Governors, Diplomats, and Business Leaders Back IPADA Initiative as 5-Year Programme Launches in Abuja

The IPADA Initiative—a pan-African movement calling on Africans in the diaspora and lovers of Africa to return to the continent—took centre stage on Wednesday night as top Nigerian governors, diplomats, and private sector leaders declared their support for its newly launched five-year programme at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The launch, hosted at the prestigious Banquet Hall of Aso Rock, witnessed a convergence of influential voices from government, business, and the international diplomatic community, signaling what observers described as a bold new era for African tourism and diaspora engagement.

Governors Declare Support, NACCIMA Signs On

The Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, and his Katsina State counterpart, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda, lent their states’ full support to the initiative. They were represented by their Commissioners—Rev. Joseph Titus Nagombe (Taraba) and Hon. Yusuf Rabiu (Katsina), respectively.

In a major boost, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), announced plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the IPADA Initiative.

“NACCIMA is proud to support the IPADA Initiative,” said Dr. Ibrahim. “We commend President Bola Tinubu for backing this vision and promoting a one trillion dollar economy. Tourism must be a key part of that growth.”

Dr. Ibrahim also revealed that renowned tourism expert and IPADA founder, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, has been appointed Chairman of NACCIMA’s Tourism Creative Group to help boost tourism development across the country.

What is IPADA?

IPADA—meaning “Return” in Yoruba—is a cultural and tourism movement created by Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye under the Motherland Beckons platform. The initiative encourages Africans in the diaspora and lovers of African culture to reconnect with the continent through a week-long cultural celebration hosted annually at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Lagos.

The festival, which takes place every year from the last week of November to the first week of December, features music, fashion, networking, and cultural exhibitions. The new 5-Year Programme offers early planning incentives for diaspora returnees and tourists, including discounts and inflation-proof payment options.

According to Akinboboye, “The IPADA Initiative is more than a celebration. It is a movement for healing, investment, integration, and cultural rejuvenation.”

Global and Diplomatic Endorsements

Over 100 diplomatic envoys graced the event, including:

Dr. Jose Bamooquina Bau, Ambassador of Angola

Christophe Bazivamo, Ambassador of Rwanda

Norman Anthony C. Arrieta, Deputy Head, Philippine Embassy

Muzaffer Hakan Tok, Head of Political Office, Turkish Embassy

Coralita Yara from Barbados

Mr. Ahmed Thani from Saudi Arabia

Chief Sanjay Jain, former President, Indian Cultural Association in Nigeria

In his goodwill message, Ambassador Bau said:

“The Republic of Angola congratulates the leadership of IPADA Initiative for the vision of promoting a Pan African Movement to reconnect Africa with its cultural and anthropological values… It will allow exploring and engaging the contributions of African skills, especially those in the Diaspora, with particular emphasis on knowledge, technology transfer and increasing their participation in Africa’s development.”

Cultural Showcase: Music and Fashion with an African Flair

The night unfolded in a vibrant display of African heritage. Drumbeats, acrobatics, and colorful fashion captivated guests. Performers from Atunde Entertainment, including Olo Omidan Bata, TAA’SHA, and ARA Thunder, lit up the stage with traditional rhythms and choreography.

Fashion took an Afrocentric twist, with models from Atunda Fashion strutting the runway in styles infused with African motifs and a modern edge. The show was crowned with acrobatic performances that left the crowd in awe.

Broad-Based Representation and Media Coverage

The event attracted participation from diverse sectors:

Diaspora Commission: Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chair of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM)

Business leaders: Dr. Aisha Adebisi Lawal, Alhaji Nasir Abdullahi Mohammed, and Alhaji Shehu Sulaiman Adam

Media: USA Newsmax Television CEO/Vice President James Moore, and former NTDC DG Mrs. Omotayo Omotosho

NGOs and Networks: Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Development Network (WEPDN), represented by its President, Mrs. Affiong Isreal Ibanga

Jamaican Delegates: A cultural delegation from Jamaica arrived in Nigeria to participate in the launch

Green Tourism and Conservation Commitment

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation, in partnership with IPADA, announced plans to plant over one million trees. NACCIMA promised to scale that effort by targeting one billion trees, further cementing the initiative’s environmental impact.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Africa’s Diaspora Tourism

With broad-based endorsements, cultural flair, diplomatic support, and a sustainable development lens, the IPADA Initiative’s 5-Year Programme marks a significant milestone in reconnecting Africa with its global diaspora.

Otunba Akinboboye’s vision has not only drawn applause—it has stirred a renewed hope for cultural unity, economic inclusion, and Pan-African progress.