By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Hon. Samson Apata |
The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) South West Region has taken a bold step toward redefining Nigeria’s tourism landscape with the inauguration of a new executive council for its Lagos Chapter.
The historic event, held on May 1, 2025, at the prestigious Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, marked a pivotal moment for tourism development in the region.
The newly sworn-in executives, led by Chairperson Alhaja Olabisi Kamar-Azeez, were charged with driving innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s tourism sector. The oath of office was administered by Mr. Andrew Osaigbovo Ehanire, a member of the ATPN Board of Trustees (BOT), in the presence of key industry stakeholders.
Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, Vice President of ATPN South West and former Lagos Chapter Chairman, commended the outgoing executives for their dedication from **2022 to 2025, noting that their efforts laid a solid foundation for the new leadership.
“We must shift from maintaining the past to building the future,” Hon. Apata declared. “Strategic partnerships, aggressive membership drives, and dynamic networking will be crucial in unlocking Lagos’ tourism potential.”
The event featured an insightful keynote speech by Dr. Kola Lawal, Chairman of ATPN Oyo State and Head of Tourism Management Technology at The Polytechnic Ibadan. Titled "Collaborative Leadership: Unlocking the Full Potential of the Lagos Tourism Industry," his address emphasized teamwork and innovation as catalysts for industry growth.
In his goodwill message, Aare Fagade described the inauguration as “a milestone in promoting sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rich tourism in Nigeria.” He stressed that tourism bridges cultures, boosts economies, and preserves heritage.
The newly inaugurated Lagos Chapter executives include:
1. Alhaja Olabisi Kamar-Azeez – Chairman
2. Mr. Olaide Osoba – Vice Chairman
3. Mr. Emmanuel Oyira – General Secretary
4. Mr. Kolawole Paul – Assistant General Secretary
5. Dr. (Mrs.) Adedayo Oluwatoyin – Treasurer
6. Mr. Emmanuel Akande – Financial Secretary
7. Mrs. Alo Adenike Christy – Welfare/Social Secretary
8. Mr. Abdulkareem Balogun – Assistant Welfare/Social Secretary
9. Comrade Ogunye Oluwaseun – Publicity Secretary
10. Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare – Director, Corporate Relations & Engagement
11. Pastor Okunlola Gabriel – Director, Research & Education
12. Amb. Rasak Oliyide – Director of Membership & Community Engagement
Mr. Andrew Osaigbovo Ehanire, Chairman of the occasion, urged the new leadership to harness tourism’s power to “unite, inspire, and drive economic growth.” He praised Hon. Apata for his relentless efforts in expanding ATPN’s influence across the South West.
As the event concluded, Hon. Apata reiterated the need for strong collaborations between public and private tourism stakeholders, setting the stage for a vibrant future for Lagos and Nigeria’s tourism industry.