Travel/Tourism
Okowa Calls for Patronage of Park Vega Waterpark
By Ahmed Rahma
The Governor of Delta State, Mr Ifeanyi Okowa, has appealed to residents of the state, especially those in Agbor, to patronise the newly commissioned Park Vega Waterpark.
On Friday, December 4, 2020, several dignitaries from all walks of life converged to witness the opening of the park, which is regarded as the largest in West Africa.
The commissioning was done by Mr Okowa, who was represented by the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, a veteran journalist.
In his speech, the Governor said Park Vega Waterpark will boost tourism not only in Delta State but in Nigeria because of the facilities in the place.
He further said, “Park Vega Waterpark is in line with the Delta State development agenda that includes strategic wealth creation and transforming our environment by developing facilities.
“Those who will work here will no longer be classified as unemployed because they have created jobs for our unemployed children.
“I commended the Dein of Agbor for upholding our culture and thank the initiators of the Park Vega Waterpark vision for sighting it in Delta State as they could have taken it anywhere.
“I want to encourage others to start setting up complementary businesses near the Park to make Ewuru, Agbor to become a major town and urban centre.”
He added that, “The success of the park can only be guaranteed if we all patronise [it] by bringing our family, children, and encourage friends to also visit the park even if they live in Asaba.
“The good thing is that there is no place you will find a park as well built as Park Vega Waterpark that we are looking at in the country.”
Also speaking at the event, the Dein of Agbor, Mr Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi, thanked the initiators of the park for locating it in Agbor.
The traditional ruler prayed that “the project will grow from strength to strength,” appealing to residents of Agbor to “support the park.”
In her speech, the Managing Director of Park Vega waterpark, Mrs Nancy Orji, noted that the unveiling marks the beginning of a shift in the economy of Agbor and the state from an agrarian, oil, and government-funded economy to a private sector-driven economy.
“Park Vega Waterpark is a world-class waterpark, a member of IAAPA (International Association of Amusements Parks & Attractions) and WWA (World Waterparks Association), is set to be Nigeria’s and indeed, West Africa’s first International Standard Waterpark.
“We have already begun to receive commendations from these International associations for our dedication to pioneering the attraction industry in western Africa,” Mrs Orji said.
She added that “this waterpark is a tourist attraction and is, therefore, a core element of the tourism value chain because it’s a great motivator for tourism trips and expenditures and by extension, is capable of revitalizing local economies by pulling tourists across west Africa and Nigeria.
“Thus, increasing revenue for the government, local businesses and residents, in addition to providing direct and indirect jobs as professionals now come to Agbor look for work.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A new campaign designed to celebrate its passengers across the globe has been launched by Emirates Skywards, a statement from the company confirmed.
The promotion is known as Season of Rewards, and will run from May 21 to August 31, 2026, with beneficiaries getting different rewards for their patronage.
The Skywards Season of Rewards offers more savings with Cash+Miles on Emirates and flydubai, with members unlocking twice the savings, including enhanced Cash+Miles rates across the Emirates and flydubai network when booking flights and extras (excess baggage, lounge access and seat selection. The offer applies across all classes of travel, fare brands and destinations on both airlines. With the limited-time offer, 2,000 Skywards Miles can unlock savings of $30 instead of $15.
In addition, passengers will receive extra tier benefits for travel up until August 31, 2026. Members earn a 20 per cent bonus Tier Miles on every Emirates or flydubai flight, helping members move through the tiers faster. With reduced Tier Miles required during this period, it’s now even easier for members to renew or upgrade their membership status.
Also, they will get 50 per cent bonus Miles with travel partners, including Emirates Skywards Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Jumeirah and more. However, registration is required to participate, and bonus Miles will be credited within 60 days after the end of the offer period.
Further, Skywards members can book their next reward flight and extras with Miles, starting from 4,500 Miles instead of 9,000 Miles during the promo period across all routes, cabins and fares.
“Skywards Season of Rewards reflects our continued commitment to creating even more value for our members worldwide.
“Whether members are planning a family holiday, a Dubai stopover, a weekend escape, or simply looking to maximise rewards across their travel spend – this initiative unlocks more opportunities to earn, save and experience the world with Emirates Skywards,” the DSVP Emirates Skywards, Nejib Ben Khedher, said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Members of the public, especially those using the Nigerian airports, have been assured of the efficiency of the robust preventive measures being put in place across all international airports in response to the recent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) situation in parts of Central Africa.
This assurance was given by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Henry Agbebire.
FAAN said it has intensified surveillance and monitoring of passengers, particularly those arriving from high-risk regions.
This, it stated, is being done in close collaboration with Port Health Services, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and other relevant agencies.
It was emphasised that passengers are being screened for symptoms associated with Ebola, and any suspected case will be promptly isolated and subjected to secondary health checks in line with established national and international health protocols.
In addition, the agency said it has strengthened coordination with relevant stakeholders, enhanced staff sensitisation, and reinforced emergency response procedures to ensure swift action where necessary.
“While there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Nigeria, FAAN remains vigilant and fully committed to safeguarding public health and maintaining safe airport operations.
“Passengers are advised to remain calm, comply with health screening procedures, and report any symptoms to health officials,” the statement said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
In a move aimed at improving passenger clearance, compliance and customs operations, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced the Simplified Customs Advanced Declaration System (SCADS).
This platform was launched at the International Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday, May 18, 2026.
This initiative will simplify baggage declaration for inbound international passengers and reduce manual bottlenecks, improve transparency in revenue assessment and enhance operational efficiency at Nigeria’s international airports.
It allows passengers to declare items before arrival, thereby reducing clearance time while improving compliance and operational integrity.
The introduction of this scheme became necessary following operational challenges encountered on the Service’s previous passenger declaration platform earlier this year, and rather than allow the setbacks to slow operations, customs chose to develop a stronger and more efficient alternative.
“When the earlier platform experienced operational challenges, we chose not to see it as a setback. We saw it as an opportunity to build something better, stronger and more efficient.
“For passengers, this system creates the opportunity for advance declaration before arrival. It means faster clearance, easier compliance and smoother movement through our airports,” the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Ms Oluyomi Adebakin, said yesterday.
She noted that the system will eliminate subjective revenue assessment by ensuring that duties are automatically generated based on declared items, their quantities, and their actual values.
“When we talk about revenue collection, it is not about collecting more or less. It is about collecting the right revenue. With this system, assessment will now be more objective, accurate and driven by data,” she stated.
Earlier, the Customs Area Controller for FCT Area Command, Comptroller Victoria Alibo, described the selection of the command for the pilot phase as a vote of confidence in its operational capacity.
According to her, the new platform integrates passenger baggage and e-commerce declarations into a single digital framework designed to support global Customs best practices.
“SCADS is designed to simplify declarations, reduce clearance time, eliminate manual bottlenecks and align our operations with international standards,” Ms Alibo said, adding that the pilot phase will run for five days, from Monday, May 18, to Friday, May 22, 2026, during which officers will evaluate the system in a live environment ahead of nationwide deployment.
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