Incumbent President of the National Association of Nigeria Tour Operators (NATOP), Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, has been returned unopposed for another term in office, pledging to expand the association’s reach and strengthen efforts to reposition Nigeria on the global tourism map.
Her re-election was announced at the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Thursday at the Remi Tinubu Hall in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
The AGM marked a significant milestone for NATOP as members reflected on the achievements recorded during Mustapha’s first term, including the acquisition of the association’s first national headquarters in Lagos, a substantial increase in membership, enhanced national visibility, and growing investor confidence in Nigeria as a tourism destination.
The event attracted several key stakeholders in the tourism and aviation sectors, including Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, and the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Aare Abisoye Fagade.
In her acceptance speech, Mustapha expressed gratitude to members for renewing their confidence in her leadership and reaffirmed her commitment to promoting Nigeria’s tourism assets across the country and beyond.
“NATOP is not about me. It’s about our people, our culture, and putting Nigeria back on the global tourism map,” she said.
She pledged to build on the progress achieved during her first tenure by strengthening partnerships with government agencies, the private sector and international tourism stakeholders to unlock the enormous potential of the country’s tourism industry.
Mustapha also acknowledged the support she received from several industry leaders and partners, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NATOP, Nkereuwem Onung; Engr. Sarat Braimah of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA); Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; Dr. Gani Tarzan Balogun; Damilola Emmanuel; Hon. Henry Olaoluwa Onifade; and Tope Fajemirokun.
The AGM also produced a new executive committee to steer the affairs of the association over the next term.
The newly elected officials include Mr. Olujimi Adetunde as Deputy National President; Mrs. Joy Alexander-Ozigbe as General Secretary; Mrs. Joan Benjamin Ulaeto as Assistant General Secretary; Odion Chigbufue as National Treasurer; Dr. Olanma Alvanis Ojukwu as National Financial Secretary; Cordis Maria-Umeokoli as National Public Relations Officer; Mr. Prince Uduak as Assistant National Public Relations Officer; and Dr. Tunji Akib as National Welfare Officer.
Also elected were Mrs. Wonuola Olatunde-Lamidi as Vice President for the South-West Zone and Mr. Daniel Bello as Vice President for the Federal Capital Territory and Northern Zone.
Industry stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that the new leadership team would continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote domestic tourism, strengthen tour operations and position Nigeria as a competitive tourism destination in Africa.
Founded to promote and develop tour operations in Nigeria, NATOP has increasingly become a leading voice in the country’s tourism sector, championing initiatives aimed at boosting domestic tourism, preserving cultural heritage and attracting international visitors to Nigeria.
