Nigeria Guardian: The first ever African Tourism Free Trade Zone in the world where anyone can go and experience Africa has been projected, as renowned Africa themed resort, La Campagne Tropicana Rainforest and Beach Resort, heads to replicate for one of the famed Caribbean Islands, Antigua and Barbuda.
This historic resort project devoted to promoting African to the world is coming almost four decades after La Campagne, founded by Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, debuted on Nigerian scene at the Ikegun Village in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, where it has shown the resilience and power of audacious dream and vision by Akinboboye, who then was in his late 20s, to take the world by storm.
While he has over the years made concerted efforts at entrenching the brand in Nigeria, with a replica in Koton Karfe in Kogi State, extending to Africa by having a foot hood in Cote d’ Ivoire, among others.
The world has certainly taken notice of Akinboboye’s audacious vision and what his La Campagne resort stands for, hence, the government of Antigua and Barbuda is partnering with him to establish an historic enclave in the island for Africans and the world to interact.
Remarking on the project, Akinboboye said the resort project will be located on a 100 hectare of land at Willoughby Bay Saint Philip, which is one of the most popular and economically viable bays of the island.
“It is a platform for the world to explore Africa. The project is a step towards bringing Africa to the world. It is time for us to stretch our hands to our brothers in the Diaspora.
“To connect with the entire continent of Africa from those in the Diaspora, from those in the Caribbean to Americans, to the United States of America and of course, to Brazil.
“It would be the first ever African Tourism Free Trade Zone in the world where anyone can come and experience Africa as a stepping stone to connecting with the continent. From the West, South, East, North and Central Africa, the entire continent of Africa will be represented.”
He continued: “This project would give an opportunity to people of African descent and lovers of African throughout the world to come to a safe Africa where all the cultures can be showcased to the world.
“Where the world and all children of African descent that are born in the Diaspora can come, for example to learn about Yata, Camp Africa and get connected to Africa.”
On how the project would expand the economic base of Africa, he said, “it would open doors to the different aspects of Africa to be developed and promoted, starting with expanding the economic base of the continent. We believe very strongly that out of the 1.1 billion people of African descent in the Diaspora; in Brazil, Americans and others, minimum 10 per cent would want to patronise an African themed resort.
“Nigerians and Africans can now go abroad and take advantage of the development to become expatriates. Because we believe very strongly that once the tourism free trade zone in Antigua and Barbuda is built, the other 35 Islands in the Caribbean may be interested in replicating it for their people, for their children and for the future of their children. I will not be surprised that Europeans, Asians, Americans and others may want it in their respective countries also as that will give them a monopoly of having a base where people can connect with the continent of Africa without visiting Africa, and as they do this, it is expanding the export capability of Africa.”
On connecting Africa from Antigua and Barbuda, Akinboboye said the project wouldn’t just be a playground for the world to explore Africa, but will also connect Antigua and Barbuda to all Africa.
“The idea is that when you have the first Africa Tourism Free Trade Zone, everyone will come to play there. If the Mountain fails to come to Mohammed, then Mohammed will come to the Mountain. We are taking Africa to the world.
“Come to Antigua and from Antigua tourists can book to come to Lagos and from Lagos they can go to different parts of Africa. There are about 1.2 billion people of African ancestry and so you know what that means for Africa. What has been happening for a long time is that Africans don’t know that they are first regarded as Africans and not as Nigerian, Senegalese or Gambian, others.”
Akinboboye further said Antigua and Barbuda is located in a strategic part of the world, playing a unique role during the obnoxious slave trade era, as passage for Africans ferried across the world.
“So, it is now time to reverse that history by making it a return passage for people of African descent in the Diaspora and others back to the African continent. Antigua is about one hour flight from Miami, and it is close to the US from almost every part and that is why it was used as a middle passageway during the slave trade era and that is why we are now using that middle passage for the return.
You left on a slave ship but now it’s time to return on a boat cruise. It’s time to go back on luxurious airlines. So, we are no longer celebrating the poverty, the wretchedness but the prosperity of Africans. Let’s turn a disadvantage to an advantage by making sure that everybody partakes in the drinking of the lemonade that we will create from lemon through the platform.”
On the focus of the project, Akinboboye who disclosed the project would be launched around mid May said it is purely Pan-African in terms of its offerings.
“It is going to be African centric, with African music, Africa folklore, Africa storytelling, Africa dances, arts and crafts, all served in a unique palate for the visitors. When we do this we create endless jobs for our people because it is an African themed concept. This is why our focus is going to be a very Pan-African presentation.”
La Campagne Boss revealed that it took 16 years to work on the project, adding, “Getting the government of Antigua and Barbuda to decide to partner La Campagne on this project, it wasn’t an easy ride as it took 16 years and countless meetings with parliament and different people.
“I have gone through two different prime ministers. It wasn’t easy because at first they did not understand the concept but now they do and they are more aggressive now than me because they gave a time limit that it must be done as quickly as possible.”
Addressing the phases of the project development, Akinboboye said: “This is a big project that will not come easily. However, we are ready and prepared for it, having done this for about 40 years.
“The first phase of the project will be immediate, within the next 90 days. We have been at this for almost forty years and so we know how to tweak it. There are two things that we are presenting to the world African’s architecture, and its structure and culture. The culture doesn’t have to wait, so we are going to start with the presentation of the culture as we build the structure.”
Akinboboye also disclosed that some of the initial projects and activities to commence include the African wedding paradigm by making it a wedding destination enclave.
“The structure will come as we are building the culture, so we are going to start with African destination weddings in Antigua. We are going to take exceptional weddings to Antigua. Then we are going to move to some makeshift structures that will take care of day visitors (daycation) then we will start building accommodations, all of these will take off at the same time bearing in mind that it is a 100 hectare of land.”
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Antigua and Africans again ! the government aren’t afraid of being duped again? SMH .
My thoughts exactly..when are we going to get some time to regain ourself?
From YIDA to Western Imperial to this? Another Nancy story in the making. Gaston full of Fiction!
Gaston Browne is a stubborn waste of time. If he hasn’t learnt from the last enterprise and hasn’t done his due diligence again he’s got to go.
Anyway, as the saying goes “give a damn fool enough rope …”
Sensible autochthonous Antiguans know the rest!
The Prime Minister must always remember that he’s in office to GOVERN, and NOT to rule over us!
Chet; Cutie; Max; Nicholas; Daryl; he wife; and the rest of the ABLP cabinet (and also not forgetting our judiciary as well) need to remind him!
Has he stated how Antigua will benefit? This gentleman did say how Africa will benefit. Why a free trade zone and not a regular business to pay taxes to the government? I guess the crooks and them running the government want to hide their involvement behind some confidentiality clause. YIDA, YIDA, WiEZ, WiEZ, MORRIS BAY, and ANTIGUA AIR LINE to bring more phoney Cameroonians to flee to the US. And the other question, why Nigerians when the world knows the high number of fraudsters this country produces. Sell them the lands and see what happens.
Thank you ,This smells anlotnlike human trafficking ..
Hollow fellow. How dare you speak of Cameroonians in such manner! Do you own the US? Must they live in Antigua? Do you know how many Antiguans are in the US, Canada and the rest of the world ?
When a lost soul like you who doesn’t know his or her history has access to a keyboard, only such nonsense can be written.
If you don’t stop writing rubbish, you will run mad.
@Lumumba Spirit: Tell us how many Antiguans are living in the US Canada and the rest of the world–Particularly, what percentage travelled to those countries ILLEGALLY? And most importantly, how many are living in any given country in Africa?
Antiguans do not care if Africans want to go to North America, what we care about is Antigua being USED as an intransit hub for their illegal entry.
That negatively affects Antigua[ns]standings in the international community. Go to North America from your home country — Keep Antigua out of y’all’s mess.
“We have been duped! “is the statement of an incompetent government . From the onset government is involved when them hear about money as soon as any negative news they withdraw themselves.
Gaston Browne is a buffoon. He was duped by Marvellous Mike and has not learned from that venture.
He is now embarking on another venture involving Nigerians with a package of freedom from paying tax, so no revenue coming to Antigua, where is the fiscal sense and the benefits for Antigua?
Nigerians are not known for good governance and transparency, but the same could be said for Gaston and ALP.
Undoubtedly, the village will be used for drug peddling, money laundering, prostitution, people trafficking and African smugglers and terrorists.
I think the Caribbean basin should have caused for concerns, as Gaston African Village is a disaster waiting to explode. Gaston often refer to them as our “brothers and sisters”. They are Gaston family, crooked, dishonest, unscrupulous and throughly dishonest.
Additionally, they may used the village to carry out operations for human organs. Few months ago a Nigerian couple were sentenced to prison for trafficking a poor Nigerian man to the UK to get his organs for their daughter.
Antiguans are urged not to join Gaston and ALP with establishing Gaston’s African Village. We should take to the streets and protest against it. Also, we should endeavour to carry out extensive research into the background of Akinboboye.
I am wondering why Akinboboye is not using his money to develop Olumo Rock, Abeokuta, Nigeria, Abudo Ranch, Caliba Nigeria. What’s his interest in Antigua? How many Antiguan’s passports were issued to these fraudsters?
Gaston remains the most intelligent leader this Island has ever got.
You are blinded by your xenophobia and cocun way of life…
It is your parents who are buffoons.
You will soon run mad…
Take your free trade zone to Africa
Akinboboye, antigua belongs to Antiguans. It does not belong to Gaston Clown and the labor party.
We don’t want no country within our country. So, leave Queens, and go establish your free trade zone in Africa.
Keep your crookedness in Africs
Antigua is British. You are brainwashed to believe you own Antigua… Africa will conquer the lands that host its children, the Caribbean, North America , South America etc… Gaston and the Labour Party are just trying to free you from mental slavery…
UPP xenophobic souls. You will all run mad because we will settle here and give our votes to ALP.
Africans have not conquered Africa yet. Cameroon was split between Britain and France and it free from them but the Cameroonians are killing each other. Go and teach your own people how to live together in peace. Look at y’all risking your lives to run to the white man’s country where y’all are not wanted. 🏃🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♂️MAGA and KKK awaits y’all.
@Lumumba Spirit
And when this happens, there will be no Antigua. Just a country of endless wars with African tribe against Antiguan tribe like many countries in Africa.
What has become of that Air Peace Owner, from Nigeria.He was suppose to be involved in LIAT,and Willoughby Bay New City.Did he also dupe Gaston Browne? When you bed down with Dawgs you could arise with fleas.
ABLP,reminds me of the Jonestown Cult of Jim Jones. The followers of the ABLP would stand in lines,see others dropping dead ahead of them from drinking that Kool Aid. They would still go and drink it,knowing fully well the consequences of doing such. It is like a suicide pact established within that Organization.Once you become a follower,you are doomed into perpetuity.
This is all very interesting. So, many times our local Antiguan and Caribbean people treat one another badly, judge, criticise and condem one another for every little thing. We don’t support each other or stand together to develop our region that we were born into. If a person just wants to consider themselves as “Caribbean”, some people think that’s not good enough – you’re not acting “black” enough, you’re denying your roots etc. etc. Now we have some 100% authentic Africans trying to settle here and everyone is getting nervous. It feels like a takeover, just as it does whenever too many persons from any other place start to come. Perhaps if we speng less time fighting each other as Caribbean people, we wouldn’t end up in all these questionable situations, at the bottom of the barrel while others thrive at our expense without giving us a second thought.
I wish the Africans all the best and anything we can do to help we should. By rights though, they need to stop fighting each other in Africa, and the leaders need to stop being corrupt and enriching themselves whilst the poor starve and suffer. They need to elect leaders who truly care for the poorest of the poor and can put policies in place to move the continent forward. Then these sorts of businesses could be run in Africa instead. “A house divided against itself will not stand…”
With respect sir or Madam, it’s not about why the Africans cannot settle here; they could be from any other continent or country for all I care.
However, the main questions (yet to be answered) from the beginning has always been how and why they were allowed into the country before a General Election?
The ease of passage and entry into Antigua & Barbuda must be independently investigated; and just as importantly why did our Immigration Department under the watchful guidance of Katrina Yearwood then turn a blind eye? Very strange!
Again, with respect @ Karma these are the pertinent questions that autochthonous Antiguans want answered.
@Karma?
Ever hear of Once Bitten Twice Shy? Obviously not. After the recent debacle concerning Antigua Airlines and the Cameroonians, the saga continues, wouldn’t such a proposed venture raise a red flag at you? You can perhaps purchase a 20% share in this gentleman’s venture like our own Marvelous administration did with the now defunct airline. Put your money where your mouth is and let’s see how it goes.
The old adage “Once bitten twice shy” is not in the PM’s vocabulary.
Will #OBEAH be legal, in the African Free Trade Zone?
The rattling bones of #Mami_Wata & #Papa_Elegba would like to remind you, of #The Bridgetown_Disaster at Willoughby Bay, Antigua, West Indies.
Jumbee-Picknee
This government has proven how dunce dem be? Clearly they don’t learn from their mistakes… no shame at all… this is y I say we have more dunce people than educated people I’m Antigua who keeps voting for an incompetent Administration
Please, First there was YIDA. That didn’t work. Then WICEZ. That flopped even worse. Now some African special economic zone. Come on Gaston Browne! You have done absolutely nothing that benefits Antigua and Barbuda, just sinking our country further and further into scandals, corruption, and all kinds of crooked deals. Man, why don’t you just do us all a favor and resign. Bow out gracefully. Just admit that your are the worst ever in all areas. Nobody will miss you except the den of prostitutes that you pay to defend your nothingness. This country deserves better than you and your incompetent, arrogant failures. However, we will never let you just walk away without finding out where you got all your millions. You and your gang of failures have been just AWFUL. Just Go.
And then there was PHL and that became a game changer for the entire country. Swallowing all of our tradesmen and construction workers. Not every project that is launched will succeed, but at least you should always give it a try. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. You know any successful businessman will tell you that it never happened at the first venture. But they never gave up trying in what they believe in. And that is how you become successful. Just the other day Elan Musk SpaceX Rockette exploded just minutes after takeoff. You would think that would be it for him. No more space rocket. No, he said we have learned a lot from this and next time we’ll be better. Gaston is that kind of man. He really believes Antigua and Barbuda can and should lead the way when it comes to opening up to Africa. And therefore, he will continue to explore the opportunities. And that goes for everything else in life. If you want a woman very badly, even when she rejects you on your first attempt, you just don’t give up. And that is a good thing. because good things do not come easily. You have to work hard for it. Reason why I hate freebeze. People need to work for what they want. When you work for something you will appreciate it more.
@From The Sideline
Gaston is way out of his league in dealing with these Africans. They are corrupt and are looking for a corrupt partner in Gaston Browne. He will be duped again because he has no intellectual depth, consumed by self enrichment and listens to no one. He thinks he is the brightest bulb in Antigua. Who are his advisors? We know his ministers don’t dare open their mouths. Ask Chet Greene.
We the people are not holding these government ministers including the Prime Minister accountable.
As a Prime Minister he should be accountable to us for every penny he spending , even when he shits he is accountable to us.
As long as Brown is in government or any government minister, we the people have the right ,and authority to ask to see any money they spend or receive. If that minister does not want to be questioned or give accountability they are free to resigned (get out), that is the law, but we people do not hold them to it.
These ministers have violated so many codes. They should have or run any businesses while in government it is conflict of interest, these guys does it anyway and we still allow it.
By the time these ministers get out of power they will be multimillionaires, the indigenous people will be second class citizens in the own country have no more land and will owe almost every country on the planet.
.
Comments are closed.