Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), on Tuesday honoured pioneer members at its 20years anniversary.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 21 pioneer members of the association were given honorary/ recognition awards at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.
Mr Rabo Saleh, President, FTAN said that the event marks another milestone in the history of the association which started about 20years ago.
He said the association which had 10 member associations under it before has about 22 different registered professional associations today.
Saleh said that the idea behind the celebration was to appreciate and honour men and women of proven integrity who have laboured so hard for the betterment of the industry.
“Today, I can proudly say that the fruit and labour of these distinguish people have not been in vein. That is why we are celebrating them today.
“For those that are not here today with us, because they have answered the call to the lord, We are also remembering them by giving them posthumous award.
“We also assuring their family members that we appreciate their contributions, ” he said.
According to him, the gathering constitutes of founding fathers of FTAN, government representatives, present council members, FTAN members and investors in the tourism sector.
He said that similar umbrella bodies like FTAN in other tourism inclined nations are the drivers of tourism sector of their economy.
He added that, in Nigeria, reverse was the case. He stated that the private sector which is the driver in any economy, is not fully engaged when taking key decisions affecting the industry.
Saleh, therefore, call on the present government to give tourism all the needed attention required by creating enabling environment for tourism to thrive.
One of the awardee, Mr Ikechi Uko, Organiser, Akwaaba African Travel Market, said that it was his pleasure to received honorary award with those who he met in the industry.
“When I start tourism newly, the likes of Mr Masud Mani-Tukur, Dr Franklin Adejuwon, Mr Mike Amachree and some other veteran tourism stakeholders were the people I meet in the industry.
“But, today am being honoured with them, Its indeed a great pleasure for me. It means that one should be focus in what he or she knows how to do best. Someday you shall be recognised, ” he said.
According to him, he has been honored in different countries but he appreciated FTAN recognition/award most importantly.
He said that the starting was challenging but now “we are happy we are still surviving in the industry.”
Also, Mr Ganiyu Balogun, President, Association of Tourists, Boats Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATN), said that he has suffered a lot in the industry but survived it by not relenting.
“When is difficult, I endure. When the money comes, I feel relief but today I am happy to be recognise because of my endurance, perseverance and contributions to the development of the industry.
“I am the first Vice President of the association, I am one of the pioneer members and today all my efforts and contributions are not in vein but, ” he said.
Balogun appealed to the government to improve on the security of lives and properties on the waterways and also provide necessary tourism infrastructure.
Mrs Margret Fabiyi, President, Webisco International Federation of Women Entrepreneurs and Tourism of Nigeria, expressed her pleasure and satisfaction on the award given to her.
She said that she has been a member of the association since inception and have been since then promoting the industry.
She appealed to the organisers of the event to make it a periodic event that would serve as an avenue to bring all all the tourism stakeholders together to brainstorm on the development of the industry.
Source: africanevmag.com
