Stakeholders Focus On Promoting Nigerian Cultures As ATPN Inaugurates Executive Members in Ekiti

By Ayodele Abere*

The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has been described as the platform required to boost tourism in the country.

Alhaji Kabir Malan, Chairman of the ATPN Board of Trustees, announced this in Ekiti over the weekend at the inauguration of the Association’s new Executive Members in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

He admonished the newly inaugurated Executive Members of the State to prioritise collaboration, innovation, and strategic thinking. Alhaji Kabir Malan, ably represented by one of the Board of Trustees members, Hon. John Likita Best, stated that tourists’ attractions in Ekiti have the potential to attract both local and international tourists if properly harnessed, and that it is not just the natural beauty of the land that matters, but the experience created, the service provided, and the partnership built to position the State as a hope for tourism excellence in Nigeria.

He assured the Association of his support and promised to collaborate with the new ATPN Chapter in Ekiti to develop sustainable tourism practices, encourage capacity building, and launch initiatives for policies and infrastructure that would transform Ekiti State into a world-class tourism destination.

The keynote speaker and ATPN Patron in Ekiti, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, said tourism is more than just picturesque landscapes and historical landmarks. But it is about telling stories and inviting others to experience the magic that surrounds us every day. Furthermore, the inauguration was more than just a celebration; it was a significant step towards realising the enormous potential of the state’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical significance.

Describing the beauty of tourism, Ojudu stated that it has the ability to immerse people in new experiences, challenge perceptions, and create lasting memories, and that he has no doubt that the Ekiti State Chapter of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria will play an important role in making those experiences more memorable for visitors to the state.

According to him, “Tourism in Ekiti State has so much potential, and I believe that establishing this chapter will help unlock that potential and showcase the State’s unique culture and attractions to the rest of the world. We are placing Ekiti on the map as a must-see destination. We invite the world to come, see, and fall in love with our land, culture, and people. According to Senator Ojudu.

The newly inaugurated Executive Members of the Association in the State are: Dr. (Mrs) Abigail Olagbaye – Chairman, Mr. Dayo Olujekun – Vice Chairman, Miss Itunu Ajose – General Secretary, Mrs. Adesola Oluwasola – Organising and Mobilisation Secretary, Mr. Charles Abere – Public Relations Officer, Mr. Dayo Afolabi – Financial Secretary, and Dr. (Mrs) Olowookere – Membership and Welfare Secretary.

In her remarks, Chairman Dr. Abigail Olagbaye stated that the event was not only a celebration of collective efforts, but also a reaffirmation of commitment to advancing tourism in Ekiti State and elsewhere.

“We are on the verge of a new era, one in which our shared passion for culture, heritage, and sustainable tourism will shape our community’s future and have long-term consequences throughout the state.”

“Together, we will create a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving tourism industry that honours our past while seizing the opportunities of the future. We are excited to begin this journey and look forward to the incredible accomplishments that lie ahead. Doctor Olagbaye stated.

Earlier, there was a panel discussion on the topic: Strategies for Unlocking Economic Opportunities of Landlocked Destinations: Expanding the Frontiers of Tourism in Ekiti State, where the panellists agreed on the importance of always projecting the culture of the land in a positive light, emphasising the need to invest in those rich cultures.

In a separate interview with the State’s Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, who was one of the discussants, said it was an interesting topic to discuss because it revealed so much about the realities of tourism in Ekiti State.

The Commissioner stated that the topic of discussion was well chosen, and that the event itself was well planned and packaged.

Alhaji Hassan Zakari, Executive Director of West Africa Tourism Organisation WATO, suggested that Ekiti use integrated community-based tourism, which places the people at the centre of tourism development.

Also, in his own goodwill message, Cuthbert Ncube, Executive Chairman of the African Tourism Board, stated that the African Tourism Board (ATB) is committed to fostering synergies within and outside of the industry in order to unify Africa’s efforts to position itself as a leading force in tourism.

In his words, “our goal is to promote sustainable tourism development, advocate for intra-African travel, and increase the continent’s global tourism competitiveness.”

Despite its landlocked location, Ncube believes Ekiti State has significant tourism potential, citing the region’s cultural vibrancy, scenic beauty, and warm hospitality as opportunities for economic development.

Meanwhile, in his goodwill message, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Honourable Edmund Bartlett, urged members of the Association to take advantage of the country’s tourist attractions while congratulating the Association’s leadership.

The Cultural Troupe of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Ekiti State, gave a memorable performance at the event, which was attended by dignitaries and participants from all over.