By Frank Meke.
This is possibly one piece that I have done in the past three weeks, quite revealing the desire to seek divine directions on how to navigate through this life on earth and indeed my calling as a reporter of cultural tourism opportunities in Nigeria.
Two critical issues emerged shortly after I had attended the first Annual General Meeting of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria ( Atpn) in ten years. That story and its major impact is for another day, but let me salute the courage of Atpn Board of Trustees, of which I am a humble member for holding forth positively and progressively.
It was an eye-opening event and indeed revealed the minds of industry practitioners and the well wishers of this historic multi sectorial.players association .
So who had known the mind of Christ that He ( Christ) may instruct him? (1st corinthians 2:16) . I ask this question knowing that most of us, Christians and moslems have the spirit of God but few actually have the mind, the eyes that could define a new beginning, temprate, truthful and sincere in the service of our people and nation.
It’s therefore my desire at this point in my life journey and in the service of our people and nation to sit back and to process of the capacity of God in my little efforts in making contributions to the good of our nation.
In doing so, I do not pretend that I have not stepped on toes of lots of people, particularly those in government, but again, it’s not out of malice or ego. I believe Nigeria is a blessed country and our people, the best hospitable people on earth. I saw light in Nigeria, but darkness seems to reign. I had remained faithful for over thirty years, still counting, sometimes, losing the sight of the strong faith that Nigeria would be great again.
It’s those failing moments that my pen works over board to confront the powers holding down our people from enjoying the cultural tourism blessings that God bestowed on us as a nation.
Let me stop here for now. My intention today is that as I return to active practice after weeks of “forced” rest , I must first appreciate all those who stood with me on my way to where I am today and to my future endeavours.
My birthday was preceded by an award for Pioneering Tourism Journalism in Nigeria, and to God be the glory. I was a participant witness, stayed strong, and my eyes focused on what God has never or yet to tell Nigerians about this great and emerging economy. Great thanks to Abiodun Odunsanwo of the Institute of Tourism Professionals of Nigeria ( ITPN) and Founder of Nigeria Transportation Summit for the honour
Nkereweum Onung, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria ( ftan) has over time won my heart for his deep knowledge of the industry and I thank him for remarkable things he has done for Nigeria cultural tourism . He was on the podium on December 4th to hand over the historic award to my sister from another mother, my G, (as the young at heart say on the streets, ) to Mrs Susan Akporiaye, who stood in gap for me. If you could interpret that process correctly, then you may have the eyes of the future.
My birthday is inspired by God. I had spent the greater part of the week hiding myself in Him, who is greater than our fears and anxieties. I dutifully obeyed a divine instruction and stayed away to drink from the table of our creator.
The birthday messages were overwhelming. The award congratulatory messages were thunderous, and the calls were relentless, and I wondered ! Na, so people love me reach?
Last Saturday, in my little corner, and at instance of my wife, we hosted a few friends in my house. Guess who led the company of friends? Chief Folarunsho Coker , the Baba Eto of lagos and Director General, Nigeria Tourism Development Authority ( NTDA).
Coker and I are good friends, despite whatever that might have happened to our collective interest in the affairs of tourism development in Nigeria. Coker came early, very relaxed, and spent the whole day with me. If you know Coker very well, he is too busy to waste time over projects that are not worth his fancy.
Otunba Segun Runsewe couldn’t make it down from Abuja, but his shadows were all the place. Bolaji Mustapha, Natop president and Otunba Michael Balogun, one serious fellow, I love so much happened at the party. Mustapha earlier apologised that she won’t make it but gave me and my family a pleasant shocker with her presence . I couldn’t factor her sudden and very magical appearance, but I know the truth.
My Tourism Media friends and associates, Okorie Uguru, Jimoh Babatunde esquire, and Chioma Ezike of Radio Nigeria, were witnesses. A Facebook friend of mine and a great storyteller and documentary expert, Adejoh Azzey, flew into lagos from Porthacourt to wish me well. On full introduction, she is my Inlaw, same place in Delta state with my wife.
What does that teach us about relationships? May God damage our ignorance and worldliness. My maritime journalism family came too , led by my adopted “chief of staff” Innocent Orok. I can not forget the messages of goodwill from the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority ( Niwa) Bola Oyebamiji. He has shown me so much love and respect since we met. My sister, Sarat Braimah, was away in Ilorin. She owes it though!
Newly appointed Director General of National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism ( NIHOTOUR) Dr Abisoye Fadage was away in ibadan for his chieftaincy coronation and sent words. Obi Asika of NCAC just finished his Nafest and was tired afterwards, and we noted his message of love.
To my noble men, a group of young believers in Christ, I owe them deep gratitude . My beautiful account officer, name withheld, thank you so much. To Mrs Nathan Mash, thank you for your prayers and support. To my children in the Lord, my fathers in Christ Jesus , my eternal appreciation .
Pastor Samuel Jagun, MFM Regional overseer, Dublin, Ireland, thank you and you again, sir. To my resident association, thank you all, and to those who couldn’t come and those whom we failed to reach out to, please accept my sincere gratitude and apologies.
We shall end this year in praise and celebrations. Thank you all.
