Connect with us

Showbiz

How Nigeria’s Hospitality Industry Can Leverage Entertainment Sector

Published

on

By Adeniyi Ogunfowoke

Hospitality has so many branches which include but not limited to music and film. To present a total hospitality package to tourists and visitors, these two must be aligned.

In Nigeria, you can arguably posit that there is yet to be a synergy between the hospitality and entertainment industry. This is a minus for both industries because the country is losing out from a major revenue loop. Although both sectors can exist independently, it will do the economy a whole lot of good if they synergise.

Let’s give more credence to this. According to Nigeria’s Hospitality Report, Travel and Tourism was directly responsible for 1.9% (N2.3 billion in actual numbers) of the country’s total GDP in 2017.

Meanwhile, a report in the Vanguard Newspaper reveals that the entertainment and creative sector contributed 2.3 per cent which was approximately N239 billion to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP in 2016. Definitely, the numbers would have increased in 2017.

You can only imagine how much the Nigerian government will earn if both industries are synergised. In fact, more than the above-referenced figures can be earned if the government and stakeholders explore the endless gains of the hospitality and entertainment industry.

Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry

The entertainment industry has grown by leaps and bounds. Unlike in the past when Nigerians have the knack for foreign films and music, the opposite is the case now. They have embraced Nigerian films and music. The likes of Rita Dominic, Genevieve Nnaji, Pete Edochie, Funke Akindele, Wizkid, Olamide, and Davido et al are known all over the world including African countries. They are also celebrated in the country. Hence, they are ‘tools’ that can be used to push the Nigerian hospitality industry.

Interestingly, the government has recognised that the creative industry has a huge goldmine and has supported the industry with several grants.

In 2013, the government then established N200 billion (or about $1.2 billion) intervention fund for the entertainment industry. Last year, the federal government again supported the Nigerian film industry with N420m grant.

The government support has largely boosted the entertainment industry. You can observe this in the quality of videos and songs emerging from the country.

The Hospitality industry

There has really been no reported grant or fund for the hospitality industry unlike what is happening in entertainment. This is probably why the industry is laid back.

When you talk about hospitality in Nigeria, we mostly look at it from the perspective of hotels and tourist attractions-which need government attention. It is beyond this. There is food, flight, festivals, culture, film, music and much more.

The industry has infinite opportunities that only being explored by a few stakeholders and government interest is limited.

Again, quoting the Nigeria Hospitality report, the number of direct jobs created by the sector peaked at 1.2 million compared to 651,000 in 2016 (1.6%), that’s 1.8% of total employment in the country. This is estimated to rise by 4.7% by end of 2018 to approximately 1.3 million jobs (1.8% of total employment). If the government could invest in the hospitality industry, these figures will definitely increase.

How the hospitality industry can leverage the entertainment sector

Since entertainment is getting more attention from the government, it can be said that the hospitality industry will have to leverage on entertainment for the purpose of business and earn more revenue.

This said it is not rocket science to synergise both sectors to earn more revenue.

Artistes and producers must recognise that there are beautiful, pleasant and awesome Nigerian destinations where they can shoot their videos. For example, we have the Obudu Cattle Ranch, the Kajuru Castle, Olumirin Waterfalls and a host of others. They do not need to visit South Africa or Dubai to shoot their movies. The more these destinations get celebrity endorsements, the more Nigerians will be interested in checking out these destinations and of course, these destinations can earn more revenue.

Furthermore, hospitality stakeholders should partner with artists so that they can endorse their hospitality spots. They do not need to pay the artists cash but they can compensate them in kind. For example, whenever, they have shows or performances, they can provide a certain number of rooms to the artistes and his backroom staff. This will translate to more bookings for the hotel.

Finally, the Nigerian tourist spots need dire attention. So, these artists can organise shows and performances at these spots. The more performances at these tourists attractions, the more they feature prominently in the media. Since the media sets the agenda, the condition of these destinations will be known to the government. They can now, in turn, develop these destinations.

Conclusion

Entertainment and Hospitality can contribute more than it is currently doing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product. That is if it is synergised. The government have a key role to play. They have to also give the grant to the hospitality sector. However, because hospitality is yet to have the influence or impact that entertainment has, the former can leverage on the later to more revenue.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Showbiz

Veteran Nigerian Actor Kola Oyewo Dies at 80

Published

on

kola oyewo

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Veteran Nigerian actor, Mr Kola Oyewo, is reported to have breathed his last at the age of 80.

A popular Nollywood actor, Mr Kunle Afod, confirmed the news of the passing of the scholar, dramatist and filmmaker on Friday in a post on his Instagram page.

Before his passing, Mr Afod recently visited the university teacher at his residence, where he made monetary donations to him.

In his post on Friday, he announced the death of the thespian, saying “Tonight, we lost a true legend. Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow.”

“His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” he further wrote.

Recall that in an interview with Mr Afod, the deceased disclosed how his battle with prostate enlargement affected his acting career, which spanned over six decades.

Mr Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group after he was born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State.

During his lifetime, he acted in several movies, including Saworoide, Super Story, Sango, and Koseegbe, amongst others. He also played the role of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s play, The Gods Are Not to Blame.

In 1996, he became a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University and retired in September 2011 as a senior lecturer. He later moved to Redeemer’s University as the Head of the Department of Dramatic Art. He later worked at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, as a performing arts lecturer.

Continue Reading

Showbiz

Watching BBN and the World Cup Is No Longer a Location Thing

Published

on

dstv stream

Big Brother Naija Reunion is on, the World Cup tournament is kicking off, or that new DStv/GOtv series everyone has been talking about just dropped, and somehow, you’re not at home. Maybe you’re in traffic, at work, or just not near a TV. In moments like these, the real question is no longer “what’s showing?” but “how do I not miss it?”

That shift is precisely why the DStv and GOtv Stream have become more than just viewing platforms. They are now part of how people actually experience television on the move, at home, on phones, and in real time.”

Whether it’s someone trying to catch a live show while commuting, watching highlights during a break at work, or simply preferring to stream directly from their device instead of using a decoder, these apps have quietly changed how entertainment is consumed.

But beyond streaming and access, many users still don’t fully understand how to navigate them properly. Here’s a simple guide.

1. Getting Started

Download the DStv Stream or GOtv Stream app from your device’s app store and sign in using your DStv or GOtv account details.

Once you’re logged in, you’ll land on the home page, where you’ll find a mix of live TV, recommended content, trending titles, and recently added shows.

2. Watching Live TV

One of the easiest ways to use the platform is through the Live TV section.

Simply:

  • Tap on Live TV

  • Browse available channels

  • Select the channel you want

  • Start watching instantly

This is especially useful for:

  • Big Brother Naija live broadcasts

  • Football matches and tournaments

  • News coverage

  • Reality shows

  • Live events

You can move between channels just as you would on a decoder.

3. Finding Shows and Movies

For viewers who already know what they want to watch, the search feature offers a quick way to find specific shows, movies, channels, or sporting events without scrolling through categories.

The platform also organizes content into categories, making it easier to discover something new.

4. Catch Up on Missed Episodes

If you missed an episode because you were busy, the catch-up feature allows you to watch selected programs after they have aired. Instead of waiting for reruns, you can simply search for the show and pick up right where you left off. This feature is especially useful during busy periods when it can be difficult to keep up with daily shows.

5. Explore Recommended and Trending Content

The home page regularly highlights:

  • Trending shows

  • Newly added content

  • Popular movies

  • Recommended titles based on viewing habits

If you’re not sure what to watch next, this section can help you discover content you may have otherwise missed.

6. Accessing Showmax Content

One of the biggest additions to the streaming experience is the integration of Showmax content.

Viewers can now access a wide range of Showmax movies, series, and entertainment content directly through the streaming platform, making it easier to move between live TV and on-demand viewing without constantly switching services.

From international blockbusters to local favorites, there’s significantly more content available to explore.

7. Creating a Personal Viewing Experience

The platform allows users to:

  • Continue watching from where they stopped

  • Save favorite content

  • Browse viewing history

  • Discover personalized recommendations

This makes it easier to keep track of ongoing series and find content that matches your interests.

With the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream, live channels, catch-up viewing, on-demand entertainment, and Showmax content are all available in one place, making it easier than ever to watch what you want, when you want, and wherever you are.

Continue Reading

Showbiz

Drama, Tears, and Showdowns: BBNaija Reunion Starts on Heated Note

Published

on

BBNaija Season 10 Reunion

The Big Brother Naija Season 10 reunion kicked off yesterday, and honestly, nobody was prepared for how quickly things went from zero to heated. From unresolved tensions to emotional confessions, it looks like the housemates came ready to finally say everything they’ve been holding back.

If episode one is anything to go by, the rest of the reunion is set to be explosive.

Here are some of the highlights from Episode 1 of the reunion:

Sabrina opened up about her early exit, saying that if she had stayed longer, viewers would have seen more of her personality, and that a love interest storyline likely wouldn’t have happened.

Tracy reflected on her time in the house, admitting she didn’t feel emotionally prepared for the experience. She also expressed that while she wanted a deeper connection with Kuture, things felt too physical for her.

Zita revisited her time in the house as well, insisting her fight with Mide was not performative and that she often felt cornered by how things played out. Mide, however, pushed back, saying Zita misunderstood her intentions and that she is not condescending.

Zita and Danboskid also addressed their failed “ship,” finally laying the relationship drama to rest.

Thelma had an emotional moment while defending herself in the Isabella and Kayinkumi situation, with tensions rising further when Big Soso jumped into the conversation, escalating things between her and Thelma.

We also saw more tension unfold between Tega and Thelma, with revelations that added even more weight to their already strained dynamic.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get any hotter, the episode ended on a cliffhanger, with Kola and Doris going head-to-head, leaving viewers waiting for what comes next.

If this is just episode one, the rest of the reunion promises nothing short of chaos, clarity, and confrontations.

Big Brother Naija S10 reunion is clearly not holding back this year. You can catch all the drama at 10 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and 10:30 pm on Africa Magic Family on DStv and GOtv.

Continue Reading

Trending