October 2013 by Lucky Esiekpe

Tourism-Travel-Leisure-Immigration News Undiluted Vol. 2 Issue 18, October 2013 ISSN: 2276-8319

$4.00, N500.00

Obayomi Becomes Chairman of ABC's Board By Our Correspondent

rince Olumide Adebayo Obayomi has been announced by ABC Transport Plc, Nigeria's leading coach operator and the only road transport operator quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, as the Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors. Beside operating thirdparty warehousing service and the budget hotel [City Transit Inn] in Utako, Abuja, the company also provides cargo, haulage and logistics support services to the Nigeria Post Office and top manufacturing companies in Nigeria. ABC Transport's corporate customers include WAPCOLafarge, UNICEM, Nestle Waters, GZ Industries and Beta Glass. Obayomi was elected the Chairman ABC Transport Plc after the 20th Annual General Meeting [AGM] of the Company at the Imo Concorde Hotel, Owerri on August 23, 2013. Obayomi joined the Board of the Company in February, 2006 as a representative of Capital Alliance Private Equity Funds [CAPEs], the private equity funds that invested in the Company in early 2003. Following the final exits of the Funds' investments in the Company in early 2008, he was elected a director in his private capacity at the Company's Annual General Meeting in August, 2008. He replaces Dr. Alloysius Nwaogwugwu, who retired as a Director and Chairman of the Company at the Company's last AGM. CONTINUES ON PAGE 5

L-R: Hon. Nelson Belief, Commissioner for Tourism Development, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, Director General Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation [NTDC] and His Excellency, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah Rtd [Oon] Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State during the World Tourism Day celebration in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.

Africa: Tourism Set to Boost Economic Growth, Create New Jobs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; World Bank

ub Saharan Africa's tourism industry is set to spur more economic growth for the continent and directly employ 6.7 million people by 2021, according to a new World Bank report released today. The report - Tourism in Africa: Harnessing Tourism for Growth and Improved Livelihoods - says that tourism accounted directly or indirectly for one in every 20 jobs in Sub Saharan Africa in 2011, and is one of the few industries on the continent in which women are well represented as employees and managers. Sub Saharan Africa is outpacing other regions in tourism growth. The report examines the potential of African countries to improve and expand their tourism sector, and suggests that 33 of Sub Saharan Africa's 48 countries currently have

the capacity for tourism success through establishing strong political support for developing the industry and attracting increased private investment to help finance and sustain it. The report cites successful examples of countries including Cape Verde, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and others, who have simplified their tourism policies, liberalized air transport and diversi-

fied tourism while protecting their communities and environments, which created a positive investment climate for tourism development. "Africa's private companies are increasingly attracting regional and international investment and the returns on investing in Africa are among the highest in the world," says Makhtar Diop, World Bank Vice President for Africa. In close alliance with the private sector, gov-

ernments must also do their part to create better transport, electricity, infrastructure, and other key services to develop tourism for more broad-based growth and improved livelihoods. Tourism is increasingly attracting regional and international investment, and returns on investments in the sector remain among the highest in the world. Global hotel chains are expanding across Africa, recognizing investment potential and comCONTINUES ON PAGE 6

Bayelsa Is A Conference Destination In The Making - Hon. Nelson SEE PAGES 8-9

PROUD TO SERVE ENUGU, NIGERIA

FOUR TIMES WEEKLY TH STARTING 24 , AUGUST 2013

October 2013

Contents

Publisher’s Note Lucky Onoriode George

Hotel Patronage Drops in Abuja, Kaduna Due to Insecurity

he current security challenge across Northern Nigeria is affecting the tourism industry in Abuja with hotels recording low patronage, the Hotel Owners Forum [HOFA], has said. The chairman of HOFA, Engr. Oniefiok Ekong, lamented recently in Abuja that the situation had caused the relocation of events from Abuja to other states in the country. "Because of the current security situation in the north, the industry is recording low patronage; the security situation has affected the industry as most events are no longer held in Abuja. "They are being relocated to other countries and sometimes to the southern part of Nigeria, when people are not coming to Abuja; it is the hotels that suffer. "When there are no activities why will somebody come to Abuja knowing that Abuja is a place people come for either conferences or government contracts," he said. Mr. Ekong, however, commended government for the steps being taken to address the challenge, saying: "we believe that very soon the future of the industry in the area will turn around for the better. "We are happy that government has taken some positive steps toward curtailing the high level of insecurity," Mr. Ekong added. Also speaking from Kaduna, Jijiwin Akpovwovwo, Executive Secretary of Nigeria Hotel Association [NHA] said that the situation with most northern part of the country is very miserable with most hotels unable to pay salaries for several months, while retrenchment is also on going on daily basis. HOFA President appealed to visitors and tourists to

continue patronising hotels in Abuja, adding that adequate security measure has been put in place to ensure safety of lives and property. He called for understanding between the state and

local councils to avoid the issue of multiple taxations in the industry, adding that only one agency of government should be charged with the responsibility of regulating the activities of the tourism industry.

"All that we are saying is that, only one agency should regulate tourism, following the High Court judgement in the case involving the NTDC and the Lagos State Government; it is the states that are in control", he said.

Magical World Tourism Day At La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort Page 4

Calabar: Mo’faraah Versus Usain Bolts Challenge

frica’s warmest welcome as it is fondly called now, Cross River has over the years distinguished itself as a trailblazer in the Tourism Sector of Nigeria and Africa at large. The serenity of the environment is a standout accolade amongst many of the destinations features that set it apart as a true destination of choice. Over time this haven has played host to many world class events, conferences and even famous Calabar Carnival which is tagged Africa’s biggest street party. These events have driven a continued influx of top notch individuals from different cadres of life and millions of travelling visitors to the state. When Usain Bolts accepted the Challenge to run a mid- distance race with Mo’ Faraah, many had already proposed the London millennium stadium as the venue without really take into consideration some significances of this race and the potentials that are hidden in this treasure should this race be held in Africa. It is no doubt an obvious fact that the world fastest man and the world’s

fastest long distance runners are from African descent, so it would be an epoch making event to hold this race in Africa, so as to bring some more visibility to an emerging continent when it comes to business, sports and tourism. Many would cite the problem of insecurity, lack of infrastructure and crowd control etc as the challenges that will arise should Africa host the race, but this challenges have been faced and conquered by a State that host more than a million tourists yearly, a city known for its cleanliness, vast amount of green vegetation, serene and tranquil environment, peace loving people, natural tourist attractions like the 1st wonder of Nigeria which is the Obudu Mountain where the Obudu International Marathon race is held annually. This mountain also plays host to a worldclass resort that caters for hospitality needs of pleasure seekers and holiday makers, the wa falls, drill ranch, and lots more natural and historical attractions. Mr. Tajin Tire, Marketing Consultant of the Obudu International Mountain Race in a brief

chat said “Cross River State with the peace loving and tourism friendly characteristic it possesses will be a great location for the hosting of this race, as they have a very welcoming nature and have already played host to top notch events like this in the past. It will also serve to boost it already booming tourism sector and create more visibility for the fast spreading brand – Africa’s Warmest Welcome. So we will do all we can to bring this race down to Africa, for Africans and run by Africans in Africa.” The Marketing Manager Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Mr. Charlz Ada said “this is a welcome initiative as I see growth and heavy traffic into the State should this race be held in Cross River. It will cause a major boom in our tourism sector in respect to sports tourism. I believe from our track record and current positioning we can host such a high calibre event successfully.” Cross River presents Africa and the organizing committee of this race a very formidable option to explore when choosing a venue for the race.

The Many Tourism Fraud In ECOWAS Page 12

FASHION AND BEAUTY

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Publisher/Editor Lucky Onoriode George Winner, European Commission Lorenzo Natali Prize for Journalists Reporting Development, Human Rights and Democracy Researchers Richard Debrah, Ike Uchechukwu, Adebukola Adewusi

Contributing Editors Kola Raji, Bridget Obi, Kirk Leigh, Bayo Adesina, Emeka Umejie

African Travel Times Is A Publication Of Tourism Today Communications Office 40 Mike Akhigbe Way, Jabi Federal Capital Territory [FCT], Abuja Contact: P. O. Box 6250, Festac Town, Lagos. Tel: +234-8033546608, 08057984769 E-mail: info@travelafricanews.com Website: www.travelafricanews.com

October 2013

Obudu Mountain Resort entrance.

Water Rules The Day As Cross River Celebrates World Tourism Day 2013

orld Tourism Day [WTD] is a thematic event held every year on September 27, underscoring the socio-economic impact of tourism. This year’s World Tourism Day was held under the theme “Tourism and Water - Protecting Our Common Future”, in support of the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation. The Republic of Maldives, one of the world’s most biologically diverse countries and a major tourism destination, hosted the 2013 official World Tourism Day celebrations, but Cross River State, Nigeria’s number one tourism destination had an annual celebration of the day at the Transcorp Hotels, Calabar. This year’s theme seeks to educate the world on the

correlation between water and the tourism industry as a whole, emphasizing on the negatives and dangers of overexploiting the natural resources we have and proffering solutions to ensure productive co-existence of both variables in a sustainable and efficient manner. Speaking at the event, the Honorable Commissioner of Water Resources ably represented by The Director of Water Resources in the Ministry, Mr. Divine Edim, while delivering the keynote address said “for tourism to exist there has to be a synergy of water and tourism. Today we aim at creating a sustainable tourism development policy. This refers to tourism that is economically viable but does not destroy the natural resources on which the future of tourism de-

pends. ” He further highlighted some of the dangers of excessive wastage of water to include; land slide/soil erosion, habitat loss, and heightened vulnerability to forest fires, can also cause local population to start competing for critical natural resources. He said water ranks 2ndafter air in terms of human dependency, so the ability for us to start preserving by judiciously using instead of wasting water is the way forward to achieving this and preventing the human race from getting extinct. Also speaking at the event the Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Michael Williams talked about how 20 years ago the local community knew water to be just for drinking, but nowadays

it goes beyond that, he said “the same stretch of sandy beaches or rivers you used to have in your neighbourhood, can all of a sudden transform to a beehive of activities once a certain investor sees the potential and probably puts up a 400 to 500 room hotel or resort, where you’d probably have 5 swimming pools, a golf course and lots of more water sapping equipments. You can now see that water has played a big role in driving in travellers to your once quit town and now there are jobs for the youths as the village turns into a city. So we need to harness both resources.” Furthermore he said “we need tourism for economic advancement, but water is a very essential resource, so we have to use it in a sustainable manner, taking into considerations the

climatic changes, so we can all co- exist with tourism as it continues to bloom.” In a well turned out event that had Present top notch executives in the area of water, hospitality and tourism which includes; the Cross River State Commissioner for Water Resources, The Managing Dirrector Cross River State Tourism Bureau, General Managers of the Bureau – Mr. Charles Omoregha[Marketing], Madam Patricia Ogon[Corporate Services], Madam Ekanem Etim Offiong[Sponsorship], Joseph Erim [Research and Planning]. Also was Mr. Charles Ogar – Chairman Hoteliers Association of Cross River, Mr. Chuks Osondu – Managing Director Southern Foods and Beverages(manufacturers of Aquabar mineral water] and representatives of the next generation who were students from Sacred Heart Girls International Secondary School, Calabar. The Commissioner came up with solutions as best practices to salvage our natural resources while still driving and developing tourism through diligent harnessing of water. Some of the suggestions included; hoteliers should set a feasible target of water use reduction by 5% yearly, this would help determine the relationship between the number of tourists or guest and the amount of water needed daily, we should device ways of collecting water from rainfall which can be used for landscaping and watering of grasses/plants, continuous sensitization campaigns for the next generation will be carried out by the ministry of Water resources and partners. There is a lot of potential for water usage reduction in the tourism sector as it is the major over-exploiter of water resources – from watering of golf courses to landscaping and even watering of flowers and parks, sap our precious water and hence can cause tourism degradation, so by taking action from now and making a conscious effort can continuously reduce the hazard or negatives that can accrue from fresh water shortage.

Sheraton Abuja Fitness Centre Unveils New Health, Wellness Programmes

heraton Abuja Hotel has unveiled its customer-oriented packages aimed at improving quality of life while focusing on flexibility, strength, fitness and general wellness. Philip Oyeleke, Fitness Centre Manager explained the elaborate nature of these programmes, which he said are targeted at providing health and wellness support to all categories and ages. In his words “our fitness programmes tackle high cholesterol issues, excess body fat as well and flexibility”. He further expanded on the fact that ‘exercise is a natural medicine which should be part of life. ‘’ our programmes are geared towards enhancing the respiratory endurance system’’. Oyeleke spoke about the hotel’s just completed summer camp special programme for kids, which was

conducted during the long vacation. This he said had a very positive effect on most of the kids, who had never had prior swimming lessons, Oyeleke further added that Taekwondo is soon to debut as part of the Sheraton kids club. Sheraton Abuja Hotel will additionally debut with the following packages; The Salsa dance for adults, which will hold every Saturday from 7pm at the pool side while hip hop and ballet will be open from 10am on Saturdays for children. Aerobics and Yoga will feature consistently as part of the hotel’s value adding fitness programmes side by side with the already existing Aerobics sessions. The fitness manager also explained that the Sheraton Abuja’s steam and sauna hydrotherapy sessions, are equally impacting as they

Some kids having fun at Abuja Sheraton.

really open up the pores and enable one to get more oxygen circulation. Boris Bornman, General Manager of the hotel [a yoga and fitness person

himself], equally reminded all Abuja residents that fun and health rewards, await all who come around to enjoy the hotel’s fully equipped gym and train-

ing machines. In his words ‘’ Primary health care is every individuals responsibility and it starts with healthy life style choices we make today’’.

News

October 2013

Obayomi Becomes Chairman... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Obayomi graduated in 1984 with Second Class Upper Division in Accounting, and holds a Master of Science in Finance [1989]: both from the University of Lagos. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, as well as an Associate of both the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Management of Nigeria. He is a seasoned professional with vast experience in entrepreneurial partnering, private equity investing and management, assurance, financial control and management and corporate governance. Obayomi had brief stints as a Principal Accountant with Ogun State University and Assistant Chief Accountant in Commercial Bank Credit Lyonnais, Nigeria between 1990 and 1993. He was Head of Finance and Administration and later Acting Chief Executive Officer of both Acclaim Finance Company and Acclaim Home Savings and Loans Limited, where he left in 1998. He joined African Capital Alliance [ACA] in 1998 and has served the group in various capacities. As an investment officer, he coordinated the listing of ABC Transport Plc on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2006 and the turn-around and profitable sale of CAPEs investments in Independent Telephone Network Limited and Alvac Company Limited. He also serves as the Fund Manager of ACA Subsidiary's managed SME Equity Investment Funds, pooled together by some top deposit money banks in Nigeria to encourage entrepreneurship and promote the growth and development of SMEs in the country. Obayomi's boardroom experience spans the telecoms, financial services, media, hospitality and entertainment, agriculture and agroallied, transport and logistics, outsourcing and oil & gas sectors. Aside ABC Transport Plc, he currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of numerous companies.

Alhaji Munzali Dantata, Director General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Study [NIHOTOUR] with some travel journalists at a workshop in Lokoja, Kogi State recently.

Okorocha Describes NCPC Boss As Bridge Builder

he Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has described Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC, Mr. John Kennedy Opara as a bridge builder. Okorocha disclosed this in Owerri recently, while playing host to the Executive Secretary and his Federal Commissioners, who were in the state on a sensitization visit. He thanked him for the

selfless service he is rendering for the country, by ensuring that peace reigns through positive mediation. He also commended him for his efforts in transforming Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria. Okorocha further assured Opara, who is an illustrious son of the state, that the state government would begin to support Christian Pilgrimage inso-far as he remains at the helm of affairs of the Commission.

His words, “we will do everything to support you and ensure you succeed, because you are our son”. The governor assured the NCPC boss that he would comply with all the requests he made to sponsor pilgrims of the state to the Holy Land this year, so that the state would be represented during Mr. president’s visit to the Holy Land. He therefore, directed the secretary to the state government to liaise with

Gambia's Tourism Minister to Officially Open Akwaaba 9th Edition

he Gambia's Minister of Tourism and Culture is to officially open this year's 9th Edition of Akwaaba African Travel Market [AFTM] 2013, slated to take place from October 27 to 29 in Lagos, Nigeria. A former president of Africa Travel Association [ATA], Minister Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, in her capacity as the guest of honour, is expected to deliver an inspiring speech at this high-level travel exposition. Ikechi Uko, organiser and publisher of ATQnews, described The Gambia's Tourism and Culture minister as one of the "hardest working" of her kind in Africa. He Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, Gambia told the Daily Observer that The Gambia Tourism Board, on October 28. The Day is which is under the tutelage set aside to showcase what of The Gambia's Ministry of Destination Gambia has to Tourism and Culture, has offer including its national since registered its readi- dishes such as 'benachin' ness to participate in this and domoda," he explained about the expo. year's expo. Akwaaba African Travel Uko expressed hope that the GTBoard would use this Market expo is the only opportunity to intensify West Africa travel market its marketing campaign, that has for the past nine to ensure that The Gambia years, been serving as an platform for becomes an all-year-round important tourism destination. "To tourism development, atsell the destination beyond tracting around 7,000 to imagination during the 10,000 visitors from over expo, the delegation will 20 countries. The expo proalso organise a 'Gambia Day' vides a rare opportunity for

Minister of Tourism various travel and tourism enterprises such as airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, amongst others, to promote their products and services. The Gambia's participation in the last edition was crowned as the "most outstanding performance" since it stated to show up at the expo eight years ago. That edition saw The Gambia voted as the 'Leading and Best International Stand' out of the over 20 countries that exhibited their products.

NCPC and work out the modalities on the number of pilgrims the state government would sponsor this year. Earlier, the executive secretary commended the governor for his giant strides in the state. His words: “what you are doing in Imo state is quite commendable. God has brought you at a time like this to liberate the people”. The NCPC boss told the governor that the commission, would continue to use pilgrimage as a tool for moral and spiritual Transformation. He averred that if the people are transformed, they would help to sustain the good legacies of the government. He equally intimated the governor that the commission now, has three tiers of pilgrimage packages, Easter Pilgrimage, the Family pilgrimage and October/ December pilgrimage. Opara also disclosed that, Mr. President would be embarking on Holy pilgrimage to Israel on October 23 this year, and had requested him to accompany him on this epoch historic journey to the Holy Land. The NCPC boss told the governor that, there was need for him to sponsor pilgrims to the Holy Land this year so that the state would not be left behind, especially as their own son held sway at the commission. Consequently, he allotted 300 seats for the state this year. Opara was accompanied on the sensitization visit by the federal commissioner representing South East, Rev. Dr. Zion Solomon Ibenye, Rtd Major Dogara Akut, federal commissioner, North West and Mr. Sidney Moneke Ex-Officio member of NCPC.

News

October 2013

Africa: Tourism Set to Boost Economic... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

mitting millions of dollars in new projects over the next few years to meet increased demand from both international tourists and the continent's own fast-growing middle class. In 2012, Africa attracted 33.8 million visitors, up from a low 6.7 million visitors in 1990, and its receipts from tourism for the same year amounted to over US$36 billion, or 2.8 percent of the region's GDP. In 2011, global tourism contributed 9.1 percent to world GDP, 5.9 percent of worldwide exports and 4.5 percent of global investment. Africa's tourism revenues are rising fast and are set to contribute

more and more to world activity. If developed effectively and managed efficiently over time, tourism has the potential to accelerate Africa's economic growth and job creation. It can also help accelerate the reforms needed to improve airline and road transport as well as other key infrastructure, besides raising the incomes of young men and women, who form a high percentage of the job holders in the sector. "For African countries looking to sustain and increase growth, tourism can be harnessed through joint public and private sector efforts to achieve growth, wealth creation and shared prosperity," says Gaiv Tata, Director of Financial and

Private Sector Development for the World Bank in Africa whose department prepared the study. This report is the first to comprehensively examine tourism in Sub-Saharan Africa at a regional level and to recommend practical evidence-based measures that could create an economic transformation by leveraging the tourism industry to help create jobs, stem poverty and diversify economies. With an analysis of 24 tourism case studies from around the world, the report is a valuable and timely contribution to efforts to build a framework for sustainable tourism in Africa. It also identifies policies and institutional approaches for

African countries to make their tourism industry more competitive and attractive to investors. "Although Africa's tourism potential has largely gone untapped to date, it can now take steps to close the gap with other regions," says Hannah Messerli, coauthor of the report and Senior Private Sector Development Specialist in the World Bank's Africa Region. She adds: "Given the continent's abundant natural and cultural resources, as well as business activity, the fundamentals are in place for tourism growth. Using the strategies and examples presented in this report, Africa can claim its fair share of world tourism."

UK Still Considering 3000 Pounds Visa Bond – High Commissioner

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

he British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Carter recently cleared the air on the controversies trailing the decision to introduce a 3000 pound visa bond by the British government. Carter assured that "there is no change to our visa service, there is no change to our visa policy at the moment," adding that "it [Visa Bond Policy] does not exist". He noted that it is a policy that the British ministers "are still considering," insisting that at the moment "there is no visa bond; there is no requirement on anybody to pay "3000 or any thousands of pounds to get a British visa". Carter said the British government is only trying to deter those who are tempted to over stay their visa "not just in Nigeria," stressing that it is a problem "we have with many countries". He said the Visa Bond Policy is one of a series of policies being considered by the British government, promising that "we will be informing the Nigerian Government, if it concerns Nigerians, and make sure it is properly advertised". He then stressed the importance of Nigeria's relations with the United King-

dom especially in trade and investments. Carter, speaking during Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, said "trade and investment relations with Nigeria are really at the heart of our relationship". He further noted the importance of the politics involved in the relation, and assured Nigerians that the British government "stands by Nigeria in some of the difficulties it is facing at the moment, particularly in the North". The commissioner said the British Government is putting in an enormous amount of effort into encouraging British companies to look seriously at Nigeria "to look at trading here (Nigeria), to invest here and to take advantage of the opportunities that are here". He also noted the contributions of "big" British companies, already operating to the economy of the country. Carter revealed that President Goodluck Jonathan and British Prime Minister, David Cameron had reached an agrrement in 2011 to double efforts in ensuring the continuation of bi-lateral trade, from 4 billion pound to 8 billion pound annually insisting that "we are well on the way to achieving that".

Queen Elizabeth.

He also added that Nigeria has reasons to celebrate with a stable and growing economy, noting that Nigeria is one of Africa's largest growing economies with people who are full of creativity and talent. He further said that "there are well over a million Nigerians in the United Kingdom alone, taking the expertise, their creativity, developing themselves, developing our [British] economy and crucially helping to develop Nigeria's economy". Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate also recently said it would not take action over the proposed 3,000 pounds visa bond by the United Kingdom, until the British Government implements the policy. The proposed visa bond, according to the British Government, is aimed at check-mating immigrants from Nigeria and some few countries who travel to the United Kingdom, but fail to adhere to the visa rules. With the policy in place, travellers who flout their immigration law will be made to forfeit the deposit of 3000 pounds to the government of Britain. Disturbed that the proposed UK policy affects Nigerian travellers despite Nigeria's diplomatic rela-

tions with Britain, the Senate said it was important to deliberate on the issue and take decision. The motion, which was tabled before Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Matthew Nwagwu, was deferred on grounds that the proposed policy was yet to be implemented. Senator Matthew Nwagwu, PDP, Imo North, in his lead debate, expressed concern over the development, noting that it was capable of negatively affecting the existing relations between Nigeria and Britain. He noted that both Nigeria and Britain were members of the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, besides being signatories to several international conventions and agreements. He added that the constitution Nigeria forbids discrimination against any Nigerian for whatever reason. Nwagwu lamented that in spite of laws and conventions, which the United Kingdom was a signatory, the same UK Government had announced the imposition of 3000 pounds visa bond on Nigerians citizens travelling to United Kingdom for the first time.

Travelogue Presents Miss Beach Beautiful Pageant 2013 By Gbenga Omotosho

he maiden edition of the Miss Beach Beautiful Pageant, aimed at showcasing the real African womanhood and beauty, is scheduled to hold on December 21, 2013. In a release by the organizers of the pageant, Travelogue, event will bring a new dimension to beach tourism in Nigeria. The pageant, which holds at the Elegushi Beach, a private tourist beach in Lekki, Lagos will feature exclusively, traditional and cultural, celebrating African womanhood and displaying the beauty of Nigerian tradition through the beach. According to the Publisher of Travelogue Magazine, Mr. Ayo Omotoso, “It is aimed at promoting beach tourism in Nigeria and Africa. It is a marriage of African beauty and the allure of the beach. It is also a way of promoting tourism amongst the younger generation, as knowledge of tourism elements in Nigeria would play a huge part in determining the Queen’’. The winner of the contest will take home a star prize of N1million and a brand new car, while also being actively involved in Tourism propagation around the world and in the country during her one year reign. The first runner up will pick up a cheque of N750, 000, while the second runner up will go home with N500, 000 amongst other consolation prizes. The Contest is open for ages of between 18 and 25 years across the six geo-political zones of the country. To participate, please make payment of N3, 000 [Three Thousand Naira, only] to any Access Bank Plc. nationwide with Account name: Travelogue Communications Limited, Account Number: 0060931351. After the payment, ensure you visit our website www.beachpageant.com to complete your registration online and for further details. Please note that your bank teller or receipt is your gate pass at the audition venue. The audition date will be communicated to you via SMS and through our website. Miss Beach Beautiful will be celebrating Nigerian culture through food, fashion, and music. It is a search for beauty, intelligence and warmth other attributes of the quintessential African woman. Travelogue Communications Limited, publishers of Travelogue magazine which is behind the novel idea, has decided to explore the beach as a way of promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage every year and boost the tourism industry.

October 2013

Hon. Nelson Belief is the Commissioner for Tourism Development Bayelsa State, the man who organised the 2013 National World Tourism Day celebration. In this interview with Lucky Onoriode George, he gave an insight to what it took the state to organise the best WTD celebration in the last one decade despite the short notice. Excerpts: Hon. Nelson Belief

Bayelsa Is A Conference Destination In Making Hon. Nelson

n recent time, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obvious that the Bayelsa State government is deliberately hosting major events as a way of promoting the state as a conference destination. As a commissioner for tourism development, how have you been implementing this ingenious approach? Thank God you are a witness to a successful World Tourism Day [WTD] celebration that we hosted. I also believe you also watched the mini carnival too. My ministry is relatively very new. In fact, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a year and few months. When I came in, there was no structure being a new creation and I have to start from the very scratch. Just like every new outfit, I started a process of auditing all our tourists sites; which local areas has comparative advantage over the rest that can be packaged, as well as articulating their various tourism potentials for development and the

eventual marketing. The aforementioned is key because, before you hatch out a plan, we spent so much time looking at what we have in Bayelsa, and how best to deliver them eventually. Again, it is a deliberate policy of government to attract major events to the state, and one way of doing so is, developing infrastructure that can support our natural and man-made attractions, that can attract visitors to the state or while here, they can have reasons to engage in other social activities. This year alone, we have hosted major events such as; AMAA, MBGN, NAFEST and UNWTO. What else is being done to sustain the effort at making Bayelsa State as a conference destination? Currently, we are working on what we call Tourism Island and very soon, we shall be unveiling it and the entire Bayelsa State tourism vision.

October 2013

will be carrying cash, and the issue of POS also becomes very important. In this regards, we are discussing on how best to manage the new cashless policy with the banks, hotels and even the eateries, now that Bayelsa is being develop as a conference destination. Apart from the banks, we are also talking to telecommunications companies to also improve their services, because it would not help our image as a destination when people are here for conference or seminar and they cannot reach their families or offices while here. In fact, some people here in the state are naive, they don’t understand what tourism is all about, but since the ministry was created, they are gradually being educated. During the celebration, I saw Mr and Miss Tourism Bayelsa, how are you, managing them for the benefit of the sector? We are in constant touch that was why you saw them here. You are aware that whatever concerns government has a process and by so saying, we are trying to positively use them to also generate awareness among youths in Bayelsa State, of the importance of tourism. However, there would be more improvement in the coming years, on how to fully utilize them in promoting Bayelsa State tourism within and outside the state.

What is the role of the private sector in all these efforts? The private sector have been part of my programmes since the ministry was created. Even, I brought in all the stakeholders together in the organisation of the just concluded World Tourism Day, despite the short notice. Sincerely, I will attribute some successes of the event to their involvement. I shared responsibility to the very competent public and private sector bodies, and I am glad that my judgement was only proved right. Apart from just implementing government policies and executing its projects, we are also doing a lot of enlightenment, because, information they say is power. It is not just enough to have money and build a hotel; it goes beyond the property, the challenges of actually managing it. You may have money and build a hotel, but how do you relate with the guests eventually? It is very necessary that there are more issues to understand, beyond erecting a hotel. Our enlightenment exercise also involves the bank because with time, very few hotel users

What is the state of development of Oloibiri, Akasa and the white man’s grave? We have made some proposals and if you were there at the gala night, you would have seen slides presentations, which were very deliberate to attract the attention of the federal government to do something about Oloibiri; a place that started funding the whole nation that has been abandoned. The message is, the federal government should do something about the first oil well pot in Nigeria. Shortly after the presentation, High Chief Edem Duke, Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, quickly cashed in and he has promised to do something to change the face of Oloibiri. Succinctly put, the minister’s promise is one of the achievements Bayelsa is getting from hosting the World Tourism Day celebration. With this promise to do something, my office will now be in constant touch with the minister and the permanent secretary to make sure they fulfil the promise. The other areas you mentioned, the state government is already working on them and before the end of the year, the projects would be completed. Though the projects were awarded by the previous administration, unfortunately, the contractors did not do anything on them. In fact, the slides presentation are what those sites look like before and because of time constraint, we were unable to show what have been done and what it would look like when they are eventually completed. Aside from the aforementioned, effort is also

being made to develop some beautiful lakes that are scattered across the state, to ensure that the administration’s vision of making Bayelsa a conference destination, does not end in the capital alone, but the entire state. The ministry of works is constructing a road to open up the area. In Sagbama local council, legends have it that, the lake there has healing power and if you are seriously ill, you will never die, in as much as you remain within that area. Another interesting place again is the King Koko place, the man who started self agitation in Nigeria in 1895. He led a group of young lads to confront the imperialists and defeated them in a battle. King Koko found the British people's restriction of our people’s movement unpalatable. Imagine our people as at that time, having to get permit to move around selling their fish and farm produce. King Koko and his team put the British Authority on notice, that failure to allow them free movement to sell their produce and catch, they should expect a fight, and this was dismissed by them until it happened. All the treaties signed with the grate grandparents are in our archives. It would also interest you to note that, in the whole of the Niger Delta, Bayelsa was the first place that the white man first stepped their foot on. Akasa was the place where the white man stepped their foot first. Some of the structures that were built including the slave house in 1445, are still standing. Some of the white people that died before the 1895 war, were buried at Akasa and the causes of their deaths were fully stated on their graves. Interestingly, they prepared their graves with marble. If as at that time they could use marble to prepare their graves, you can imagine how advanced they were then. For us, there is every

need for us to put those sites in good shape. As for the foreigners who died and were buried at Akasa, their great, great, grand children may one day visit. Are you in touch with the British High Commission and Embassy of Portugal or even Dutch Embassy for assistance? Not yet! However, my ministry is possibly meeting with the officials of British High Commission soon, and would use the opportunity to raise the issue with them. Bayelsa had hosted high profile conferences and seminars, and with what I have seen and experienced so far in the state, there seems to be poor services in most of the hotels that you need to succeed as destination, what do you think the proposed tourism school would do? It is true that for us to be a destination of what we envisioned, we have to be on top of our game. It was part of having a well trained workforce as well as getting Bayelsans prepared, that His Excellency Henry Seriake Dickson, our amiable government established the tourism school, that would be commissioned soon. In fact, it is not just for indigenes alone but, it’s an international school that would train people from everywhere. Our dream is to have a tourism school that would be like the prestigious Utalii College in Kenya. The structure is already built and its being furnished, which actually delayed the commissioning because we had wanted to use the World Tourism Day celebration to do so. What type of certification are we looking at, knowing fully how crazy we are in the country when it comes to that? Few days from now, we shall showcase the school curriculum and our standard will be a UK, hence it would be affiliated to a renowned institution

there. There is no half measure about what we have planned. It would also interest you to note that, the governor has appointed someone who is a UK trained professor as the pioneer rector of the school. Most of the events that the Bayelsa have hosted in the past were funded by the government, what efforts are being made to also encourage private sector’s people to come do same in the state? What we are doing is to show the way, because without something on the ground for us to show people, it would be difficult to convince anyone to come, which is the reason for the activities, cum marketing that we have been doing. Again, security is another area that we have made tremendous stride, and the prevailing peace in the state shows the character of our governor and his desire to make the state investment and business friendly. We are relying on people that have been here to help spread the good news of what we are doing, and that the Bayelsa of today is different from the one that was always in the news for all the wrong reasons time past, and we are looking at tourism to help us change the perception. As the commissioner for tourism development in Bayelsa State, I am calling on every business person that is willing to invest in our state to come do so. We are also aware here that tourism investment has a long gestation period, which is why the government is taking the lead. Finally, I am calling on all Bayelsans to maintain the peace that is prevailing today. In fact, the Izon man is known to be a very hospitable people and we must continue in this manner. The Portuguese will tell you that, because this is where the white man anchored and landed first.

October 2013

Photos Of 2013 Nationa In Yenagoa, Bayelsa Sta And Water; Protecti

Some Nollywood faces at the event

Popular Nollywood actor, Sam Dede, Director General Rivers State Tourism Development Agency sorrounded at the venue of the event.

L-R [second] : High Chief Edem Duke, Honourable Minister For Tourism, John Jonah Rtd [Oon] Deputy Governor and Hon. Nelson Belief, Commiss

Some official of the state

L-R [second] : Hon. Nelson Belief, Commissioner For Tourism Development, High Chief Edem Honourable Minister For Tourism, Culture and National Orientation And His Excellency, Rear Gboribiogha John Jonah Rtd [Oon] Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State during the Gala Night of t National World Tourism Day celebration. High Chief Edem Duke, Honourable Minister For Tourism, Culture And National Orientation and His Excellency, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah Rtd [Oon] Deputy Governor.

More Nollywood faces at the event

October 2013

al World Tourism Celebration ate With The Theme: Tourism ing Our Common Future

More Bayelsa Queens

Another Nollywood Actors

, Culture And National Orientation And His Excellency, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha sioner For Tourism Development.

His Excellency, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah Rtd [Oon] Deputy Governor with Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, Director General [NTDC]

m Duke, Admiral the 2013 Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, Director General [NTDC] flanked by Director General, Bayelsa State Tourism Development Agency, Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown [Left] and Chief of Staff Government House, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.

A special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor.

Tonkiri Oyinua Sarah, Miss Tourism and Kolo David, Mr Tourism Bayelsa State.

October 2013

Desmond Majekodunmi leading others in throwing plastic water bottle into the ocean as a symbolic gesture.

Magical World Tourism Day At La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort By Andrew Iro Okungbowa

he weather on this fateful day was inclement quite alright. The early morning rains tempted to cast some doubts over the day’s event but nevertheless, everyone was expectant of a successful event. It was September 27 – World Tourism Day [WTD], a day set apart by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation [UNWTO], to focus attention and celebrate the beauty and importance of tourism. And the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism [ANJET] organised a celebration of the day in Lagos. At the Ekabo [Reception] of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, the host and major collaborator for the day’s celebration, the people were warmly received and treated to the traditional hospitality of the resort before being led through the forest area to the lagoon section where a local boat with the boatman beckoned. Within the minutes everybody were ferried across to Ile Rimi, one of the posh homes of the resort - a place reserved for kings and queens for royal treatment you could say. Back to the boat ride: It was a smooth ride with the fresh water of the lagoon placid as nothing betrayed the huge and amazing natural phenomenon that was to occur few hours later. An occurrence that added magical and entertainment twist as well as colours to the entire celebration. By the way, the theme for this year’s celebration is – ‘Tourism and Water: Protecting our common future.’ A thematic expression that actually prompted the choice of the resort – given its natural setting and water appeal-the lagoon and Atlantic Ocean- as a perfect host.

It was as if nature or if you like the gods decided to give accent to the celebration when suddenly there was a break – up of the huge sandy beach that separated the two bodies of water – Atlantic and Lagoon – a natural phenomenon called ‘Gbemi’ [Swallow] by the locals with the Atlantic opening up and swallowing the fresh lagoon water. It was something that happened on a slow pace and gradually increased in intensity and ferocity that was described by the people as some kind of inter-course between the two bodies of water. It was quite spellbinding, amazing, awesome and all exciting to watch this natural happenstance. And even more exciting and entertaining was watching the locals who trooped to the scene in their numbers to celebrate bountiful harvest of fishes. It was amidst these blessed natural happenings that dialogue around the theme of the celebration was held. The President of La Campagne Beach Resort, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, in his welcome remark set the tone for the discourse with his thought provoking message. He took his audience on excursion of the natural beauty and richness of Nigeria but ironically, he said though the country many stand tallest in Africa continent but yet it is the poorest because its beauty and richness are yet to be explored and developed into a beautiful and attractive destination. The country, Akinboboye said is drifting and called for a quick arrest of the drift before the country goes under. Interestingly, he said tourism with special focus on eco – tourism holds the key to salvaging this endless drift. ‘‘The only thing that can sal-

We need to appeal to them that the future is at stake now and we need to advocate this sort of eco – tourism [referring to the resort, which is a perfect blend of nature with tourism], it is a win – win situation. Let do our best to prick the conscience of our leaders.

vage it is tourism and it has to been eco – tourism. There are 774 lcoal government areas in the country and there is no one without attraction begging for development.’’ Furthermore, ‘‘we must now look at how best to transform our attractions to destinations with a touch of cosmopolitan element… Let us use today to flow like water through the six political zones of the country and begin to preach the gospel of tourism. It is not for government alone but what all of us should partake in,’’ he said. Perhaps taking a cue from the president of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and also Motherland Beckons preachment, the guest speak for the day, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi of Desco Tourism and Trade Development spoke extensively on the degradation visited on the environment and the adverse effect of climate change. Turning his attention to the theme – water – he regaled the people with the late legendary Afrobeat musical icon Fela Anikulapo Kuti, ‘water no get enemy,’ rendition and the all important and pervasive role that water plays in human development. Majekodunmi, an Environmentalist, said that now is the time to avoid the ugly future that is sure to be visited on the land as a result of poor conservation of the environment. ‘‘If we don’t take action now and do that which is right and necessary, we will have the problem of ocean surge and despoiled environment to contend with tomorrow,’’ he said. Therefore, ‘‘we need to persuade our leadership that it is not just their future that is at stake but rather the future of their children,’’ adding that ‘‘we need to appeal to them that the future is at stake now and we need to advocate this sort of eco – tourism [referring to the resort, which is a perfect blend of nature with tourism], it is a win – win situation. Let do our best to prick the conscience of our leaders.’’ Other contributors to the thematic dialogue also emphasised on the need for us to accord respect to the environment and use water wisely. While Mr. Ayo Olowoporoku of Hotel Support, spoke on water as its affect the hospitality sector even as he urged patrons of hospitality facilities to be mindful of the way they use water and cooperate with hotels management in avoiding waste. Besides the dialogue, the people were treated to a delightful meal by the resort with everyone ending at the beach front to feast on ‘Gbemi’ and watch the symbolic throwing of four plastic bottles of water stuffed with different messages on wisely use of the environment and water. In all, it was a rich and entertaining celebration and all thanks to the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism [ANJET] for putting the event together and their backers – La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Infogem Nigeria and Hotel Support, among others.

October 2013

or over a decade, I have followed tourism activities of the Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS]. As a reporter/ writer, I tried everything humanly possible to unravel the workings of the Department of Free Movement and Tourism. In this quest, I travelled to Abuja from Lagos to meet one-on-one with Nicolas Oshumare, a Beniniore and former ECOWAS Director of Tourism. Today, I can confirm that the ten years of the former director was nothing but a mere meetings and workshop where the entire budget and donor funds were expended on estacodes and allowances of the staff of the department and friends that gather often as delegates from member nations. My contact with Oshumare was incisive and an eye opener as to how ECOWAS as a whole is run, but not just the tourism department alone. However, the breakthrough came for me to be an insider in 2010 when by providence; I was invited to attend a programme put together by ECOWAS Free Movement and Tourism Department in Ivory Coast in September of that year. As usual, ECOWAS the Department had written Kadré Désiré OUEDRAOGO, President of ECOWAS to Ministries of tourism for them to invite three private sector people to represent each nation at the event. By some accidentally I was selected as one of the three private sector persons from Nigeria. Luckily for me again, I became a celebrity at the meeting as a result of my though it has two represen- us along the line led to exgood understanding of tatives. clusions and as I write this the topic, which relates At every meeting, each personal experience, I am to tourism marketing and member of the taskforce still being owed accumulatpromotion in West Africa. receives $400.00 honorar- ed unpaid honorarium. Most of the speakers, ium and $260.00 daily for My motive for this outsome tourism practitio- accommodation/feeding burst is not money; but ners and academics from respectively, this is outside to stop the rot in the Free institutions of higher refund for return ticket on Movement and Tourism learning were rather too economy class. Department of ECOWAS betheoretical in their apOur first meeting was cause the first phase of the proach and my inter- scheduled to hold in Cape project of Hotels, Motels vention based on sound Verde, but was moved back and Inns which we were marketing and public to Dakar, Senegal. At that yet to complete was secretrelations background as meeting, it was obvious ly presented to ECOWAS well as journalism experi- that family, friends and tourism ministers in The ence in travel and tourism fools who knew nothing Gambia on June 22, 2012 across Africa saved the about what to do were all without the knowledge day. invited. committee members. My understanding of the Some came, collected Attempts to get explanaissue was a big relief to their allowances and hono- tion why the ECOWAS seNfally Sanoh, the Guinean rarium in full and left. The cretly presented our report director of Free Movement next two meetings in Ghana to tourism ministers withand Tourism of ECOWAS. and Benin, we were paid out the taskforce members With the conviction that I in full. However thereaf- were consistently met with was really a material that ter, the Free Movement and insults and intimidation could be used; later that Tourism Department told from the Free Movement year in November 2010, us at the last four meetings and Tourism Director. I received a letter invit- in Benin, Ghana twice and Coming from the private ing me to join a seven Guinea that cash has not sector myself and workman taskforce on Hotels, been made available. ing with people with pubMotels, Inns Grading and The most interesting part lic sector experience, there Tourist Guide Elaboration. of the meetings is that, at was an attempt initially to Thereafter for a year and each occasion, there are hold back information befour months, the task- more than 20 back room cause they suspected that force originally made-up staff, translators and in- ECOWAS officials were not of Sheikh Tejean Nyang terpreters fully paid for a sincere and that they were of the Gambia, Frank Ken- seven man taskforce. just using us to make monneth Kofigah of Ghana, Apart from the complete ey, but I insisted that we Lucky Onoriode George of waste of resources, some- should give them the benNigeria and Amdy Sene of times, chartered cars are efit of the doubt, but they Senegal. parked throughout the du- were proved right that corOthers are Boka Biyao ration that myself and my ruption was not just in the Georges, Cote d’Ivoire, colleagues don’t even use, Free Movement and TourTony Elumelu, Principal because we in most cases ism department alone, but Officer Free Movement worked very late, but be- the entire ECOWAS system and N’faly Sanoh, Director cause someone has been as several key officers of Free Movement and Tour- given the contract, the ve- ECOWAS from other deism of ECOWAS. hicles would just be parked. partments also attend our As a taskforce, we needAlong the line, more meetings and after day one, ed someone to coordinate friends and people that will disappear. and Sheikh Tejan Nyang, have no relevance were inIn fact, some of my colan elderly fellow from vited to attend our meet- leagues in the taskforce The Gambia was selected ings and in most cases were rewarded for not askas Chairman. His job is after the opening speech ing questions or not chalto interface on behalf of by ECOWAS officials, they lenging the officials when the Taskforce and ECOW- would disappear. things are not done right. AS Tourism Department, Complaints from some of According to our time ta-

The Many Tourism Fraud In ECOWAS

ble, the second phase was for us to collate materials for the tourist guide, but to our surprise along the line, a woman from Ivory Coast, by name Veronic surfaced and was introduced by N’faly Sanoh as a new member of the taskforce and that she would handle the printing of the yet to be written and designed tourist guide who stayed a night and disappeared, just like some people that were brought in intermittently. Months after the inconclusive document on hotels, motels and inns was presented, it is obvious that the project may not even see the light of the day in many countries because of the way it was done. The initial plan was to invite other professionals to meet with the taskforce before it would be presented to ministers who knew nothing of what we have done, but N’faly Sanoh for reasons best known to him rushed it and the presentation was done in secret without the people that worked on it, and most importantly, there was no vetting by professional colleagues who may have added or removed something from the work. Without doubt, the taskforce work is inconclusive and the hotels, motels and inns is a mediocre job as presented by ECOWAS. As if the damage done by N’faly Sanoh and his department was not enough, ECOWAS has also gone ahead again in what it called tourist guide meetings in the last one year with none professionals, but with cohorts working on a guide to promote the sub-region. For the records, guides

are usually written by travel writers that understand the ABC of travel and tourism destinations. It is a technical job and must be written in professional language, used by professional tour operators as well as travel agents. Today, ECOWAS in its wisdom through the Free Movement and Tourism Department is asking member nations’ tourism agencies and federations to collate and submit materials to the same Ivory Coast based Veronic who is now to handle the publishing of the ECOWAS Tourist Guide. Surprisingly, ECOWAS Free Movement and Tourism Department is asking member nations to source for advertisement to fund the printing of the guide. As a member of the taskforce and what I witnessed and saw, I have no doubt that over $2 million dollars have been squandered. My investigations revealed that most of the funding came directly from ECOWAS and some from African Union Tourism Fund. The questions is, with the taskforce members not paid all their entitlements and the aforementioned amount wasted, why ask for advert sponsorship for a project that so much was available for it and wasted? ECOWAS must be educated that collation of materials can only lead to a successful production of a brochure, but not a guide. A guide is a tourist companion that gives precise and concise information about what is available in every destination. It ranges from attractions, accommodation facilities, night clubs, restaurants and shops. Finally, ECOWAS must stop the impunity and wastages by the Free Movement and Tourism Department and a probe instituted. By Lucky Onoriode George, Former Taskforce member and National Publicity Secretary Federation of Toursim Associations of Nigeria [FTAN].

October 2013

FASHION AND BEAUTY By Adebukola Adewusi

t is quite noticeable that our dress and our face is always the focal point. it means when you come into contact with someone, their eyes divert to your beauti-

ful skin, your colorful dress, sparkling shoes, glittered belt etc. Your dress sense says a lot about you.it portrays your personality, reflects your culture and enhances your looks. Dress sense is about knowing colours that

complement your skin tone, styles and cuts that fit well with our various body shapes, When and where to wear these outfits to as well as how to accessorize these outfits for that elegant and unique look.

Ladies who stands out in the crowd and turn all heads simply have great taste of fashion sense.

You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. How you look tells others how you feel about yourself.

DO’S AND DONT'S OF WEARING A MINI DRESS

ini dress is ultimately classic if worn correctly.it makes a woman look chic, casual, sexy, elegant depending on how it is worn, unfortunately it can have a bad reputation, if worn improperly.

*Do wear a mini dress with the right shoes and the right bags.

Shoes and bags can make or break an outfit. Remember short dress look shorter with the combination of heels.

*Don’t wear the mini dress too tight

A mini dress is already short and showing the legs which means that it is already sexy, if the person wearing it looks like they can barely move or walk, then it looks trashy.

*Do select the right accessories

Accessories however are often used to complete an outfit and are chosen to specifically complement the wearer's look. You have to choose the right accessories and the right colors to match your mini dress.

*Do choose an appropriate length

The taller the woman, the shorter the dress is on her. Tall women should choose styles that are mid-thigh to almost to the knee.

Bright colors particularly primary colours complements dark skinned ladies. Search for what’s in

style and go for clothes that suit your body type.

4 ESSENTIAL FASHION TIPS THAT YOU DO NOT KNOW 1. If you get an oil stain on your favorite designer handbag, coat the mark with baby powder and let it stand overnight. By morning, the stain should be gone. If a bit still remains, repeat the process until the stain is completely gone 2. Blot, don’t rub, when u spill something on your clothes. Wiping or rubbing will actually further ingrain the stain. 3. If blush or bronzer breaks in your handbag, pre-moistened make-up removing wipes will clean up the loose powder flawlessly. 4. Never wear your glasses frames on your head on a hot day