoting and projecting the cultural values of Nigeria in Britain, which has not skipped the attention of the Prime Minister of Britain, Mr David Cameron who honoured you for your selfless cultural community service. We congratulate you for being a pride to Nigeria.”
Responding, Mr Oladimeji commended the NTDC boss for her sense of purpose and well cut focus. “You have distinguished yourself as a director general with a difference. You have rebranded Nigeria’s participation at WTM London by making it a purposeful mission with minimum cost and maximum benefit which was never the case before. I thank the NTDC and you for this recognition which will spur me on to do more.”
Reviewing Nigeria’s participation at WTM London 2014, Mr Fatai Ogunribido, a Nigerian journalist based in the UK and publisher of EMN News, an online newspaper said, “You know that I have never seen anything good in NTDC coming to play the prodigal son here in the last six years.
“This year, I have noticed a significant departure from the past in the area of private sector participation, as you can see the number of giant players in the private sector at the stand.
“Also, in the area of collective responsibility and team playing, you see how the Mrs Mbanefo synchronised efforts with the Ogun State Commissioner for Tourism and other exhibitors to make Nigeria glow. You can also observe that for the first time that the Nigerians in Diaspora were not only involved, but she facilitated Keystone Bank at creating a product for our benefits. You can also see that more meaningful and tangible events, which sell Nigeria positively to the world, were hosted.
“I however appeal to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Finance to see this type of foreign event as a necessity, which must be specially funded, as done by other countries. I am sure if this lady has access to adequate funding, the story could have been a lot different. In addition, for this year WTM London, I am proud of Nigeria, proud of NTDC, proud of all the exhibitors and proud of Mr Oladimeji who was also honoured by NTDC for making Nigeria proud.”
Read 35 times
