Travel/Tourism
Discover Delta to Position Delta State As Global Tourism Hub
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Steps are being taken by a leading amusement park and resort in Nigeria, Omu Resort, to ensure Delta State become the latest global tourism hub.
The company has come up with a multifaceted initiative known as Discover Delta to attract tourists across the world to the oil-rich state and earn scarce foreign exchange (FX) for the country.
It intends to achieve this goal and redefine the tourism landscape in Delta State through the Leisure Park and Film Village Asaba.
A statement from the firm said in September 2023; it would launch the Discover Delta initiative, which encompasses a series of enchanting tourism-focused events, projects, and agendas.
“The concept, Discover Delta, is a platform that will propel Delta State into the global spotlight, presenting the world with a captivating blend of the state’s culture, heritage, and diverse attractions,” a representative of Leisure Park and Film Village Asaba, Mr Joseph Umukoro, said.
He noted that at the heart of Discover Delta lies a palpable passion to nurture a deep appreciation for Delta State’s cultural heritage and breathtaking attractions that will position it as a global tourism hub.
According to him, Discover Delta will first be unveiled with two remarkable endeavours that embody the organisation’s commitment to elevating tourism experiences in Delta State while others follow.
“The Discover Delta initiative involves a whole lot, including the celebration of the rich heritage of Delta State from the history of the first Olu of Warri till date, a talent hunt that encompasses comedy, the movie and music industry, among others.
“However, we are starting with the unveiling of a coffee book and a 45-minute documentary. The coffee book is a 200-page literary masterpiece that invites readers on a thrilling pictorial journey into the realms of tourism, culture, and cuisines of Delta State.
“It is an exquisitely crafted volume that beckons global tourists to step into a world of colours, flavours, and narratives that weave the essence of Delta State.
“The coffee book invites readers on an immersive journey through the vibrant stories, the traditions, and the awe-inspiring landscapes that define Delta State.
“On its part, the 45-minute documentary, a visual narrative that captures the essence of Delta State’s uniqueness via storytelling and breathtaking visuals, complements the literary endeavour.
“The documentary unveils the magic of Delta State’s treasures, shedding light on the hidden gems, the cultural vibrancy, and the awe-inspiring natural wonders that await discovery,” Mr Umukoro said.
Furthermore, he said that as a son of the soil, he is very excited as the company prepares for the official launch of the Discover Delta campaign in September 2023.
“Culminating from meticulous planning, creative ingenuity, and a shared passion for Delta State’s rich culture, this campaign sets the stage for a transformative chapter in our tourism journey.
“The “Discover Delta” slogan encapsulates our shared mission—to unite, promote, and celebrate the captivating allure of tourism in Delta State.
“With unbridled enthusiasm, we invite all to rally under this banner and embrace the remarkable journey that “Discover Delta” promises. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of our home and set forth a legacy that future generations will cherish,” he concluded.
Leisure Park and Film Village Asaba is a one-of-a-kind theme park located on Anwai Road, Asaba, Delta State.
It boasts exciting facilities, including one of the largest man-made lakes housing a wave pool, kayaking, waterslides, swimming pool, and others.
The zoo section has over 70 rarely-seen, eye-catching animals from over 50 species in secure enclosures, all in a serene and comfortable environment that guarantees fun-seekers a good time.
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.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Emirates has become the first airline cargo carrier to deploy the Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft.
The aircraft (A6-EBK) will enter commercial service with a flight from Hong Kong to Dubai carrying over 100 tonnes of cargo, a statement from the airline operator stated.
The converted Emirates Boeing 777-300ERSF offers 100 tonnes of payload capacity and 811 m³ of cargo volume, representing a 25 per cent increase in cargo volume over the Boeing 777-F production freighter.
At 47 pallet positions, the converted aircraft also accommodates 10 additional pallet positions when compared with the Boeing 777-F production freighter, making it ideal for transporting volumetric cargo such as e-commerce goods, which currently constitute around 20 per cent of global air cargo tonnage with further growth projected in the next few years.
The converted Boeing 777-300ERSF is the sixth new freighter, following five Boeing 777-F production freighters, to join Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet since March 2026.
As part of its ambitious expansion strategy, Emirates SkyCargo will also be taking delivery of five additional Boeing 777-F aircraft as well as one additional converted Boeing 777-300ERSF by December 2026.
Emirates SkyCargo will also be introducing three additional converted Boeing 777-ERSFs into its fleet in 2027.
“The induction of the first converted Emirates Boeing 777-300ERSF into operational service represents the next step in the expansion of our fleet and operational agility.
“We are optimising our fleet assets by converting older Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft to meet the growing demand for air cargo capacity to transport goods rapidly across the world,” Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President, Badr Abbas, commented.
“Combined with our growing fleet of Boeing 777-F production freighters, we have already been able to scale our global freighter network from just over 40 destinations in February this year to 62 destinations currently and growing.
“We are providing our global customers with scalable cargo capacity and ultimate flexibility and connectivity when moving cargo to and through our hub in Dubai,” Abbas added.
