Ipada Initiative Launched to Strengthen Ties with African Diaspora to Add New Boost Tourism in Nigeria

The ‘Ipada’ initiative, which is an ambitious move aimed at reconnecting Africa with its diaspora, has been popularly endorsed by leaders in both the public and private sectors. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ipada, a Yoruba word that translates as “return,” is set to enhance the interaction between Africa and its global diaspora through tourism and culture exchange.

Targeting Afro-descendants as well as international Afro-fans, the project is placing Lagos at the heart of gateways to Africa’s immense and latent tourism potential. It hopes to close the gap between the African diaspora and their African heritage by presenting them with an immersive back-to-the-motherland experience on the continent.

A Visionary Effort to Engage the Diaspora

In 2024, President Bola Tinubu was appointed Global Brand Ambassador and Grand Patron of the Motherland Beckons Ipada Initiative, a strategic partnership between the government and private sector stakeholders. This collaboration aims to bolster Africa’s tourism economy and reconnect the diaspora with their heritage through tourism.

During the unveiling of the Ipada Five-Year Programme at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja, Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, founder of the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, described the initiative as a cultural homecoming for Africans abroad. He emphasized the importance of showcasing Africa’s diverse tourism offerings from all 55 African countries, positioning it as a global destination for travelers.

The Five-Year Programme

The Ipada Programme will dedicate 10 days annually, from late November to early December, for diaspora Africans to return and reconnect with their roots. Akinboboye remarked, “It’s time to move from slave ships to cruise ships,” highlighting the evolution of African travel from its painful past to a future of exploration and cultural appreciation.

The La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Lagos will serve as the flagship destination for the initiative, providing a vibrant cultural experience that encourages travelers to explore both Nigerian heritage and the broader African continent. As Akinboboye noted, the resort will act as a launchpad for diaspora Africans to engage with Africa’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

Economic Impact and Support

The Ipada Initiative holds the potential to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth by driving tourism, creating job opportunities, and stimulating local economies. Dr. Jani Ibrahim, President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), affirmed that the initiative’s long-term impact would foster both cultural exchange and economic prosperity.

The event also featured notable attendees, including representatives from the governments of Taraba and Katsina and officials from NACCIMA, who voiced their support for the programme and its potential to reshape the African tourism landscape.

Nigeria Pushing forward for positive Tourism growth in Africa

The Ipada project is a visionary and ambitious move towards reviving Africa’s tourism industry and reconnecting the diaspora to their roots. Nigeria’s ‘Ipada’ initiative seeks to connect the African diaspora with their roots, driving tourism and cultural engagement across Africa with Lagos as the central gateway. Moreover, by this Lagos leading the charge, Nigeria will reap the rewards of a tourism and economic boom, with the Ipada Programme used as a template for subsequent cultural tourism projects on the continent. As the project unfolds, it has the potential to leave tourists with lasting memories, and spurring growth as well as enhancing relations between Africa and its diaspora around the World.

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