Travel/Tourism
4 Reasons Budget Travellers Should Visit Ebonyi State
By Ndem Nkem
Created in 1996, and as such considered one of the youngest states in Nigeria, Ebonyi State certainly cannot be counted first among the most popular states in the southeast region of Nigeria; from its serene environment and greenery to the variety of local foods and of course, the rich culture.
However, visitors are bound to have a thrill exploring the locales.
In an interview with Ogechi Kalu, the manager of Hotel Geneza – one of the largest hotels in the state’s capital, Abakiliki, Jumia Travel discovers 5 reasons budget travelers need to visit the city popularly referred to as the “Salt of the Nation”.
Tourist sites for adventurous travellers to explore
There are not so many tourist sites in Ebonyi, and the few available are mostly scenic locations. A popular site is the Okposi Salt Lake, it exemplifies why Ebonyi is called “the salt of the nation”. You find a lot of salt traders there. Others include the Abakaliki Green Lake which is found inside the Ebonyi State Government House, Abakaliki Greater Rice Husks, and the Abakaliki Golf Course for those who love to play golf.
Affordable hotels
Accommodation can be a huge factor for budget travellers when considering costs. In Ebonyi state, it is easy to get an affordable hotel, with some rooms in these hotels going for as low as N2,000 a night. Hotel Geneza is one of the best hotels for budget travellers because it is affordable and the facility is basically designed to give the guest absolute satisfaction; every visitor is sure to feel at home even if in reality, they are far from home. The hotel offers 24hrs power supply, internet access, and a bar and restaurant onsite. Also, security is a big deal as there are cameras around the compound and guards at almost every corner.
Variety of local cuisines
Ebonyi state is the perfect destination for budget travellers who are foodies as there are a number of local cuisines that would appeal to travellers taste buds. Again, travellers can absolutely eat so much with so little as these meals are very affordable. Most restaurants, especially the local bukkas around the city, even the ones in hotels have main meals for as low as NGN500 on their menu.
Friendly locals
Ebonyi is a peaceful area. The locals are very friendly and hospitable, as such, travellers get to experience first-hand the lifestyle and culture of the people. For those looking to relocate, employment is easily found among the locals.
Nkem Ndem is a PR Associate at Jumia Travel.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to introduce V-Pass, a biometric facial recognition system designed to make passenger processing faster, safer and more seamless across its domestic airports.
According to FAAN, the new technology will allow passengers to verify their identities through facial recognition after a one-time enrolment, reducing reliance on physical identification documents and shortening queues through automated electronic gates.
The authority said the system is expected to enhance airport security while improving the overall travel experience for domestic passengers.
FAAN added that V-Pass has been developed with data privacy at its core and is compliant with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
The agency described the initiative as part of its commitment to delivering smarter, technology-driven airport services and said nationwide sensitisation and rollout updates would be announced in due course.
Airports in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates already deploy facial recognition technology for processes such as check-in, security screening, immigration and boarding, so the move also aligns Nigeria’s aviation sector with a growing global trend towards contactless travel.
These systems have been adopted to improve operational efficiency, strengthen security and enhance the overall passenger experience.
For FAAN, the deployment of V-Pass forms part of its broader digital transformation agenda aimed at modernising airport operations and accommodating rising passenger traffic.
Experts say that beyond improving convenience, the authority expects the biometric platform to strengthen identity verification, reduce the risk of impersonation and support more efficient airport security, while maintaining compliance with data protection.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
About 14.12 per cent stake in Ikeja Hotel Plc has been acquired by Honeywell Group Limited, a notice on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited has revealed.
Honeywell Group took up the part of the hospitality firm through one of its affiliates known as HGL Real Estate Limited.
Ikeja Hotel, in the disclosure filed with the NGX on July 2, 2026, said the stake comprised 305,323,525 units of its equities.
“Ikeja Hotel hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the general public that it has received notification from HGL Real Estate Limited, an affiliate of Honeywell Group Limited, that it has acquired 305,323,525 units of Ikeja Hotel Plc’s shares, representing 14.12 per cent shareholding in the company,” the notice stated.
Ikeja Hotel is one of Nigeria’s leading hospitality investment and hotel management companies with premium hospitality assets.
It operates two leading hospitality organisations in Lagos, the Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Balmoral Convention Centre.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
About 10 hospitality establishments, including hotels and restaurants, were sealed on Wednesday by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
The affected businesses are located in different locations in the Alimosho Local Government Area of the metropolis, Business Post learned from a statement from the agency.
It was stated that they were sealed by LASEPA for persistent violations of environmental regulations despite repeated warnings, abatement notices, and several opportunities to comply with the agency’s directives.
According to the notice, the enforcement exercise was carried out in line with the directives of the Lagos State government to ensure strict compliance with environmental laws and to safeguard public health.
The affected facilities were said to have breached various environmental regulations, including noise pollution, air pollution, unlawful discharge of untreated effluent, obstruction of official duties, among others.
LASEPA closed the premises of Granduer Meridian at Obasa Akiniyi Street, Oluwaga, Ipaja for non-compliance with the agency’s directives; Lasola (Spazio Bar), located on Ipaja Road, Fatolu Bus Stop, Ipaja, was sealed for noise pollution and non-compliance with directives; Millennium Restaurant, located at Gate Bus Stop, Ipaja, Ayobo, was shut down for non-compliance with directives; O2 Exquisite Suites & Tower on Jimoh Akinremi Street, Jimoh Bus Stop, Akowonjo, was sealed for non-compliance with directives; and Chirozz Hotel & Suites, located on Samuel Street, Akowonjo, by Vulcanizer Bus Stop, Egbeda, was closed for noise pollution and non-compliance with directives.
In addition, House 7 Hotel, located at Remi Akande Street, Egbeda, was sealed for non-compliance with LASEPA’s directives; House 48 on Isiba Oluwo Street, Egbeda, was sealed for non-compliance with directives; Exclusive Hotel, located at Ishan Kimishe, Akesan Bus Stop, was shut down by non-compliance with directives; Sabola Ventures Limited, Iocated at Km 11, LASU–Isheri Road, Igando, was shut down for operating without evidence of an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), and discharging untreated effluent into public drains; and City Int’l Motel, located at Chief Olu-Adegbite Street, off Oladun Street, Council Bus Stop, Idimu, was sealed for non-compliance with directives.
