News

World Tourism Day: Edo Has Attracted Investments In Arts, Culture, Says Obaseki

Published

2 years ago

September 26, 2023

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state has attracted investments in the arts and culture industry, which will not only boost tourism receipts but recalibrate the State’s position as a hub for creativity and artistic endeavours.

The governor said this in a statement to mark the 2023 World Tourism Day (WTD) by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) on September 27.

The governor said that the investment in the state’s art and culture scene include the building of world class museums and a landmark archaeological project in the city centre, which will bolster the State’s capacity to attract international tourists and also provide opportunity for youths to learn and revive the State’s rich cultural heritage.

According to him, “While efforts are ongoing to develop the Benin Cultural District to be a thriving hub for arts and culture, we have attracted investment for the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) as well as an archaeological project that seeks to unearth materials that help us better understand and appreciate our cultural heritage.

“The construction of MOWAA Institute is ongoing and we have other elements of the Benin Cultural districts coming to fruition, showing an unwavering commitment to transform the State into a space that promotes and nurtures its tourism assets.

“To mark this year’s celebration, the state government has lined up a number of activities such as a stakeholders’ engagement on the validation of the Edo State Heritage Protection and Promotion Policy and other programmes to drive this year’s theme, Tourism and Green Investments. There will also be guided tours and workshops organised in collaboration with experts to mark this year’s World Tourism Day celebration in the State.”

The governor further noted on this year’s WTD, which is marked yearly by UNWTO and its Member-States, across the world, including Nigeria, that, “For us, building on the envious cultural heritage of our forebears is sacrosanct.”

He added: “Not only are we committed to promoting them, we are keen on building a new consciousness that would see to the revival of the ideas and concepts that influenced the immaculate artefacts that are celebrated across the world today.

“These can only be achieved through increased investment in tourism and preserving our cultural heritage.”

News

Navy Opens Recruitment For Basic Training School Batch 38

Published

9 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Navy has opened applications for its Basic Training School (BTS) Batch 38 recruitment exercise, scheduled to run from October 2 to October 31, 2025.

According to an official statement, the recruitment process is free, and interested applicants must submit their applications online at https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng/https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng.

Successful candidates will undergo basic military training before being officially enlisted as Ordinary Seamen.

The Navy stressed that eligibility is restricted to Nigerian citizens by birth with a valid National Identification Number (NIN). Applicants must have no criminal record and must not be affiliated with secret societies, cults, or fraternities.

Educational and age requirements were clearly outlined. Candidates applying with O’level results must be between 18 and 22 years old as of December 31, 2025.

Those with OND/NCE qualifications must be aged 18 to 26, while Chaplain/Imam Assistants and Drivers/Mechanics must fall within the 18 to 28 age bracket.

In all cases, applicants are required to have at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB, with certificates not older than 2015.

The Navy added that special professions, such as Medical Assistants and Nurses, require proof of registration with relevant professional bodies.

Applicants for technical trades including tailoring, plumbing, carpentry, welding, and electrical works must present valid Trade Test certificates in addition to academic qualifications.

Similarly, candidates applying as sportsmen and women are expected to provide certificates and medals as evidence of their sporting achievements.

The recruitment examination is scheduled for November 29, 2025, at designated centers nationwide.

Candidates are required to bring their Attestation Form, duly signed with a passport photograph of the signer, along with valid identification such as a Driver’s License, International Passport, or National ID Card.

Applicants have been cautioned against multiple applications, which will lead to disqualification.

The Navy further advised candidates to seek clarification only through official communication channels provided on the recruitment portal.

News

BREAKING: Gov Fubara Dissolves Rivers Pension Board

Published

11 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dissolved the State Pensions Board with immediate effect.

Rivers State Head of Service Mrs Inyingi Brown made this announcement on Friday in Port Harcourt.

According to the governor, the office of the State Accountant General will handle the functions of the board until a new one is constituted.

News

FAAN Launches Cashless Payment System Across Airports

Published

11 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched the cashless system of payment across all airports.

“FAAN in partnership with Paystack, is proud to announce the roll out of OPERATION GO CASHLESS, a cashless contactless payment solution across all airports beginning with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,” the agency said in a communique on Thursday.

Effective September 29, 2025, all payments at FAAN’s revenue points, including airport Access Gates, Car Parks, FAAN VIP and Protocol Lounges will go cashless which means the agency will be phasing out the collection of cash at these points.

FAAN added that travelers and airport users will now enjoy fast and seamless services by using a secure contactless payment option.

This initiative, it stated, is a response to the growing demand for safe, modern, and transparent payment systems while ensuring Nigeria’s airports remain aligned with global digital trends.

By reducing reliance on cash, FAAN said it aims to enhance efficiency, improve revenue assurance, and deliver a better customer experience at our airports.

To ease the transition, trained brand ambassadors have been deployed at access gates and around the terminals to guide users, assist with onboarding, provide demonstrations, and answer questions they may have.

In addition, passengers have been directed to obtain a FAAN Go Cashless Card at any airport access gate in Lagos and Abuja.

After collection, users are encouraged to activate and fund their cards immediately by visiting www.gocashless. faan.gov.ng.

FAAN added that it remains committed to continuous improvement and will expand this cashless policy to other airports nationwide in phases.

For inquiries, airport users have also been advised to contact FAAN’s support line at 0700 CBS FAAN (0700 227 3226) or email the agency at gocashlesssupport@faan.gov.ng.