Nigeria is fast emerging as Africa’s leading hub for entertainment and cultural events, and Ethiopian Airlines is poised to support this growing momentum.

As the largest airline in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines connects over 60 African cities to its expansive global network, playing a key role in facilitating trade and tourism across the continent.

According to Firiehiwot Mekonnen, the newly appointed Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, the airline will intensify its efforts to promote tourism to and from Nigeria.

“Ethiopian Airlines is a connector of African trade and tourism. We are committed to driving more tourism into Nigeria from around the world and also encouraging Nigerians to explore Ethiopia and other parts of Africa,” she said.

Ethiopian Airlines has consistently supported major Nigerian cultural events, including Carnival Calabar, offering discounted fares and seamless travel options.

“We’ll also ensure that ‘Detty December’ is even more accessible for Nigerians,” M Firiehiwot added.

She emphasised Nigeria’s untapped tourism potential, highlighting the country’s rich culture, natural beauty, and diverse attractions that deserve global attention.

Renowned for their love of travel, Nigerians have long benefited from Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive global reach.

The airline has served Nigeria since 1960, operating its most modern fleet on Nigerian routes.

Firiehiwot brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Most recently, she served as the head of ET Holidays, overseeing all travel and tour packages under Ethiopian Airlines.

Her career also includes leadership roles in Europe and Nigeria, where she previously served as the General Manager in Lagos and as TSM for the Abuja station. Her deep expertise in travel, tourism, and airline management will further strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ presence and impact in Nigeria.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.

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