NCAC DG with Chinese envoys at the Nigeria Culture House
NCAC DG with Chinese envoys at the Nigeria Culture House
Over 3000 Nigerian youth are set to benefit from the capacity building programme initiated by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in collaboration with the Peoples Republic of China in the later part of the year.
Director General, NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe disclosed this to newsman when he received in audience the Chinese Cultural Attaché, Lee Xuda at the Culture House, in Abuja.
Runsewe stated that his recent visit to China gave him an opportunity to understudy the secret behind the ingenuity and creativeness of the Chinese in goods production. He further stated that there was need for Nigerian youth to be exposed and trained in such environment to gain the needed skills and knowledge in various area of goods production.
The Director General reiterated that the planned capacity building programme ‘when finalized will involve selected youths from every state of the federation and the FCT who will be sponsored to China by the state governments in Nigeria including the FCT. The NCAC will facilitate and coordinate the training on various skills acquisition programmes.’
Otunba Runsewe maintained that at the end of the capacity building programme, the skills acquired by the youths will enhance growth and economic development in their various stages and by extension Nigeria.
Responding, the Chinese Cultural Attaché Lee Xuda said Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have a strong bilateral and economic relationship adding that Nigeria is one of the African countries attracting the most investment from China.
He said economic and trade cooperation is the main pillar of the China and Nigeria bilateral relations, noting that it has made tremendous efforts to help Nigeria, which has abundant human and natural resources to develop her economy.
The Cultural Attaché assured that the Chinese Government is willing to collaborate with Nigeria in areas that will ensure the growth of the Nigerian economy.
The Chinese delegation was later conducted round the Culture House by Runsewe.
(From left): NATOP Vice President, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, President, Mrs Ime Udo, Afe Babalola University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Babalola, NATOP BOT members, Mr Ikechi Uko and Mr Gab Onah, and FTAN Vice President, South West, Mr Julius Kolade, during the courtesy visit to the office of Aare Babalola, at the varsity’s campus, Saturday, July 15
Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has honoured the Directors General of the National Council for Art and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, his counterparts at the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Chief Folorunsho Coker, with distinct tourism awards.
Director General, the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa (second right) receiving his Tourism, Hospitality Award of Excellence from Members; Board of Trustees (BOT) NATOP, Mr Ikechi Uko (second left), and Mr Gab Onah (right), former Cross River State Tourism chief, as the National President, NATOP, Mrs Ime Udo watches
While Nura Kangiwa was honoured with the Tourism, Hospitality Award of Excellence for his role in redefining excellence in tourism and hospitality training in Nigeria, Otunba Runsewe on his part was honoured with the Pioneer Award for Promoting Culture and Tourism on Nigeria, just as Folorunsho Coker bagged the Outstanding Tourism Personality of the Year award.
However, while Kangiwa was physically present to receive his prize, his two counterparts sent representatives to the event which held inside the Bimbo Owolabi Hall of the Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti, Friday.
Founder and Chancellor of the Afe babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola was also honoured with the Best Philanthropist for Tourism Development Excellence Award.
Other recipients of the award by NATOP are; Mr Ikechi Uko, a Board of Trustees (BOT) Member of the association; Mr Gab Onah, former Cross River State Tourism chief, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, CEO of La Campagn Tropicana.
The award presentation formed highlight of the event which also features an Annual General Meeting (AGM), the 7th edition, a seminar and conference at the venue.
Receiving his award, Runsewe who was unavoidably absent, assured of his resolve to continue to work hard at moving the industry forward.
Kangiwa lauded the pivotal roles by NATOP in the evolution of Nigeria as an emerging domestic and inbound Africa tourism destination.
Kangiwa stated that the theme of this 2023 NATOP Annual General Meeting, which is: “Tourism and Green Investment in Nigeria”, validates NATOP’s foresightedness in championing the development of tourism business in Nigeria.
He observed that it is understandable that NATOP’s 2023 AGM theme is in-line with the UNWTO World Tourism Day 2023 theme, to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, from 26th to 28th September with the theme: “Tourism and Green Investments, Investing in People, Planet and Prosperity”.
(From left): NATOP Vice President, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, President, Mrs Ime Udo, Afe Babalola University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Babalola, NATOP BOT members, Mr Ikechi Uko and Mr Gab Onah, and FTAN Vice President, South West, Mr Julius Kolade, during the courtesy visit to the office of Aare Babalola, at the varsity’s campus, Saturday, July 15
According to him, the UNWTO, in choosing this year’s theme, clarified that “the UNWTO has identified investments as one of the key priorities for tourism’s recovery and future growth and development.
He said for World Tourism Day 2023, UNWTO highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments for people, for planet and for prosperity. Now is the time for new and innovative solutions, not just traditional investments that promote and underpin economic growth and productivity.”
Kangiwa explained that as the Director General of NIHOTOUR, the leaderships of both NATOP and the UNWTO couldn’t have chosen a more pragmatic and germane theme relevant for Nigerian tourism and the global tourism industry.
He added that in essence, the tourism industry, both in principle and practice is pro-people, and easily leads to inclusive economic growth for practitioners and host communities, if investments are strategically thought-through.
Kangiwa pointed out that NIHOTOUR, by the recently assented Act of Parliament, is established to not only Train, but additionally, the Institute is mandated to certify and register all personnel in Nigeria’s hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.
He seek the cooperation and partnership of tour operators to rid the industry of quackery and to, overtime, improve the quality of tourist services which is the cornerstone of Tour Operations in Nigeria.
“As the Director General of NIHOTOUR, I pledge to you that my doors are always open to support NATOP members’ Continuous Professional Development, for the eventual entrenchment of hospitality and tourism global best practices in Nigeria”, Kangiwa explained.
Speaking also, Folorunsho Coker acknowledged the professional and focused leadership provided by Mrs Ime Udo of NATOP.
Coker who was represented by Rev. Ebenezer Adesoke, a director at the agency said on their part, NTDA will continue their support through the provision of cutting edge technology, machine learning and use of artificial intelligence to help bolster Small and Medium Scale Enterprises which majority of NATOP members represent.
He said NTDA has partnered with Google on Google Street view project, a tool that will be indispensable for the tour operators.
According to Coker, the Hack-a-thon project is on stream where useful software are being put together by tech savvy professionals for the use of the industry like in the banking industry, as so many other technological innovations are on stream by the Authority to launch when the atmosphere is right.
While observing that the issue of quackery is a terrible menace in the tour project, Coker promised an enduring collaboration to end it.
“Tour operation is a serious professional business that should be guarded and protected jealously,” Coker said.
Full list of NATOP awardees:
1, Dr Wanle Akinboboye, Best Resort Development Visionary Award;
2, Chief Samuel Alabi, Tourism Patron of the Year;
3, Amb Ikechi Uko, Global Tourism Innovation Leader Excellence Award;
4, Madam Nike Davies, Art Gallery Tourism Pioneer Award;
5, Mr Nkereuwum Onung, Exemplary Tourism Leadership And Advocacy Award of Excellence;
6, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Tourism and Hospitality Luminary Award of Excellence;
NATOP President, Ime Udo delivering her welcome address during the AGM in Ekiti, last Friday, July 14
Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has called on the federal government through its relevant agencies to leverage on the principles of sustainable tourism in evolving policies aimed at growing the sector in Nigeria.
NATOP President, Ime Udo delivering her welcome address during the AGM in Ekiti, last Friday, July 14
According to the tour operators’ group, states of the federation need to prioritise environmental conservation by protecting and preserving Nigeria’s natural landscapes and biodiversity, through the implementation of sustainable practices geared towards safeguarding the country’s tourism assets for future generations.
National President, NATOP, Mrs Ime Udo, stated this during the her welcome address at the opening of the Tourism Seminar/Conference organised by the body, which held at the Bimbo Owolabi Hall of the Afe Babalola University, under the theme of; ‘Tourism Green Investments in Nigeria.’
According to Mrs Udo, embracing the mode ‘will not only attract eco-conscious travelers but will also contribute to the overall well-being and quality of life for our citizens.’
The seminar/conference was organised as part of programmes in the 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association in Ado Ekiti, Friday.
The four-day event commenced, Thursday, July 14 which is expected to close, Sunday, July 16 attracted members of the group, as well as other stakeholders in the industry.
Citing examples of countries which had planked their tourism development on environmental conversation, Udo said South American nations of Costa Rica and Asia’s Bhutan are some of the successful destinations where eco-friendly practices drive their industry’s growth and by extension, promoting a green economy.
“Costa Rica stands out as a notable illustration, renowned for its commitment to sustainable tourism. By prioritizing environmental conservation, investing in renewable energy, and promoting eco-friendly practices, Costa Rica has successfully positioned itself as a leading destination for Eco-tourism. This approach has not only attracted environmentally conscious travelers but has also generated economic opportunities, creating jobs and fostering overall economic growth.
“Another inspiring case comes from the nation of Bhutan, which has embraced the concept of Gross National Happiness. Valuing the well-being of its people and the environment above all else, Bhutan has implemented policies that focus on sustainable tourism development. As a result, it has established itself as a high-value, low-impact destination, preserving its pristine natural landscapes and attracting discerning travelers seeking unique experiences and a deeper connection with nature.
“Now, let us turn our attention to Nigeria and explore how we can leverage the principles of sustainable tourism to grow our tourism sector. Nigeria boasts a wealth of natural and cultural attractions, from breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cultural heritage sites. By adopting a green economy approach, we can tap into this immense potential and create a thriving tourism sector that benefits both our environment and our economy.
“It is crucial for states in Nigeria to prioritize environmental conservation. By protecting our natural landscapes, preserving biodiversity, and implementing sustainable practices, we can safeguard our tourism assets for future generations. This will not only attract Eco-conscious travelers but will also contribute to the overall well-being and quality of life for our citizens,” Udo said.
The NATOP President further opined that investing in renewable energy can help reposition Nigeria tourism, which, according to her, could be a game changer, in addition to promoting and encouraging community-based tourism initiative, which she believes ‘can unlock significant opportunities for local communities.’
“By embracing clean energy solutions such as solar and wind power, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, minimize our carbon footprint, and create a more sustainable tourism infrastructure. This will make our destinations more appealing to environmentally conscious travelers and enhance the resilience and competitiveness of our tourism industry.
“By empowering and involving local residents in the tourism value chain, we can ensure that the economic benefits of tourism reach the grassroots level. This can be achieved through training, capacity building, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating platforms for meaningful engagement between tourists and local communities. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive tourism sector that spreads economic prosperity throughout Nigeria,” Udo said.
She urged her counterparts in the industry to equally ‘strive to prioritize the socio-cultural aspects of sustainability,’ which include, respecting local traditions and cultures, supporting local businesses and communities, and educating tourists about the importance of responsible travel.’
“By integrating cultural immersion experiences and supporting community-based tourism initiatives, tour operators can contribute to the well-being of local communities while offering authentic and meaningful travel experiences to their clients.
“Promotion plays a vital role in the success of any green initiative that tour operators leverage for their marketing and communication channels. Raising awareness among travelers about the importance of sustainable tourism is key to driving positive change in our industry,” the NATOP President stressed.
Concluding her presentation, Udo maintained that the potential for tourism to drive a green economy is immense.
“By learning from successful examples worldwide and tailoring those principles to the Nigerian context, we can chart a course towards sustainable tourism development. Together, let us seize this opportunity to leverage the power of tourism, not only as a business venture but as a force for environmental conservation, economic growth, and the overall well-being of our nation,” she said.
Notable dignitaries who presented addresses at the seminar/conference of NATOP included; the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Industry, Trade & Investment, Mrs Omotayo Adeola, Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, and the Vice-Chancellor of the Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Prof. (Mrs) Smaranda Olarinde.
Presentations were also delivered by various guests; Prof. Edem Eniang, a wildlife and conservation expert, in addition to the delegation from the Uganda Tourism Board, led by its Market Destination Representative, Mr Anthony Ochieng, Mr Ikechi Uko, a Board of Trustee (BOT) Member of NATOP.
A panel of discussants including; Mr Obinna Nwaogu, who is the Country Head for Treepz Inc., Ms Bosede Kosemani, the Project Manager, Lekki Conservation Centre; Mr Mark More, the CEO of Motley Travel and Logistics Limited; Mr Ayo Aribidara, the Director General of the Ekiti State Development and Investment Agency; fielded questions by the moderator, Mr Seyi Adeyemo to round off the talk session.
Highlight of the event in Ado Ekiti was the presentation of certificates to new and existing NATOP members, as well as, special recognition awards to deserving Nigerians for the rose in promoting growth in the tourism sector in Nigeria.
Market Destination Representative, Uganda Tourism Board, Mr. Anthony Ochieng (left) and other members of his delegation to NATOP seminar/conference in Ekiti State
Ekene Okafor, Lagos
Uganda Tourism Board delegates are in Ado Ekiti, the state capital of Ekiti for the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) Tourism Conference/Seminar/ 7th Annual General Meeting holding from Thursday, July 13 through to Sunday, July 16.
The delegates are in Nigeria to market Uganda’s vast tourism potential and destinations to Nigerians who love to travel.
The Market Destination Representative, Uganda Tourism Board, Mr. Anthony Ochieng, speaking during a press briefing in Lagos, the commercial city of Nigeria says the “Pearl of Africa” is a country blessed with beautiful scenery, beautiful national parks, wild life, eco-tourism, mountains, and several other unique tourist attractions.
“Uganda tourism is steadily growing. It’s a must visit destination. Some of Africa’s most sought-after species live in Uganda, like the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Also, 11% of the world’s bird species, including rarely seen birds like the shoebill, are found in Uganda,” Mr. Ochieng said.
According to Mr. Ochieng, Uganda is also a destination for faith-based tourism, with notable attractions like the Bahai Temple, and the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo where the faithful died on the order of the King of Buganda, Kabaka Mwanga, in 1886.
Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo
“One of the things that we are targeting so much to market is faith-based tourism. In the past, we’ve had pilgrims travelling to Uganda to experience the Uganda Martyrs celebration, which usually takes place on the 3rd of June. From statistics, Catholics and Anglicans make the major religious stakeholders in Nigeria,” he said.
Another delegate, Mr. Donald Musobozi said Nigeria remains a big market in Africa and added it was time Africans patronise their own and learned more about various African heritage, which would create more business opportunities among African countries.
“I feel Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria are like siblings. When you look at the pattern of a Nigerian and a Ugandan, there is not much difference. Talk of a nightlife, Ugandans party too. It’s totally the same. I have also seen a lot of music collaborations among big music artists from the two countries.”
Director General of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Rusewe, has described as ‘malicious,’ attempts by some unknown persons to impersonate him through a fake social media account created on the LinkedIn micro-blogging platform.
The fake social media account on LinkedIn which carries the portrait of Otunba Runsewe as profile picture, according to the NCAC boss, ‘was created with intent to impersonate him and also to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.’
Runsewe disowned the fake platform, even as he assured that ‘does not own or operate any social media account for now.’
“Our attention has been drawn to a malicious Linkedin account with the username Otunba Runsewe with the DG’s Official portrait. We wish to state clearly that Otunba Olusegun Runsewe does not own or operate any social media account for now.
“Should you have any doubts about the authenticity of our email, letter, social media, letter or phone communication for, from or on behalf of the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, kindly email or call us our attention for further action relating to the correspondence.
“Report your doubts to; Email – ncac.gov@gmail.com or info@ncac.gov.ng
“Or Call – 0815 914 4444, 0806 868 4547,” the NCAC said in a statement.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I must confess that the body language of our dear president on a stand-alone Ministry of Tourism is confusing and complicated.
President Tinubu seems to have redrawn his circle of traffic on the government of competence and, like, Johah headed to Tarshish instead of Nineveh.
Nigeria’s culture landscape is huge, virgin and showcases who we are as a people. What some people did in Dubai, South Africa, and just a few days ago in Seychelles, occasioning certain negative disruptive tendencies and attracting punitive measures against our country, on the contrary should only mean our passport does not represent our cultural perception and depth.
Those are characters that we must challenge, not in Tarshish but in our Nineveh. This government, whether it likes it or not, must be judged and measured by our culture, our way of life, and our love for what is good and enduring, our cultural diversity.
It must be clearly stated that governance today is planked on the character, strength, and competence of the people, particularly relying on the deep understanding of national cultural values and beliefs.
It is indeed sad to notice that we usually relegate our cultural ethos to the background in our haste to solve our developmental issues, in choosing our leaders and selecting our so-called best teams.
Except for ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, no Nigerian leader in recent national political development has thought it fit and necessary to champion the growth and development of our cultural tourism values.
When Muhammadu Buhari came and in deference to his support to cultural tourism promotion, the first casualty in merging government ministries was to brutally subsume tourism under information.
That action not only stifled the cultural tourism economy, it also gave the impression that we were yet to fully understand who we are as people and nation.
We had thought Tinubu as the Johah of last time will head to Nineveh to preach to us how we can use cultural tourism to better our new values on competence and visionary commitment to governance. We had thought that his coming would inspire us to be patriotic, to go back to the old beaten path, to bow to the reality that in us lies the development of our communities, to fear God, to be sensitive to things that bind us together, our food, music, festivals, and dances.
In our Nineveh, we neglected our diversity and brought foreign values, worshipped vanities, and now mocked by small nations, even tiny Seychelles. Can you imagine Nigerians being banned from entry to the place? Our passport is a burden of shame because we don’t value our culture.
To show us a sign by the appointment of an adviser on Culture and Entertainment Economy, no doubt puts our hope for a stand-alone Ministry of Tourism in jeopardy.
There’s is no pretence to the fact that this government is on its way to Tarshish, a place of refuge from fear, disobedience, and acceptation to a mission misunderstood. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu road to Tarshish, ignorantly running away from defining the proper profiling and the making of our tourism economy, will boomerang in no distance future.
Those portfolio influencers and consultants on governance will end up in the belly of whales like Johah. Today, one of the biggest failings in our political and economic space is the absence of our well documented cultural ethos. See the rot in our entertainment values, the unrelenting drug inspired destruction of our youths and rudderless political culture.
I’m tired of pointing to the Chinese as a verifiable and veritable nation that has used cultural ethos to define their socioeconomic and political future. These people are like our shadows, loaning us money, yet we have not learnt anything good from them. Soon, we shall beat our chest at being proficient in the Mandarin language while our over three hundred ethnic tongues are gone.
Tourism is our own economic emi lo’kan. President Tinubu must head to Nineveh to proclaim tourism as an alternative economic recovery institution for Nigeria or wait in vain for an entertainment dream that will never be.
Tarshish is a comfort zone, an albatross, a disconnect, a cemetery of tourism ideas, and a place of lamentation and regret. There are no gains in where this government may head to in the fanciful culture and entertainment ministry.
The politicians in Tarshish can have their Culture and Entertainment experiment, but in our Nineveh, Tourism Ministry is the desire, our soul. The whale, which held up Johah in its huge belly for three days, fed him with food and water and secured him from inclement weather to enable him to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh, though I’m tempted to draw Nigeria into that narrative.
In the next eighteen days, the true signs will emerge. Politicians should not sodomise tourism and culture economy. They can run around in pretence thinking our cultural tourism economy does not count, but in reality, the world is leaving us behind.
The president should be well guided and convinced that we have shown guts in our culture sector, in our tourism and hospitality vocational training ecosystem, our Dance Troupe, the best vehicle to pursue a new economy and our cultural revolution, powered through our cultural orientation agency. We must sell what we have but must obey and trust that the values of our diverse cultural heritage should be measured beyond pecuniary persuasions and deliveries.
A stand-alone Ministry of Tourism is the Agenda 18, as we wait for the appointment of new ministers. Those who were part of the president‘s political family failed us. There are names my mouth will not mention. The president’s men he sent us in the immediate past administration were failures. Those names are bitter in the mouth, and in his appointment, President Tinubu must make a wise choice. If he is in doubt, consult us.
In Nineveh, Johah consulted the people; he sat down with them, shared his pains in Tarshish, and called for national repentance. Tinubu has left Tarshish, and now Nineveh (Nigeria). Will he talk to us? Will Tinubu in eighteen days shame those who think Nigeria tourism is a joke, or will he quiver and wash his hands like Pontius Pilate? Day 18, to go, and I am counting.
Ekene Okafor is a journalist with over 13 years of working experience.
A staff of the media house, Voice Of Nigeria (VON), Ekene is the agency’s tourism and culture correspondent based in Lagos.
A graduate of Mass Communication from the Madonna University, Okija, in Anambra state, Ekene, as she is popularly called, has a passion for Domestic Tourism, the main purpose of projecting and showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world.
She is currently serves as Treasurer on a second tenure for the noble tourism writers’ association, ANJET.
Guinness World Record holder for the longest nonstop cooking time, Nigerian chef, Ms. Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci has commended the uncommon platform created by the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Nura Kangiwa for people to express their cooking talent, and promote indigenous cuisine under one roof.
Hilda Baci who was a guest at the award night of the 2023 NIHOTOUR gastronomy festival in Abuja, said the platform is an auspicious one to boost the promotion of Nigerian cuisine, thanking the organisers for creating a space for food hospitality.
According to the Guinness World Record holder, “With the trend of things in the world and with organisations like NIHOTOUR, which ensures that things are done properly and giving people the platform to express themselves with food hospitality, this goes a long way in taking us to the desired destination.
However, in my own little way or big way, I will keep on putting on the effort to put Nigeria cuisines on the world map to drive more positive attention to Nigeria and let people know what we do, what we are all about and what we are capable of doing.
“Nigeria’s cuisines are good and everybody deserves to even get a taste of it. Thank you for having me and I won’t take this opportunity given to me by NIHOTOUR for granted.”
Ekiti tourism is set for global attention as the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) heads to the state for its Tourism Conference, Annual General Meeting and Awards/dinner night.
Andrew Okungbowa
This is as the Travel and Tourism Editor, New Telegraph Newspaper, Andrew Iro Okungbowa, is to be bestowed with an Award of Excellence, alongside others by NATOP.
The conference is slated to hold between July 13 and 16 in Ado Ekiti, the state capital. The theme for the three days conference, which will climax with a tour of some of the state’s tourist attractions, is, Tourism and Green Investment in Nigeria.
According to the schedule of the event, delegates are expected to arrive on July 13; Conference/Investment Summit holds on July 14 at Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado Ekiti; City tour of Ado Ekiti and environs is slated for July 15; followed by AwardS and Dinner Night while departure of delegates is slated for July 16.
The executives of the association, led by its National President, Mrs. Ime Udo, had last month met with the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji and his team, where the hosting right was perfected, with the governor pledging a befitting hosting of the association and other stakeholders that are expected to attend the three days event.
The governor noted the commitment of the government to the development and promotion of the state’s tourism, disclosing plan to create the Bureau of Tourism from the present Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, for effective operations and coordination of tourism development in the state. Udo pledged the partnership of NATOP with the state government in developing its tourism, noting that the forthcoming tour- ism conference and AGM, will be a starting point of the collaboration pact.
According to her, “NATOP push for Ekiti State for the hosting of the 2023 AGM is just a way to promote investment opportunities for Ekiti State. It is also an avenue to showcase Ekiti State tourism potentials and also promote domestic tourism as a whole in Nigeria. ‘‘Ekiti State is ripe for ecotourism, wellness and active tourism, not forgetting the cultural heritage.”
Meanwhile, Okungbowa, who is also the News Editor, Saturday Telegraph, has been listed as one of the stakeholders to be honoured at the award and dinner night, which is slated to hold on July 15. He would be honoured with the Award of Excellency for his various contributions to the development of NATOP and tourism in the country.
NATOP in its award letter to Okungbowa, signed by Udo, stated; ‘‘As part of our activities lined up for our upcoming AGM and Tourism/ Investment summit is a dinner and award night where we recognise persons who have distinguished themselves and who have made significant contributions to the growth of the tourism sector in Nigeria.
‘‘We are immensely grateful for the tireless efforts and invaluable support you have provided to our association and indeed the industry at large. Your dedication and vision has played a pivotal role in promoting tourism, fostering cultural exchange, and boosting our nation’s economy. ‘‘Considering your outstanding achievements and remarkable contributions, we have chosen to present you with an Award of Excellence for your exceptional accomplishments in the Tourism sector.
This award serves as a symbol of our deep appreciation for your relentless commitment to excellence and innovation, as well as your unwavering support towards our association’s mission.’’
