The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) hosted a high-level delegation from the Honorary Consulate of Colombia in Abuja, led by Honorary Consul Maricel Romero Cantillo, in a significant courtesy visit that underscores growing cultural diplomacy between the two nations. 
The productive engagement, which took place recently at the NTDA headquarters in Abuja, centred on Nigeria’s strategic participation in the highly anticipated “Resonance: Global Afrodiasporic Summit” alongside the 30th edition of the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival. The events are scheduled to hold in Santiago de Cali, Colombia, in August 2026. 
Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, Director-General of the NTDA, reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to strengthening cultural exchange, tourism promotion, and strategic partnerships that vividly showcase the nation’s rich, diverse heritage and growing global cultural influence. This move aligns seamlessly with the Authority’s core mandate to market Nigeria’s innumerable cultural assets — from vibrant festivals and traditional music to indigenous crafts and culinary excellence — to the international community. 
The Director-General pledged to collaborate closely with the private sector, creative industry stakeholders, and cultural practitioners to ensure a robust, memorable, and impactful Nigerian presence at the festival. This is expected to feature traditional performances, culinary showcases, artistic exhibitions, and meaningful exchanges that celebrate shared Afro-descendant roots. 
The Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival stands as one of Latin America’s most prestigious celebrations of Afro-Pacific music, heritage, and identity. Nigeria’s involvement is poised to elevate the country’s profile on the global stage, foster people-to-people ties, and open new avenues for tourism and creative economy collaboration. 
Honorary Consul Maricel Romero Cantillo, a passionate advocate for sustainable development and intercultural relations, led the Colombian delegation. Her reappointment last year reflects the deepening bilateral interest between Nigeria and Colombia in areas spanning culture, business, and people-centred diplomacy. 
This engagement represents another milestone in NTDA’s renewed drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda to position Nigeria as a premier global tourism and cultural destination. Further details on Nigeria’s delegation, programming, and partnerships for the Cali events are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
