ITPN: ‘Sustaining tourism, hospitality as a sector of hope and opportunities is a collective responsibility through training’ – Hon. Abolaji Kelani

Hon. Abolaji Kelani, Ogun State Coordinator of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN)

Ogun State Coordinator of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), Hon. Abolaji Kelani, has asserted that, ‘Sustaining tourism and hospitality as a sector of hope and opportunities is a collective responsibility through training to ensure empowerment and entrepreneurship for people and education'.

Hon. Abolaji made the statement recently at the first Retreat of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter for New Members and Stakeholders held at Wenby Suites, Ibara, Abeokuta. Ogun State.

After commending the efforts of the past and present administrators at the helm of affairs of tourism management in Ogun State, Hon. Kelani delved into the nitty-gritty of ITPN, saying that, ‘The ITPN is the premier awarding and certification body for hospitality, culinary, creative industry, travel, passenger transportation, and tourism occupations in Nigeria, representing members working in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

The State Coordinator shed further light into the importance of ITPN, explaining, that, ‘ITPN is a higher, vocational, and tertiary level professional organization established to furnish the industry with professional personnel who can provide good quality standard products and services. The Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria is committed to the training and provision of professional personnel in the tourism sector, developing curriculum, and awarding qualifications in line with industry standards and international best practices.

Hon. Abolaji Keleni, who is also the Director of Studies, Aerovessel School of Aviation and Tourism Management, exuding excitement that he was hosting the ITPN and Stakeholders, stated that, ‘I commend the efforts of the national president and the entire members of the Governing Council of the ITPN towards the progress and development of the Institute. Their ideas, dedication, and resourcefulness have impacted and contributed immensely to the growth of ITPN as we have it today.’

Speaking about the becoming a member of ITPN, he said, ‘At the membership level, we have different levels of membership, which include student, affiliate, Licentiate, associate, member, and fellow. You can download the membership form from www.tourism.org.ng, and to download the membership form, you will also get the account details for payment. Please note that your level of membership will be determined by the Institute based on the information you filled. 

‘It is our dream to encourage and improve on the growth of ITPN in Ogun State, especially in the areas of promoting a great synergy between players in the industry from both the Public, Private and Non-profit Sector. 

Our dear state (Ogun State) has improved a great deal in the growth of Tourism, all thanks to our ever committed Governor, the immediate past commissioner and the present commissioner who have worked closely with the Ministry to ensure that Ogun State becomes a force to reckon with in the world of Tourism.

‘I am glad to let you know that with the birth of the ITPN Ogun state chapter, we are bringing Ogun state to the world standard in terms of hospitality and tourism’, he emphasized.

Speaking to all present at the event, he said, ‘I enjoin all Tourism and Hospitality stakeholders to place inclusiveness at the center of their strategies, welcome the birth of ITPN Ogun State Chapter and recognize the fact that it is our responsibilities to create membership awareness all through the nooks and crannies of Ogun State.

‘Finally, I wish to sincerely commend everyone that have taken their time to attend this retreat, and I specially commend the efforts of the government and good people of Ogun State in tourism promotion, particularly through the creation of more tourist attraction sites which has attracted and captured the attention of international observers.

‘I assure you of our continued support towards the promotion of ITPN Ogun State Chapter, which will be greatly achieved with maximum commitment and contributions from all of us’, he concluded.