The President, of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mrs Susan Akporiaye is clearing her desk, and getting set to leave the Association’s office, after serving the body for two term.
At a Pre 48th AGM Press briefing, held today Tuesday 9th April 2024, at Nanta Secretariat, Ikorodu Road, Lagos, Akporiaye read out what looked like an emotional valedictory speech, which nearly brought out tears from those present.
“Four years on this hot seat as NANTA President was like going back to school, a kind of university where you unlearn to learn, “began Akporiaye. “The Covid Pandemic was my most scary moment, with job losses and our members not sure of what else to do.
“Today, we stand to be counted because we pulled our strength and knowledge together. We survived because we believed in quality leadership and encouraged it.
“Though it is not uhuru yet, NANTA under my watch simply refused to live and survive by the books. We broke ceilings, trained our members, and opened doors of opportunities.
“Our business was continuously threatened all round, we saw through the crucibles of challenges and redefined the operational manual of survival. And to God be the glory, the membership of NANTA grew in leaps and bounds because we saw ahead of tomorrow’s competition and prepared for it,” said Akporiaye.
She went further to reel out more achievements of her tenure:
“We innovated Africa to Africa Tourism initiative, stormed Johannesburg University with the support of South Africa Tourism, and left a message. Twice, NANTA headlined Nigeria participation at the World Travel Market, London, a huge sacrifice to which our members thronged out in their numbers to identify.
“Internally, we held strongly the baton handed to us by our founding fathers and are proud to hand it over in peace, not as swords; come our elective Annual General Meeting in the next two weeks.”
Susan Akporiaye was confident enough to beat her chest and declare that, “Yes, I have successfully run this race, but in crossing the rubbicon, we have lined out some programmes that will shape the future of NANTA and also help the incoming leadership to find a path worthy to follow.”
Part of the outgoing NANTA President’s success is also the forthcoming 48th AGM which will present an opportunity for an election to take place and a new executive to emerge.
Akporiaye rolled out the programme for the AGM thus:
“Our AGM Theme is, “Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potentials: Travel and Tourism as catalyst for intra Africa Business Investment and Trade.” His Excellency, The High Commissioner, Namibia, Mr Humphery Geiseb is the keynote speaker and special guest. Who will be speaking on “ Destination Africa: Exploring Technology and Innovation Driven Tourism, A Call to Action for Professionals in Travel and Tourism.
“Nigeria’ s Ministers of Aviation, and Tourism, Mr Festus Keyamo and Mrs Lola Ade John, are our highly respected special guests of the day, also scheduled their usually inspiring goodwill messages.
“Dr Allen oyeama, Chairman of Airpeace, will speak on collaborative strategies for aviation stakeholders and professionals within SAATM Policy and Economic Framework.
“Mr Ikechi Uko, founder of Akwaaba Travel Market, will speak on identifying business, trade, and investment prospects in emerging Africa travel and tourism markets .
“To give a remarkable vent to our futuristic dream for our members and to Nigerians, we will be unveiling an Intra Africa Tourism Trade Exhibition. We consider it an ambitious and legacy project that we can sustainably grow as a window to connect Africa and Nigeria with the world.”
More importantly, Susan Akporiaye said that, she has prepared her Presidential Awards, which will be given to those who truly deserves it.
She also thanked the vibrant press that supported her throughout her tenure.
