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Google Partners Others to Digitally Preserve Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove

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Preserve Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A move has been taken to digitally preserve the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. A tech giant, Google Arts & Culture, has collaborated with some organisations to put the content of the shrine in a digital format.

The other organisations partnering with Google are the Adunni Olorisha Trust and CyArk.

In a statement, it was disclosed that the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove project could be explored via goo.gle/osun-osogbo.

Highlights include a 75ha Street View of the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, including the Busanyin Shrine before it was affected by the flood and 3D models of four of the site’s dynamic shrines.

The collection allows people to view 900 high-resolution photographs of the site, contemporary and historical artworks and sculptures, artists and spiritual leaders. It also tells 28 stories about art, community and spirituality at the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove and the effect of climate change at the site and includes three audio interviews, including one with popular artist Jimoh Buraimoh about Susanne Wenger.

This first and largest digital library showcasing the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove is part of Google Arts and Culture’s wider Heritage on the Edge project.

The project seeks to support site managers in digitally documenting heritage sites at risk due to climate change, using the imagery captured to further support community maintenance and conservation.

It allows visitors to watch 27 video interviews and see aerial views and 3D views of the site, while annotated 3D tours of the Busanyin and Iya Moopo shrines showcase the legacy of art and spirituality at the sacred grove.

“Google Arts & Culture’s mission is to preserve and promote the world’s art and culture online, allowing anyone, anywhere in the world to share in it.

“We are grateful that through partnerships, we are now able to preserve one of the most recognised, culturally rich Yoruba heritage sites, known for active traditional worship and contemporary art movements,” says Chance Coughenour, Program Manager and Digital Archaeologist, Google Arts & Culture.

“Through the use of state-of-the-art technologies, site managers will be able to monitor and mitigate the effects of the changing climate and more broadly provide resources to support growing the capacity for the preservation of heritage sites,” added Coughenour.

Located on the forested banks of the Osun river in the city of Osogbo, in Osun State, the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, a  UNESCO World Heritage site, is several centuries old and among the last sacred groves of their kind which joined the edges of most Yoruba cities before the mass shift from rural to urban areas.

On the site, Yoruba deities are embodied in shapely, sculpted shrines where creativity and spirituality come to life. Recently, the Grove has been in danger of destruction due to flooding, heavy rain and climate change.  The  Busanyin Shrine was damaged in floods shortly after being digitally captured.

“The Yoruba community is one of the largest in Nigeria, and the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove is truly a unique and special place that embodies the essence of the Yoruba culture and heritage.

“We are excited about the digital preservation of the site and the partnership with Google Arts & Culture. It offers a noteworthy body of work that portrays the admirable culture of the Yoruba people to the world,” says Olufemi A. Akinsanya Akinsanya, Chair, Save Our Art! Save Our Heritage! Campaign.

“CyArk’s work in Osogbo has been a true collaboration between Nigerian government officials, local NGOs, the community of Osogbo, and His Royal Highness Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, who are all working together to share the stories of Osogbo with a wider audience,” says Kacey Hadick, Director of Programs and Development, CyArk.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, said, “I am truly delighted that, for the first time ever, the Osun Osogbo Grove has been brought online, thanks to Google Arts and Culture, which has partnered with CyArk and the Adunni Olorisa Trust/Osun Foundation to digitise the shrine and its surroundings, thus protecting both for posterity.”

“I said during the visit to the Grove in 2019 that it was important to refocus national and global attention on this world heritage site, and I am glad we achieved our purpose, as can be attested to by this project digitising the shrine and its surroundings. I wish to most sincerely commend all the partners for this monumental work,” he added.

Through past projects like Taste of Nigeria and Eko for Show, Google Arts and Culture has helped people across the world experience Nigeria’s heritage and history.  The launch of the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove project allows new audiences locally and internationally an opportunity to experience its past, present and future, reinforcing Google’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Google Arts & Culture is available free to everyone on the web or via the Arts & Culture App on iOS and Android. Google Arts & Culture is a new way to experience art, history, culture, and world wonders from over 1000 organisations worldwide.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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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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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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