The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) celebrated its 20 thanniversary with the presentation of awards to its founding pioneers in Nigeria.
It was an event which recorded impressive turn out of the very people who were the heart and soul of the tourism industry, and made great sacrifices to see the sector through to what it is today.
The event was held On Tuesday, 27th February 2018 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.
The anniversary turned a podium to recount with pleasant nostalgia by the awardees the driving vision for the establishment of FTAN and how they fought and laboured to see the federation birthed. As speaker after speakers have stirred the audience, the summary of which must have challenged individual to renew their commitment to work for a robust tourism sector in Nigeria.
Declaring the anniversary open, President of FTAN, Alhaji Rabo Saleh, captured the mood of the occasion in his speech noting that FTAN since inception with 10 registered associations as members has grown to 22, explaining that the anniversary added awards to acknowledge that the labours of the founding fathers of the association would not be in vain.
Alhaji Rabo further explained that, ‘This event is the greatest gathering of both the founding fathers of FTAN, government representatives, present council members, FTAN members and investors in the tourism sector, I want to seize this opportunity to seek support for the development of the umbrella body”.
Alhaji Rabo Saleh concluded his speech by noting that “Similar bodies like FTAN in other tourism inclined nations are the drivers of the tourism sectors of their economies. Here in Nigeria, unfortunately, the reverse is the case. The private sectors who are the drivers are not fully engaged when taking key decisions affecting the industry.
“We therefore call on the present government to give tourism all the attention it requires by creating enabling environment for tourism to thrive. I believe this is a listening government and the needful will be done”, he concluded.
In his address, Dr. Franklin John Adesoji Adejuwon, a foremost tourism administrators in Nigeria, former DG of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and former Minister of Agriculture, in challenged the current leadership that ,’You must speak with one voice. You must make the government to hear your voice. I believe we can do it. I pray that God give the leaders the wisdom to carry FTAN on”, he concluded.
Otunba Segun Runsewe, in his speech after collecting his award, challenged the tourism stakeholders of the need to stop pretending about what the industry needs but to confront the issues straight on. He went on to spearhead the raising of funds for some projects of the FTAN.
Responding to her award, Chief Mrs. Margaret Fabiyi, of WEBISCO Tourism, a promoter of the Black Heritage tourism, praised the organizers for the award, saying that though she was never expected the award. She nevertheless prayed that FTAN keep soaring from height to height.
In her post award address, Mrs. Iyom Josephine Anenih, a strong proponent of Domestic Tourism, a multifaceted and highly empowered woman both in her law profession, politics, women empowerment and charity foundations, and the Managing Director of JMC Holidays, a tour company, explained that, “For us in Tourism then, we were more interested in the growth and development of Nigeria.
“We were concerned about how Nigeria can benefit from the tourism industry. We wanted tourism to impact development. Those were the objectives that inspired us in establishing the tourism sector and FTAN.” She challenged the new leadership to brace up and do more.
Speaking on his award, Mr. Ikechi Uko, Publisher ATQ News, Organizer Akwaaba Travel Market and Accra Weizo, demonstrated excitement about his award, saying that, “This is one of the most important awards I have received! I am very grateful for this award, and I dedicate it to all the tourism practitioners and my team because with all of your contributions there would be no Ikechi Uko. Thank very much.”
Chief Mike Sunday Amachree, the Father of Tourism in Nigeria, was one of the recipients of the award, an endorsement of his numerous contributions to tourism growth in Nigeria and the establishment of FTAN. Madam Fatima Garbati, former Deputy President FTAN, former President of NATOP and the Managing Director of Speed Aviation Consulting Limited, was also a recipient.
Mr. Temitope Ogbeni-Awe, Chief Service Officer and Founder, TopComm PR Concept and Events Limited, was also recipient. He was a former Publicity Secretary NATOP, a founding member of FTAN, he served as Publicity Secretary and later as FTAN’s Vice President for South West region.
Other recipients of the award are Mr. Jemi Alade, Managing Director, Jemi-Alade and Associates Limited; former Secretary General, FTAN and founding Secretary, NATOP and Founder/President Africa Travel Association, ATA. Mr. Goodie Minabor Ibru, founding Chairman, Ikeja Hotels Plc and Pioneer President, FTAN; Dr. Munzali Dantata, former President NANTA, and former DG NIHOTOUR; High Chief Edem Duke, former Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation; Chief Samuel Olu Alabi; Mr. Tomilola Akingbogun and Mr. Gani Tarzan Balogun.
Also Mr. Frank Nneji of ABC Transport, Mr. Lucky George Onoriode; Mr. Andrew Okungbowa; Mr. Abel Charles Samuel Abayomi, and Mr. Charles Ukomadu. Post humus award was given to Late Dr. Kingsley Timothy Onuoha.
By Renn Offor
