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Hosts Winners of maiden Tourism Africa Lotto
By David Odama
The Senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly, Senator Ned Nwoko has advocated for pan-African tourism and development mechanism to drive the tour Africa Lottery.
Senator Ned Nwoko, Chairman of Project Tourism Africa and a prominent advocate for pan-African tourism and development, made the call in a statement by his Director of media and communication, Gloria Okolugbo after he received the winners of the inaugural Visit Rwanda campaign at his residence in Abuja.
The event which marked the celebration of the visionary initiative, also seek to highlight Africa’s vast tourism potential while positioning Nigeria as a gateway to global travel and cultural exchange.
Senator Nwoko commended the winners for their remarkable achievement and reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to advancing tourism as a cornerstone of Africa’s economic transformation.
“Tourism is not just a tool for economic growth; it is a means to connect people, promote cultural affinity and foster regional unity and integrations.
Through initiatives like Project Tourism, we are redefining Africa’s narrative and showcasing the continent as a premier destination on the global stage,” the statement stated.
The Senator also charged the winners to remain focused on the goals of the trip, which include fostering cultural exchange, appreciating Africa’s natural beauty, and bringing back laurels during an interactive session,
The lawmaker who delved into critical topics such as global warming, climate change, and the rich cultural identities of African peoples, stressed the urgent need to preserve these identities in post-colonial Africa, noting their significance to the continent’s heritage.
Furthermore, Senator Nwoko drew the attention of Nigerians and the African continent to a growing continental awareness, underscoring the recent pushback by African states against cultural and policy impositions by external forces.
“This signals of a renewed era of pride, self-determination, and the safeguarding of Africa’s traditions and values must be properly tackle and address through total commitment of our people in the continent”, senator Nwoko declared.
Addressing the gathering, at the occasion, Project Director of Tour Africa, Chukwuebuka Anyaduba, hinged the success of the Visit Rwanda campaign on bridging the gaps between African nations and inspiring exploration of the continent’s unparalleled beauty.
“This campaign underscores the transformative power of tourism. It connects people, cultures, and economies in profound ways. What we are witnessing today is just the beginning of Project Tourism Africa’s vision to amplify Africa’s voice on the global tourism map,” he stated.
The winners of the Visit Rwanda campaign, who are set to embark on an exciting journey to Rwanda from December 15–20, 2024, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity, lauding the Tour Africa Lottery for creating a platform that will encourage pan-African exploration and fosters cultural appreciation.
The trip, coordinated by East Africa Regional Representative for Project Tourism, Ms. Anita Soina, will showcase Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant heritage, and world-renowned hospitality.
The winners of this maiden edition are: Ezirim Linda Chioma, Christiana Sanni, Juliet Ezeugbo, Hope Omale and
Ifeoma Okparajiego
The Tour Africa Lottery, was sponsored by Linas International and supported by the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), representing a bold initiative to promote pan-African tourism and regional integration.