There are experiences you want to save and serve with the fullest ‘presence of mind’. Such is the story of the 7th Abuja Jabamah which brought the finest professionals of the travel and tourism industry in both the private and public sectors, under one roof of learning, self-improvement, knowledge sharing, tourism promotion and celebration of hard work.
The two-day event which held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, commenced with training sessions covering so much history about Nigeria as a Country, knowledge required to do tours professionally within Nigeria, and lessons equipping Participants with information required to speak with authority on matters of Nigeria.
There were lessons on the pre-colonial and colonial histories of Nigeria, understanding Nigeria’s biodiversity, Tourism trends in Nigeria, Museums, National Parks, Festivals in Nigeria and so much more. The resource persons who delivered the various segments of the training displayed thorough understanding of each subject matter and shared practical field experience in their areas of discussion, thereby providing great value for the time spent listening to them. Certificates as Nigerian Tourism Specialists were issued to Participants upon completion of the training.
Presentations, including those from the Honorable Commissioners of Tourism, Cross River State by Hon. Eric Anderson; Lagos State by Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf; Akwa-Ibom State by Hon. Orman Esin; Delta State by Engr. Lawrence Ejiofor, as well as those from Ibom Air, Ethiopian Airlines, were quite enriching and excellently delivered. As for the presentation by Enish Restaurant and Lounge, I only remember getting hungry afterwards .
Being the first physical event since COVID-19 caused a nationwide lockdown in Y2020, it was a real delight being part of the tourism family reunion which this event brought about. We all had (still have) the Tourism Grandmaster and my personal Minister, Amb. Ikechi Uko to thank for making this happen.
On day 2, things were taken many notches up as Abuja Jabamah proper, took centre stage.
Three years ago in 2018, I made the list as Winner of the Top 100 Tourism Personalities in Nigeria, with subsequent induction into the Tourism 100 Club. Sharing the honor with the current Minister Of Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed; Director General, National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe; the Father of Tourism in Nigeria, Chief Amachree; Chairman, Carnival Calabar Commission, Sir Gabe Onah; Director General, National Institute For Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alh. Nura Kangiwa; Chairman, Remlords, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung; National President, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Hajia Bilikisu Abdul; Mohammed Kwajaffa of South Africa Tourism, amongst others, was truly humbling. Alh. Rabo Saleh, who was until his demise weeks ago, the National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) was inducted same day. Keep resting in peace, Alhaji.
It was therefore easy to relate with the elation experienced by recipients of the 2021 Tourism Personalities Awards. The excitement was palpable, possibly because I was only about a kissing distance from them, as I had the privilege of affixing their Tourism 100 lapel pins signifying membership in the Tourism 100 Club. I suspect the feeling was same for Amb. Abigail Olagbaye, whom I shared the stage with while she decorated the winners with their medals.
Other awards went to individuals, destinations, States, Airlines, organizations, Agencies, for their efforts in the development and promotion of tourism in Nigeria.
Yours truly, Ebele Enemchukwu, for my humble efforts in promoting domestic tourism in the year 2020 despite the pandemic, bagged the Travellers Award as a TOP TOURISM PROMOTER. It was truly beautiful to see dedication and excellence being recognized and rewarded.
Lunch was served. It was good
In the end, I didn’t regret the conflicting engagement which I had to turn down to attend this event. My only regret is the inexplicable ‘crash’ of one of my phones, resulting in the loss of amazing photo memories and personal notes of the event which I captured on it. Thankfully, nothing can crash the experience of the 7th Abuja Jabamah, the lessons gathered, the capacity built and the many beautiful people I met/reconnected with
Like I remind myself, awards are not just ornamental in purpose. They are a charge to do more. A charge to outdo previous records. That, by God’s special grace, is what I intend to keep doing.
Thanks to the Partners, Sponsors and Participants who made Abuja Jabamah 2021 the success it was.
