Professor Wasiu Babalola is a renowned expert in the field of hospitality and tourism, serving as a Professor of Hotel Management & Tourism at Atiba University Oyo, Nigeria. His leadership roles include being the President and Chairman of the Council of the Institute for Hospitality Accountants and Revenue Managers (IHArm) and the 2nd National Vice President of the Nigeria Hotel & Catering Institute (NHCI). Additionally, he is a Council Member at the Association of Tourism & Hospitality Consultants of Nigeria (ATHCON), Association of Tax Practitioners of Lagos (ATPL), and the Certified Board of Administration of Nigeria (CBAN), among others.
Professor Babalola has a wealth of experience in the global hospitality and tourism landscape, having spoken and contributed to numerous international discussions on the industry. His expertise makes him uniquely qualified to offer valuable insights into the Ipada Carnival Celebration, as he understands the potential of such initiatives to drive economic growth, cultural promotion, and tourism development in Nigeria. His extensive background in managing tourism and hospitality initiatives positions him as a key figure in elevating major attractions both locally and internationally.
In this brief interview with Paul Ukpabio, Professor Wasiu Babalola, shares his thoughts about IPADA Initiative and IPADA Carnival.
What can you say about the ipada initiative and the forthcoming IPADA Carnival?
The Ipada initiative is a commendable private sector-driven effort aimed at promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, tourism, and hospitality industry. It seeks to leverage Nigeria’s diverse cultural resources to foster unity, economic growth, and global recognition. The Ipada Carnival, scheduled from November 29th to December 8th, 2024, will likely be a colorful showcase of Nigeria’s vibrant culture, featuring music, dance, fashion, and traditional festivities. This event provides a unique platform for celebrating Nigeria’s cultural diversity while also encouraging tourism, both locally and internationally. The initiative underscores the importance of cultural tourism as a driver for development.
The Ipada initiative and the forthcoming Ipada Carnival present an ambitious vision for promoting Nigeria’s culture and tourism.
Do you see this boosting international and local tourism in Nigeria?
The Ipada Carnival is poised to significantly boost both international and local tourism in Nigeria. By attracting a global audience to experience Nigeria’s culture, the carnival promotes Nigeria as a tourism destination, showcasing its potential beyond the typical narratives of business or challenges. The event could open doors for international partnerships, investments in the tourism sector, and provide a platform for Nigerian artisans, entertainers, and businesses to reach a broader audience. On the local front, it will increase domestic tourism, as Nigerians rediscover their culture and traditions, encouraging local businesses and boosting regional economies through the hospitality, transport, and service sectors.
However, there is the need to implement the Ipada Carnival initiatives on a sustainable, long-term tourism strategies. While it might draw attention to Nigeria for a brief period, the real issue lies in sustaining this interest post-carnival. Tourism requires a consistent stream of activities, investments, and infrastructure improvements. A single event, no matter how grand, may not be sufficient to address the larger issues facing Nigeria’s tourism sector, such as security concerns, policy consistency, and a lack of promotion of lesser-known attractions.
For the first time in Nigeria, the President is coming out boldly to collaborate a private sector initiative in tourism, by being the global Ambassador of ipada Carnival and ipada initiative, what signs does that portend for the industry?
The President’s decision to serve as the Global Ambassador of the Ipada Carnival and Ipada Initiative is a landmark moment for Nigeria’s tourism industry. It sends a strong message about the government’s commitment to partnering with the private sector to promote tourism as a key economic driver.
This collaboration is a sign of a shift in national priorities, acknowledging the economic importance of tourism, and could lead to the formulation of more tourism-friendly policies. The President’s involvement elevates the status of the event, ensuring it receives both national and international attention, which may attract greater investment, sponsorships, and media coverage.
What can you say about the proposed venue of the event, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort?
The choice of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort as the venue for the Ipada Carnival is fitting, as it is one of Nigeria’s premier eco-tourism destinations. Located along the Atlantic coast, the resort blends African culture with luxurious accommodations in a serene natural setting, making it ideal for a cultural carnival.
The resort offers attendees a unique experience that merges traditional African hospitality with modern tourism facilities, enhancing the overall appeal of the event. The location is also symbolic of Nigeria’s coastal beauty, and hosting the event there promotes Nigeria’s underutilized beachfront as a viable destination for international tourists.
