The Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) will host its 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kwara State on July 18th, 2024, under the theme “Tourism as a Catalyst for Progress, Peace, and Partnership.” This significant event aims to highlight the transformative power of tourism in fostering economic growth, social harmony, and collaborative efforts.
Bayo Adedeji, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Wakanow.com, will be a guest speaker at the AGM. Adedeji is an internationally renowned senior business executive with a distinguished career spanning Fortune 500 companies such as Amazon, Walmart, and PetSmart. Since taking the helm at Wakanow, Adedeji has transformed the company into a profitable venture and expanded its presence to 11 countries worldwide, including Nigeria, Ghana, the UK, the UAE, and Cameroon.
Adedeji’s extensive experience includes his tenure as a Senior Finance Leader at Amazon, where he oversaw finance product operations generating over $90 billion in sales. His strategic insights were instrumental in optimizing processes and delivering exceptional results. Prior to Amazon, Adedeji was a Senior Manager in Financial Planning and Analysis at PetSmart, North America’s leading pet company. He also held senior roles at Walmart, focusing on Financial Planning, Category, and Modular Development.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Adedeji is skilled in big data, business intelligence, management accounting, space planning, and cost management, positioning him as a coveted business leader and coach. He holds an MBA in Finance from Clark Atlanta University and a BSc. in Demography and Statistics from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He is also a passionate serial entrepreneur in food, entertainment, and real estate.
The special guests of honor for the event are Mrs. Lola Ade John, the Federal Minister of Tourism, and Stella Fubara, the Managing Director of Del-York Development Company. Their presence underscores the importance of tourism in Nigeria’s national development agenda.
Other notable speakers include Dr. Kabir Ali Masanwa, Executive Director of Economic Development and Investment at the Katsina State Development Management Board, and Mrs. Uloma Egbuna, CEO of Tour Brokers International Ltd. These industry leaders will share their insights on current trends and future prospects of the tourism sector.
Additionally, the event will feature a panel session comprising tourism professionals from across the country, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on industry challenges and opportunities. This session will be moderated by Amb. Ikechi Uko, the Organizer of AKWAABA African Travel Market, the largest tourism exhibition in West Africa.
