By Ayodele Abere
Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), has been described as the platform needed to drive tourism in the country.
The Chairman, ATPN Board of Trustees, Alhaji Kabir Malan made this known in Ekiti over the weekend during the inauguration of the new Executive Members of the Association held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
Admonishing the newly inaugurated Executive Members of the State, he urged them to prioritize collaboration, innovation and strategic thinking,. Alhaji Kabir Malan ably represented by one of the Board of Trustees’ members, Hon. John Likita Best who noted that tourists’ attractions in Ekiti have the potentials to attract both local and international tourists if properly harnessed, said it’s not just the natural beauty of the land that matters, but the experience created, the service provided and the partnership built to position the State as a hope of tourism excellence in Nigeria.
He assured the Association of his support as he promised to work hand in hand with the new Chapter of ATPN in Ekiti to develop sustainable tourism practices, encourage capacity building and initiatives for the policies and infrastructure that would make Ekiti State a world class tourism destination.
In his address, the keynote speaker and the ATPN Patron in Ekiti, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, said Tourism is not just about beautiful landscapes and historical landmarks. But about storytelling and inviting others to experience the magic we live with everyday. Adding that the inauguration was not just a celebration, but a significant step towards harnessing the immense potential of the state’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical significance.
Describing the beauty of tourism, Ojudu opined that it has the power to immerse people in new experiences, challenge the perceptions, and create lasting memories, adding that he has no doubt that the Ekiti State Chapter of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria would play a key role in making those experiences more memorable for visitors to the State.
According to him, “Tourism in Ekiti State has so much potential, and I believe that the establishment of this chapter will help unlock the potential and showcase the unique culture and attractions of the State to the rest of the world. We are putting Ekiti on the map as a must -visit destination. We are saying to the world, come, see, and fall in love with our land, our culture, and our people.” Said Senator Ojudu.
The newly inaugurated Executive Members of the Association in the State are; Dr (Mrs) Abigail Olagbaye – Chairman, Mr. Dayo Olujekun – Vice Chairman, Miss Itunu Ajose – General Secretary, Mrs. Adesola Oluwasola – Organising and Mobilisation Secretary, Mr. Charles Abere – Public Relations Officer, Mr. Dayo Afolabi – Financial Secretary and Dr. (Mrs) Olowookere – Membership and Welfare Secretary.
In her remarks, the Chairman, Dr. Abigail Olagbaye, said the moment was not just a celebration of collective efforts but also a reaffirmation of commitment to advancing tourism in Ekiti State and beyond.
“We stand at the threshold of a new era, where our shared passion for culture, heritage, and sustainable tourism will shape the future of our community and create lasting impacts across the state.
“Together, we will build a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving tourism sector that honours our past while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow. We are excited to embark on this journey, and we look forward to the remarkable achievements that lie ahead. Dr. Olagbaye stated.
Earlier, there was a panel discussion on the topic: Strategies To Unlocking Economic Opportunities of Landlocked Destinations: Expanding the Frontiers of Tourism in Ekiti State, where the panelists resolved on the need to always project the culture of the land in a good light, emphasizing on the need to invest in those rich cultures.
In a separate interview with the Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in the State, Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare who was one of the discussants said it was interesting to discuss the topic which according to him, threw up so many things about the realities of tourism in Ekiti State.
The Commissioner stated that the topic of discussion was well chosen and that the event generally was well thought out and well packaged.
The Executive Director of West Africa Tourism Organisation WATO, Alhaji Hassan Zakari, posited that Ekiti should utilise integrated community based tourism which puts the people at the centre of tourism development.
Also, the Executive Chairman of the African Tourism Board, Cuthbert Ncube, in his own goodwill message explained that, the African Tourism Board (ATB) is committed to fostering synergies within and beyond the industry to unify Africa’s endeavours in positioning itself as a leading force in tourism.
In his word, “our objective is to champion sustainable tourism development, advocate for intra-African travel, and elevate the continent’s global tourism competitiveness”.
Despite being landlocked, Ncube said Ekiti State boasts substantial tourism prospects saying that the region’s cultural vibrancy, scenic beauty, and warm hospitality can be harnessed to drive economic advancement.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Tourism in Jamaica, Honourable Edmund Bartlett in his goodwill message, urged members of the Association to take good advantage of the tourist attractions in the land as he congratulated the leadership of the Association.
Highlight of the event which was well graced by dignitaries and participants from far and near was cultural performance by the Cultural Troupe of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in Ekiti State.