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France to Develop Tourism in Oyo

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Develop Tourism in Oyo

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The French government is looking to develop tourism in Oyo State and it has already taken a step towards achieving this goal.

Last weekend, the French Embassy was in the South-Western state of Nigeria to have talks with the government on how to go about this.

During a visit to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism in Oyo State, the leader of the French delegation, Dr Vincent Hiribarren, said the country was determined to engage with Oyo State and seek ways to explore its tourism potentials in different archaeological and historical sites.

“Currently, France is seeking to help the Oyo State government to document its tourism potentials. This is the first working visit to the state’s tourism sites,” he said.

“The field visit to potential archaeological sites in Oyo State would afford us the opportunity to assess them, with the aim of developing an archaeological project,” he added.

The state government took the visiting team to a tourist site, Ado-Awaye Hill. They also toured studios and archives of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism with the aim of developing a project on digitalisation of archival materials and training of personnel.

Mr Hiribarren, who was excited, also promised the French government’s support to Oyo State in ensuring the full digitisation of its archaeological documents, archival materials and cultural heritage.

The team, thereafter, met the management of the Ministry to deliberate on possible projects to be developed based on the assessments made.

The French delegation added that the relics put up for consideration include Idere Relics, Kunrunmi Relics, Iyake Suspended Lake Ado Awaye & Aso Ofi centre, Iseyin (home of weavers).

“This official visit to the state is marked with a trip to the famous Ado-Awaye hill where we discovered big tourism potentials such as the Iya’ke suspended lake, the Iya’laro lake and an ancient cave,” the leader said.

Mr Hiribarren, who heads the French Institute for Research in Africa, promised the French Government’s support to ensure Ado-Awaye among other tourist sites in the State are enlisted on the UNESCO recommendation for tourism, which he noted will consummate the state’s economic diplomacy upgrade.

“We will ensure this is established as part of UNESCO tourism sites, such that it will influence tourists and improve the rating and cultural heritage of the community,” he said, adding that the visit was an attempt to build on the priorities set by the French Government, saying it was also a sign of Paris’ “willingness to change the narrative of the relations between the State and France.”

“We are working for a new, more sustainable, fairer way to support the tourism potentials in Oyo State. We want to find ways to partner with Oyo State on tourism to create more jobs, and to create more economic growth,” he added.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr ‘Bunmi Babalola appreciated the French Government for the visit, which he noted will increase the volume of economic impact on the people of Ado-Awaye.

He also promised the state government’s full support to prioritize the tourism sector, which will, in turn, expand the State’s economy.

The Alado of Ado-Awaye, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran, said the community has waited long for the realisation of this age-long dream.

Noting that the community hosts the only natural suspended lake in the African continent, the Monarch added that the development will not only enhance tourism potentials in the state but curb criminality and other vices.

The French Embassy Mission included Professor Gerard Chouin (Williams & Mary USA), Dr Vincent Hiribarren (Director IFRA Nigeria), Ms Lea ROTH (Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne), Prof. R. A. Alabi (Head of Department of Archaeology UI), Joseph Ayodokun (Department of Archaeology UI and Field officer of IFRA Nigeria’s Archaeological Projects) and Patrick Babalola (Archivist, IFRA Nigeria).

Aduragbemi Omiyale is a journalist with Business Post Nigeria, who has passion for news writing. In her leisure time, she loves to read.

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Travel/Tourism

FAAN Launches Energy Efficient Shuttle to Support Abuja Airport

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FAAN abuja airport electric cars

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has unveiled 30 airport electric shuttle which will be used to complement airside and landside logistics.

The shuttle, which comprises 10 vehicles and 20 saloon cars, will cost N10,000 per passenger from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to the City Centre.

Speaking at the event, the governing board chairman of FAAN, Mr Abdullahi Ganduje, said: “Electric vehicles offer clear operational and environmental benefits. They are cleaner, quieter and more energy-efficient, significantly reducing carbon emissions and helping FAAN minimise its ecological footprint. Their use will contribute to healthier airport environments and a more comfortable work and travel experience.

“From a logistics standpoint, electric vehicles also enhance monitoring, coordination and compliance. Their predictable performance and lower maintenance demands improve operational planning, accountability and service reliability. Ultimately, this translates into more efficient, transparent and passenger-friendly services.

“This initiative directly supports global sustainability targets, including International Civil Aviation Organisation’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By embracing electric mobility, FAAN is positioning Nigerian airports to remain competitive, responsible and future-ready.”

Mr Ganduje pledged the commitment of the board to ensure that the initiative is utilised, maintained, and expanded to other airports in the country.

On her part, the managing director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku noted that the agency has secured approval to deploy 100 electric vehicles to operate as airport shuttles at Lagos and Abuja airports.

“We have secured approval to deploy 100 Electric Vehicles (EVs) to operate as airport shuttles at both Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. It is a monumental step towards greening our operations and reducing our carbon footprint.”

“We proudly begin this journey with the first phase: the launch of these 10 state-of-the-art electric shuttle buses. They represent more than just transport; they symbolise cleaner air, quieter terminals, and a to pioneering sustainable infrastructure in Nigerian aviation”.

She expressed optimism that the initiative would be replicated across all airports in the country.

The head of Fleet Operations of Possible EVS, Mrs Abimbola Gyer while stating that the transport fare would be subsidised for passengers, added that operations would commence from 7am to 7pm daily.

“We partner with NEV Electric, the manufacturer of the electric buses. We would be moving passengers from the airport to the city centre at the rate of N10,000 and as demand continues, we will expand our hub. The operations will start from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m daily,” she noted.

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Travel/Tourism

Quickteller Travel Secures IATA Certification

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Quickteller Travel

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The travel and tourism service powered by Interswitch, Quickteller Travel, has been issued a certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

With IATA certification, Quickteller Travel is now fully equipped to connect African travellers to global destinations, support airlines and partners with reliable distribution and settlement, and set a new standard for trusted, digitally enabled travel across the continent.

The IATA accreditation reinforces Quickteller Travel’s operational credibility, compliance standards, and ability to deliver secure, efficient, and globally recognised travel services.

It also strengthens the platform’s positioning as a reliable partner for airline bookings, corporate travel management, and end-to-end travel solutions across Africa and beyond.

The certification is a milestone that places the brand among a global network of trusted and accredited travel service providers.

This achievement comes at a time when Africa’s travel and tourism sector is experiencing renewed growth, driven by increased business travel, regional connectivity, and digital adoption.

With IATA certification, Quickteller Travel is poised to offer individuals, SMEs, corporate organisations, airlines, and other travel stakeholders a seamless digital experience, supported by Interswitch’s trusted payment infrastructure.

Integrated into the broader Quickteller and Interswitch ecosystem, Quickteller Travel combines global accreditation with local insight, offering African travellers and businesses a secure, seamless, and digitally empowered experience.

The Vice President for Transport Ecosystem at Interswitch, Ms Nnenna Ajanwachuku, said, “The IATA certification is a strong validation of Quickteller Travel’s operational standards, governance, and commitment to excellence. It enhances trust for travellers, corporate partners, and global airline stakeholders who rely on accredited platforms for secure and transparent travel transactions.

“For Interswitch, this milestone reinforces our mission to build technology-led solutions that unlock access, simplify commerce, and connect Africa to the global economy.”

Ms Ajanwachuku added that the approval would enable Quickteller Travel to deepen partnerships with airlines and travel service providers while offering customers greater confidence, choice, and value.

“Quickteller Travel is not just a booking platform; it is part of an ecosystem designed to make travel more accessible, reliable, and digitally enabled for Africans. Powered by Interswitch’s heritage of trust and innovation, we are building a platform that meets global standards while responding to local travel needs,” she said.

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Travel/Tourism

Emirates, Air Peace Enhance Seamless Global Connectivity

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Emirates Air Peace

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Two key players in the Nigerian aviation industry, Emirates and Air Peace, have activated a bilateral interline agreement aimed to expand air connectivity between Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and London.

The two airline operators are building on their existing partnership to offer their passengers frictionless, single-ticket travel and with through-checked baggage, on select routes, resulting in greater travel comfort and convenience for customers.

Beyond the 13 cities in Nigeria already available for Emirates passengers on Air Peace’s network, the enhanced interline agreement now enables travellers to connect with Banjul in Gambia and Dakar in Senegal, both via Abidjan; and with Freetown in Sierra Leone and Monrovia in Liberia, both via Accra. The additional gateways allow more passengers in Africa to access Emirates world-class product and services, and vast global network.

The agreement allows Air Peace to connect its extensive West and Central African route system into Emirates’ hub in Dubai, and on key destinations including London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London Stansted, Abidjan, Accra and, of course, Lagos.

With huge demand for travel between Nigeria and the United Kingdom,  providing Air Peace passengers with increased choice, flexibility, and global reach.

Emirates operates a Boeing 777-300ER on its Dubai-Lagos route, providing travellers with one of the best experiences in the sky.

Passengers can dine on regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages, while tuning in to over 6,500 channels of global entertainment – including Nollywood classics – on ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system.

As one of only two airlines operating a First Class cabin into Nigeria, Emirates offers an unrivalled travel experience defined by comfort, privacy and luxurious touches.

With a fleet of over 50 aircraft including Boeing 777s, Boeing 737s, Embraers, Air Peace operates an expanding network of domestic, regional, and international services, connecting major cities across Africa and beyond.

The airline remains committed to strengthening intra-African connectivity, supporting trade and tourism, and contributing meaningfully to economic development across the continent.

“Enhancing our interline partnership with Air Peace allows us to expand our footprint across more of Africa, creating new opportunities for people to fly better with Emirates, while helping international tourists explore more of the region, via Lagos.

“We remain committed to working with strategic partners such as Air Peace to further strengthen Nigeria’s aviation, tourism and trade sectors,” the Chief Commercial Officer for Emirates, Mr Adnan Kazim, said.

His counterpart at Air Peace, Nowel Ngala, while commenting, said, “This interline agreement with Emirates represents a major step in Air Peace’s strategic vision to connect Africa more efficiently to global markets.

“By combining our strong regional presence with Emirates’ extensive international network, we are delivering seamless connectivity, improved travel experience, and greater access to key global destinations for African travellers. This partnership further reinforces Air Peace’s role as a critical bridge between Africa and the global aviation ecosystem.”

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