The DigGeoNaija project is on a mission to revolutionize geotourism in Nigeria.
Dr. Kamaldeen Olakunle Omosanya, the project’s director and principal investigator, brings over 17 years of experience as a geoscientist and certifications from Google and Microsoft.
He is spearheading efforts to digitally preserve Nigeria’s geological heritage and harness new economic opportunities through advanced technology.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the DigGeoNaija project represents a significant step toward preserving Nigeria’s natural and cultural heritage. It was further gathered that through this initiative, the digitization of Nigeria’s geosites will serve as a lasting record for future generations, providing an invaluable resource for education, research, and recreation.
During the official unveiling of the DigGeoNaija project, Dr. Omosanya and his team stated that the project’s goal is to make Nigeria a leading geotourism destination, drawing visitors from around the world.
According to them, DigGeoNaija project is a technology-driven approach using Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance education and raise awareness about geology and environmental conservation. They further added that the initiative is expected to boost local economies by creating jobs in tourism, technology, and environmental conservation sectors.
Accordingly, DigGeoNaija project will digitize and catalog various geosites across the country, creating 3D models, digital maps, and interactive platforms for exploration. These digital transformations will offer tech-enhanced tourist experiences, such as virtual reality tours and educational content, making Nigeria’s natural heritage more accessible and appealing to a global audience.
The Director and CEO of the project said that through advanced technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), AI, and cloud computing, DigGeoNaija will offer high-resolution imagery and geological data to users, enabling them to explore geosites from anywhere in the world, an effort expected to drive both tourism and education, contributing to the sustainability of these tourist sites.
The CEO also explained that Nigeria’s tourism industry has long been underutilized despite its potential. According to him, the country boasts a diverse array of natural landscapes, cultural heritage sites, and untapped geosites that, if properly promoted, could serve as major attractions for both local and international tourists.
However, issues such as infrastructure deficits, safety concerns, and limited marketing have hindered the growth of tourism in Nigeria.
Dr. Omosanya remains optimistic about the future. “There is a growing global interest in ecotourism, and Nigeria is well-positioned to tap into this market,” he says.
The country’s natural landscapes offer endless opportunities for eco-friendly and adventure-based tourism, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and geological exploration.
“DigGeoNaija’s preliminary SWOT analysis of Nigeria’s geosites highlights the immense potential for growth and the challenges that must be addressed.”
“The strengths lie in Nigeria’s diverse and untapped geosites, which offer opportunities for research, education, and economic development.”
“There are also substantial opportunities in international collaboration, UNESCO recognition, and educational initiatives.”
“However, the weaknesses include inadequate promotion, funding limitations, and underutilization of many sites, which have hindered their full potential.”
“Threats such as illegal quarrying, insecurity, climate change, and poor site management further pose risks to these invaluable resources”.
Nevertheless, Omosanya remains optimistic, emphasizing that with strategic promotion, international partnerships, and technological innovations, Nigeria’s geosites can flourish.
“We believe that DigGeoNaija will not only preserve our geological heritage but also create new economic opportunities for Nigeria,” he concludes.
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