President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria ( ftan), Mr Nkerewuem Onung, has described Mrs Margaret Fabiyi as a veritable bedrock and pillar of tourism development in Nigeria, a pioneer that cannot be forgotten for numerous firsts for the sector..
Mrs fabiye, also known as webisco, owned webisco group of companies, pioneering travel trade, tours, fashion and agro tourism businesses in the eighties, and founded Women in Tourism Association, Africa Travel Association, Nigeria chapter,. a philanthropist and culture enthusiast.
Ftan President who was in Lagos with his first deputy, Alhaji Aliyu Badaki, on a visit to top industry influencers to aggregate and drive cohesion for Ftan World Tourism Day celebration in September, assured madam Webisco that the leadership of the industry, will continue to pray, associate and consult her on issues of private sector tourism matters and be guided by her wisdom and experience.
” We at the federation cannot but continue to visit you, pray with you and ask for your motherly advice on various issues to which we wish to find solution.” Ftan President further stated, adding that madam Webisco will be honoured with a special recognition award during the wtd celebration in Lagos, September 27.
” You are a tourism warrior, a dogged pillar, an Amazon and a tourism pioneer that we cannot forget, and we pray that God continue will keep you in good health and bless you for the sacrifices made for tourism in Nigeria” Mr Nkereuwem explained.
Excited and happy for the ftan leadership visit to her surulere home, Mrs fabiyi disclosed that she has been following the good work of ftan under the watch of Mr onung, and cannot but commend his strong desire to change the industry narrative, particularly the efforts to build and sustain a united, responsible and responsive private sector body.
” Thank you for coming to see me, all the way from Abuja with Badaki. I must confess that you have done well so far and no doubt as a minister of God, your steps are directed by God and you and your team will not fail us, and Nigeria in general, particularly at this very difficult time for tourism and our nation” Mrs fabiye prayed and noted.
Describing her proposed ftan recognition award as a pleasant surprise, Mrs Margaret fabiye, said she will dedicate the diadem to her late husband, a Frontline business mogul in his time, who encouraged, funded and inspired her many breakthroughs in tourism.
” How I wish my husband is here with me, to host you all this day and even welcome you as he usually does each time my tourism community came calling. He will be happy about this ftan recognition award where is in the Bossom of the lord. My family and I, cannot thank ftan enough” madam webisco, further explained.