By Kemi Oguns

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has expressed concerns over the Motherland 2025 Initiative launched by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Industry, Hannatu Musawa. In a letter to the Minister, FTAN President, Nkwereuwem Onung, stated that the initiative is a duplication of efforts, as a similar project, Motherland Beckons, already exists and has gained recognition.

Onung

FTAN noted that Motherland Beckons, founded by Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, has been promoting Africa and calling on Africans in the Diaspora to develop the continent. The federation stated that it is part of the Motherland Beckons movement, which is supported by President Bola Tinubu as the Grand Patron, Global Ambassador, and Chief Host.

“We have concerns about the potential confusion that could arise from portraying this same event as a maiden edition, particularly among our fellow community members in the Diaspora who have participated in the previous editions,” Onung said.

The IPADA Celebration 2024, organized by Motherland Beckons, was a 10-day event held at the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Lagos, which saw a mass movement of Africans and lovers of Africa visiting Nigeria. Despite assurances, President Tinubu and Minister Musawa did not attend the event, although the Minister had endorsed the project and met with the IPADA team.

Observers are questioning the Minister’s motives, wondering why she would attempt to obliterate an existing project instead of supporting it. They argue that the Minister’s Motherland 2025 Initiative will be a poor imitation and bad for the nation’s image if allowed to stand.

FTAN has advised the Minister to partner with Akinboboye and the federation to properly situate the IPADA Celebration for this year, consolidating on the gains made last year.