WTD 2022: Nigeria's apex tourism body FTAN celebrates big, showcase Lagos water tourism and icon of tourism Awards
Nigeria's WTD 2022: Nigeria's apex tourism body FTAN celebrates big, showcase Lagos water tourism and icon of tourism Awards
Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), under the
distinguished leadership of its President, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, has staged a massive
private sector driven celebrations which created impressive and unforgettable experiences
for Participants as this year’s celebrations was held in Lagos State.
The World Tourism Day 2022 celebration was organized by FTAN in Partnership with Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON).
Cross section of participants at this year's WTD 2022.
According to FTAN’s President, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung in his speech,
‘This year’s World Tourism Day has the theme of ‘Rethinking Tourism’. For us, it
is an opportunity for us to celebrate our resilience and survival in the industry
as the business gradually returns’.
‘Today, we’re celebrating the World Tourism Day as global
tourism slowly recovers from Covid-19 and is emphasized by the theme 'Rethinking
Tourism’. I believe that time is now to begin this transformation’, Mr.
'In our efforts in domesticating this year’s theme, we are turning our focus on Lagos water tourism. The stretch of the Lagos abundant coastline, for tourism purposes,' Mr. Nkereuwem said further.
He appreciated the enormous private sector driving tourism development
in Nigeria.
Part of this year’s focus on Lagos coastal waterline, a tour to Takwa Bay Island was scheduled for participants who converged at Tarzan Jetty where about 50 boots under the auspices of ATBOWATON was to ferried not less than three hundred people to Takwa Bay.
Those ferried by the boats were Tour operators, the media and
other participants from partners organizations from Tarzan jetty in Victoria
Island through the Five Cowrie Creek to Takwa Bay beach Lagos.
One of the most fascinating aspect of the celebration was
the bumpy humpy adrenalin pumping boat displays at the Five Cowrie Creek! The very
controlled speeding and stops under the guided ‘commander' of groups of boats was
so, so exciting!
Some of the audience were riding on water for the first time
in their lives and so you can imagine the gasping, grabbing of people’s clothes
and the pleasant phobia! Interestingly, after we arrived at Takwa Bay and going
back, the once fearful ladies became very calm and now enjoying the fun.
One aspect that was worth impressively noting was the presence of Lagos Waterways security
and safety personnel and other security details including the Nigerian Navy personnel.
On arrival at Takwa Bay, the little island community came out
to welcome us in their numbers with drums, singing, dances and their masquerades!
It was a huge fanfare of celebration and the excitement was
high even as it turned out a huge reunion for some friends and colleagues in the
industry reconnecting after years of a sense due to businesses, travels and many
other incontigency!
Takwa Bay chapter of the World Tourism Day came to an end after
about three hours as we had to return into the boats back to Tarzan Jetty in Victoria
Island. So from the jetty a number of us moved back to Eko Hotel and Suites for
the Icon of Tourism Award and Dinner.
The Icon of Tourism awards went to Rev. Mrs. Margaret Bolanle
Fabiyi a.k.a Mama Webisco, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa. The awards was a very solemnly exciting
moments for the recipients for all their tireless efforts for the years in the tourism
industry. It was equally an inspiring moment for those who joined the industry recently
and marks as an assurance that the industry rewards diligence, industry and hard
work.
The Organizing Committee led by its Chairman, Mr. Ganiyu
Tarzan Balogun did a fantastic job, and indeed, the execution was top notch of the event was well recognized
when Mr. Ganiyu was specifically recognized by the FTAN President and the Board
of Trustees, Chief Samuel Alabi.
Other members of the Committee members are Mr. Tunde Kolade,
Mrs. Ime Udo, Mr. Gbenga Sumonu, Mr. Frank Meke, Prince Wale Okapade, Mr. Precious
Okonji, Chinyere Uche-Ibeabuchi, Ogunleye Oluwatobi, Aiyetan Rotimi, Philip Joseph,
Prince Seth Zion Ikusika, Kate Ejike, Tope Fajimirokun, Hon. Saheed Babatunde Lawal,
Engr. Elsie Adanne and Mr. David Ross.
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