Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has formally presented the ‘Tourism Patron of the Year’ award to the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Chief Samuel Alabi.
(From left): NATOP Vice President (South West), Mr Michael Balogun; FTAN BoT Chairman, Chief Samuel Alabi receiving his award from NATOP President, Mrs Ime Udo (second right) as Lagos NATOP Coordinator, Ms Joy Ozeigbe watches; with National Treasurer, Mrs Odion Ogbefue (not pictured)
Chief Alabi who was conspicuously absent at the award presentation which held during the recently-concluded 7th NATOP Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NATOP in Ekiti State, was formally presented with his prize when President of association, Mrs Ime Udo led a delegation of some executive members to meet with the recipient in person.
It would be recalled that a host of top industry players were selected and presented with various awards for their contributions towards the growth of the tourism sector of the Nigerian economy.
The award presentation which took place as part of the programmes for the 7th AGM of the association was held inside the Bimbo Owolabi Hall of the Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti, Friday, July 14.
The theme of the NATOP event which ran from July 13 through to 16, in Ekiti State, this year, was ‘Tourism and Green Investment in Nigeria,’
The award presentation formed highlight of the event which also featured an AGM, the 7th edition, a seminar/conference at the venue.
Confirming the presentation to Alabi, in Lagos, Wednesday, NATOP President, Udo, said it was done ‘as recognition of his (Alabi) great and selfless support to the association and indeed the tourism industry.’ “Today, we presented our award to Chief Samuel Alabi.
“The Award of excellence as Tourism Patron of the year 2023.
“This comes as a recognition of his great and selfless support to the association and indeed the tourism industry as a whole,” Udo wrote, Monday.
The full list of NATOP awards and their recipients are:
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;
7, Mr Folarin Coker Outstanding Tourism Personality Award;
8, Aare Afe Babalola, Best Philanthropist for Tourism Development Excellence Award;
9, Mr Gab Onah, Tourism Industry Icon Award;
10, Mrs Uloma Egbuna, Global Tourism Industry Leader;
11, Ms Aniekan Essienette, Airline Marketing & Tourism Promoter Award Of Excellence.
Others also honoured during the ceremony include:
1, Anago Osho Adventures/Motley Travel for the NATOP Best Inbound & Domestic Tour Operator Award;
2, Andrew Okungbowa/ Frank Meke for the NATOP 2023 Best Tourism Advocate in Journalism Excellence Award;
3, Ibom Air for the NATOP 2023 Best Tourism Airline Excellence Award;
4, Sterling Bank for the NATOP 2023 Tourism Partner Bank of the Year Excellence Award;
Taiye Olayemi for the NATOP 2023 Women’s Impact in Tourism Media Award;
5, Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the NATOP 2023 Governor of the Year for Sustainable Development Award;
6, Ekiti State Government for the Emerging Destination Excellence Award
