…Commends President Tinubu
Ipada Initiative unveils a five-year plan to drive tourism, investment, and cultural reconnection in Africa
The Ipada Initiative was last year November, but its effects are still being felt in the Nigerian tourism space. To underscore the importance of the occasion, the Founder and President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, has penned an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In the letter personally signed by Akinboboye and dated 10 March 2025, he, among others, commended and expressed appreciation to the President for the impetus and inspiration he gave for the birthing and hosting of Ipada Celebrations 2024. He outlined its achievements and benefits to the nation and Africa while also unveiling a five-year-long programme of events for the yearly celebration.
Titled, Re: Expression of Appreciation and Report on the Significant Milestones Achieved by the Motherland Beckons Ipada Initiatives, Akinboboye wrote, “I would like to once again express my gratitude for your decision to accept the role of Chief Host, Grand Patron, and Global Ambassador for the Motherland Beckons Ipada Initiatives Celebrations 2024.”
“This decision underscores your clear understanding of the role of tourism in spurring economic growth in not only Nigeria but Africa as a whole.”
“Your support of the Ipada Initiatives, which amongst other things, aim to create a framework to encourage and facilitate the process by which persons of African descent reconnect with and become invested in the development of the continent, is not surprising.”
“I clearly recall that while you were Governor of Lagos State, you enthusiastically embraced the goals of the Motherland Beckons movement and charged two members of your then government—Hakeem Gbajabiamila and Musiliu Obanikoro—as well as myself, to establish the requisite connections with the African-American community in the USA that would hopefully lead to investments in Nigeria’s tourism sector as a whole, and in particular, the development of Lagos State’s extensive beachfront.”
“The Ipada Initiatives will act as a transformative force in Africa’s economic renaissance.”
“Although the connections made at that time did not bear immediate fruit, I am pleased to advise that Motherland Beckons did not give up on the seeds it sowed as it realised that centuries of distrust and misconceptions about Africa would take time to overcome.”
“It was with this in mind that Motherland Beckons built upon friendships and conceived and nurtured the Ipada Initiatives. These initiatives are woven around the concept of the return of people of African descent to their continent of origin.”
“The Ipada Initiatives and the 2024 Ipada Initiatives Celebration, the first edition of which took place in November/December 2024, therefore represent a groundbreaking effort to foster economic transformation, cultural reconnection, and sustainable development in Nigeria and Africa.”
Furthermore, Akinboboye intimated the President with the vision and benefits of the project, stating, “These initiatives, driven by a vision to integrate people of African descent into the continent’s economic and cultural fabric, have positioned Nigeria (and Africa) as a central hub for heritage tourism and investment.”
While expressing disappointment over the President’s inability to attend the opening ceremony of the event as he earlier promised, he noted the resounding success of the celebration due to the President’s support.
Akinboboye presented a report card of Ipada Celebration 2024, outlining significant milestones such as income generation through attendee spending, creative earnings, AI training for 300 attendees, and multiple business investment opportunities. Key projects include the construction of six cruise ships, the Ubuntu Tower in Lekki, a carnival costume factory, the Tribal Tapestry initiative, and three African-themed resorts in Taraba State.
He also highlighted partnerships with Rwanda and Vanuatu for geothermal energy exploration, AI training, and the construction of an African-themed resort in Vanuatu.
In conclusion, Akinboboye emphasised the necessity of a five-year programme to sustain the initiative, ensuring Nigeria remains a key player in Africa’s heritage tourism, investment, and economic diplomacy.
