GLITZ TO THE MAX AT THE NIGERIA TRAVELS LAUNCH

It was a colorful atmosphere at the Nigeria Travels magazine launch. From the main entrance of the Southern Sun Hotel in South West Ikoyi to the tastefully decorated hall that served as the venue of the event, it was clear to all that an event of a great magnitude was taking place.

The much-awaited travels magazine was launched on November 4, 2009. The travel magazine is the first international travel and tourism magazine in Nigeria.  It is a product of many months of planning and strategising with top travel journalists within and outside Nigeria .The magazine aims to fill the void observed in the reporting of the travels and hospitality sector in Nigeria and will  report global travel trends from a Nigerian perspective.

As early as 1p.m, guests started trickling in. As guests entered into the hotel premises, friendly ushers helped them find the auditorium where the event was holding.

At the auditorium, there was conviviality  and a feeling of great expectation in the air. Soft music played in the background,while promo videos and Power Point slides were ready for the day’s event. Proceedings started in earnest  with an opening prayer, and then a rendition of  the Nigerian national anthem; it was not the usual recorded version of it but rather a live one rendered with a traditional

talking drum by a drummer clad in Yoruba traditional attire. There were cultural performances by first class troupes, including Revissant Dance Company, a popular dancing troupe put together by Princess Latifah, an erstwhile Beauty Queen.  The high point of the event was the musical performance by Bigiano, a top musical artiste.

Ambassador Segun Olusola, a cultural icon, who also is the chairman of the African Refugee Foundation, chaired the launch. Officials from leading airlines, hotels, tour operators, travel agencies and telecommunications outfits attended the superlative launch.