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

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.