News

Travel Writers Challenged To Promote Natural Resources, Culture, Others

Published

5 years ago

November 19, 2020

President, South South Travel Writers’ Corps, Comrade Piriye Kiyaramo, has reiterated that travel writers have key roles to play in promoting natural resources, culture, heritage, with a view to making tourists to get familiar with a place even before visiting it in person.

The Writers’ Corps comprises travel journalists, photographers, videographers, ICT experts and tourism destination managers.

The President who disclosed this while giving his goodwill message at the maiden meeting of the Edo State Travel Writers’ Corps held at the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City during the week, stressed the need to focus attention on tourism advertising being one of the most important factors that help the tourism industry to generate tourists from both the local and international marketplace.

Kiyaramo said, “We live in a media-driven world. Every organisation today uses media to promote their business. For customers, in this case, tourists go to places and plan their vacations that are more talked about. The travel writers must be involved in writing about the destination to attract the attention of the tourists.

“Undoubtedly, advertising is important for any business. Similarly, in the travel business, it plays a key role to entice the customer (tourist). Technically, tourism may not be seen as any other product because it is intangible. So unlike products, industries can not sell it to their customers. So the industries sell the destination on the basis of the customer’s imagination skills through the descriptive reports of the travel writers.”

Kiyaramo who is the publisher of the Blue Economy Newsmagazine online added that customer (tourist) plans a holiday on the basis of expectations developed via the reports generated from travel journalists about the particular destination, pointing out that an improper report can lead to loss in the tourist business while effective report could not guarantee success but will surely increase the chances for it.

“The travel journalist informs tourists to visit a destination, including providing information on everything tourists need to know about the place, in addition to persuading tourists to visit a destination and to remind tourists about the destination and where to do all the bookings for the trip.

“A travel writer explores new destinations and shares observations with others using the written word and photos. One of the most important requirements for this type of work is a desire to travel and experience new environments and cultures. Physical stamina, an observant mind and a talent for descriptive language are just a few of the qualities necessary for becoming a travel writer.

“Travel writers come to the profession from a variety of education paths. Earning a degree in English or journalism is one path. Improving your writing skills by studying with veteran writers in independent workshops is another approach. A third option is to work on your writing skills on your own through a trial and error process,” he added.

In his remarks, Interim Chairman of Edo State Travel Writers’ Corps, who also is the Publisher of Popular News online, Mr. Isaac Olamikan, enjoined members of the writers’ corps to be dedicated to duty knowing the ernormity and sensitive nature of travel writing.

He said Edo State has very rich cultural heritage with great historical monument and tourists icons that could attract tourists to the state, if such rich cultural tourism potentials are properly harnessed by the state government and the private sector operators.

The publisher expressed the Corps willingness to partner with all relevant government agencies and stakeholders to promote the cultural richness of the Edo people.

News

PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

Published

6 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

Brazil on Monday rolled out full military honours at the Planalto Palace in Brasília to receive President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on X on Monday.

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

He wrote, “More photos of the official reception for President Tinubu at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Monday, August 25, 2025. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed President Bola Tinubu with full military honours.”

News

Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

Published

6 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.

Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement, made available to The PUNCH.

At the signing ceremony which was witnessed by Messrs Nigerian President, Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia also had the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, also signed for the host country.

The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.

The statement further noted that, “ It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

News

NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

Published

6 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday issued a public alert, warning the public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg) now circulating in Nigeria.

The alert follows a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, confirming that they did not import the suspect batches.

Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

NAFDAC revealed there are noticeable labelling discrepancies between the authentic and fake products.

It said, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.

“The noticeable difference was found to be as follows: The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC identified the original Postinor-2 as batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027 and registration number 04-6985.

The agency, however, confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.

It said that due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.

“The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

“Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states,” it added.

NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare providers to verify PIN stickers carefully, report suspected counterfeit products, and always purchase medications from reputable sources.