It’s a historic outing for Nigeria at the global World Travel Market in London this year, after a ten years absence. Nigeria is back, strong and well re-positioned to lead Africa once again.
All thanks to the bold move made by the private sector of the Travel and tourism industry in Nigeria. A bold move which the former Honorable Tourism Minister, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, saw as a worthy opportunity to leverage on. And that’s how the Nation returned to the World Travel Market. Restoring it’s erstwhile glory and notable position among the comity of nations.
Yes, many worked to see this day come through. From all the many associations under the big umbrella body of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), to the tireless efforts and push of members of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies popularly known as NANTA, all must be commended. Especially when one considers the spacious and conspicuous Nigeria’s pavilion at the global event, and the attraction it is enjoying at the event too.
Also, one must not underscore, the indefatigable efforts of Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, the current President of Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP).
Bolaji Mustapha’s push was almost second to non, beating all manner of odds to ensure a smooth, cordial atmosphere for Nigerians who sought to be at the event. Bolaji Mustapha’s effort along with others, has enabled Nigeria as a nation, to fly her flag high right now at the World Travel Market. Bolaji Mustapha who stepped into the big shoes of the office of the President of NATOP earlier in the year, stepped in with much gusto, to change the face of NATOP. Even critics have confessed that she is not doing badly since her inauguration into the office.
As the curtain opens at WTM London this year with a new dawn, the FTAN President Mr Nkereuwem Onung yesterday rolled out the likely gains Nigeria will be getting from this global annual gathering.
Just as the Lagos State Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson Awoyinka made a grand appearance at WTM, which ignited more excitement and equally unified the Nigerian participation agenda.
And ofcourse, she became the spotlight of attention at the NANTA stand as well as the Nigeria pavilion.
The Nigerian spirit was up and well charged for positive togetherness.
But more importantly, the industry in Nigeria has cause to celebrate the victory and joy of unity in purpose, which the various personalities and actors in the industry have been able to achieve, despite the rancour and division that ended up denying Nigeria an annual spot at WTM for a wholesome ten years!
Nigeria this year is loud at this major event with government and private sector representation. The faces this year at WTM, is going to be a significant percentage of the industry’s major faces.
It speaks of hope for the unity of the industry. Moreover, with the recent merger of the two erstwhile Ministries into one namely, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.
Like it is presently being said in London right now, perhaps we should all propose a toast to this new ignited unity of purpose in the industry in Nigeria. Yes, let’s do this. So, wherever we are in the world presently, it is time to drink after this important toast and proudly hold our heads high up, as we jointly say: “Nigeria will surely be great again!”
– Paul Ukpabio is Nigeria’s Tourism Writer Of The Year Award Winner 2023. (paulbuba81@gmail.com)
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