By Ayodele Abere
Tuesday 19th November, 2024 would again remain unforgettable in the history of Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), as members converged in FCT, Abuja for their Annual General Meeting with the theme; TOURISM IS LIFE, and election of new executive members that would pilot the affairs of the Association for another two years following the expiration of the tenure of the former executive.
Describing Tourism, the new National President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, Prince Adetunji Fadina said, it’s a bridge that connects cultures, a pillar of economic growth, and a catalyst for national unity.
This was contained in his acceptance speech after taking an oath of office as ATPN new President. He said his commitment as President is to ensure that the Association becomes a model of excellence, a beacon for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.
“This is not a journey I can undertake alone. It requires the strength of our partnerships, the creativity of our members, and the resilience of our shared purpose”. Fadina said.
While pledging to set a standard of excellence that the world would recognise and admire, the new President therefore urged members to join in building a future where Nigerian tourism will be a source of pride and a formidable driver of excellence that the world will recognise and admire.
Prince Fadina therefore proposed a three-pronged approach which are; Empowerment of Stakeholders, Strengthening Domestic Tourism with Advocacy for Policy and Partnerships.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Association, Kabir M. Malam expressed his delight as he acknowledged efforts of the ATPN founding fathers such as Chief Mike Amachree, who he said hasn’t abandoned the Association from the inception till date. He equally appreciated the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), for the conception of National Youth Service Corps.
The BoT Chairman noted that the visionary pioneers laid the fundamental principles and values that continue to shape and guide both organisations adding that their dedication to creating sustainable structures and instilling values of unity, professionalism, and service has made s lasting impact on tourism and youth development in Nigeria.
” Today, I stand confident that ATPN will emerge from this phase of hibernation not only stronger but more dynamic and better positioned to meet the challenges of the future. The path we have taken has allowed us to reassess, re-strategise, and refocus efforts on the core values that bind us as an association.
“Now, more than ever, we are ready to drive forward initiatives that will not only revitalise the association but also significantly enhance the tourism ecosystem in Nigeria”. Kabir M. Malam stated.
In his keynote address, the former Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, while commending President Bola Tinubu for merging the ministries of culture and tourism, emphasized the significant role of tourism.
Represented by Mr. Sam Agbi, Otunba Runsewe restated the role of tourism enterprises in driving tourism as he said that the small and medium scale businesses serve as catalysts for economic growth in every economy as he advocated the need to package Nigerian cultural heritage into sellable products which according to him, this is where government comes in by providing incentives without having to leave it in the hands of the privates.
The newly elected National Executive Members of ATPN are;
Prince Adetunji Fadina – ATPN National President, Prince Ayodele Arokoyo – ATPN National First Deputy President, Ugwu Wilson Uche- ATPN National Second Deputy President, Mrs Juliana Tongrit – ATPN National Secretary General, Michael Peculiar Ekiran – ATPN National Asst. Secretary General, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo – ATPN National PRO, Mrs. Oluwayinka, Odusina – ATPN National Treasurer, Chief Anthony Prest – ATPN Vice President South South, Dr. Abigail Olagbaye – ATPN Vice President FCT, Hon Apata Nunayoa – ATPN Vice President South West, Amb. Onyeka Aluma Loveday – ATPN Vice President South East:
Board members at the meeting include; Mr. Frank Meke, Dr. Tarzan Ganiyu Balogun, John M. Limitations Best, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung and Rt.Hon. Abdulmumini Mapindi.
The Director General of Bureau of Tourism in Ekiti State, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, has shown his readiness to work with the new leadership of the association. This he made known while welcoming Ekiti Delegates in his office on their arrival from Abuja.
