Ogun State, Nigeria – The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) is set to redefine the South-West’s tourism landscape through strategic collaboration, visionary leadership, and a unified approach to development. In a landmark engagement, Prince Adetunji Fadina, President of ATPN, led a high-powered delegation to meet with Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, to discuss a transformative partnership between ATPN and the Ogun State Government.
The meeting underscored a shared commitment to harnessing Ogun State’s tourism potential as a key driver of economic growth, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Deputy Governor Salako-Oyedele warmly welcomed the ATPN delegation, acknowledging the vital role of tourism in job creation, revenue generation, and global visibility for the state. She pledged Ogun State’s readiness to collaborate with ATPN, ensuring that tourism development aligns with the administration’s broader economic agenda.
A Unified Voice for South-West Tourism
Prince Adetunji Fadina, an experienced tourism strategist and destination consultant, emphasized the urgency of a South-West coalition to harmonize tourism policies, attract investment, and create a seamless experience for visitors across the region. He stressed that by speaking with one voice, stakeholders can amplify their impact, unlock new opportunities, and position the region as Nigeria’s premier tourism hub.
“In the South-West, we have everything—history, culture, heritage, ecotourism, religious tourism, and a thriving creative economy. What we need now is a coordinated strategy that brings everyone to the table: state governments, private sector players, community leaders, and international partners. Tourism is an economic asset, and we must activate its full potential,” Prince Fadina stated.
Strategic Engagement with DAWN Commission
A key pillar of this initiative is the engagement with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission to drive local government participation in tourism. Recognizing that sustainable tourism begins at the grassroots, ATPN will work with DAWN and key stakeholders to ensure each local government area actively contributes to tourism development, infrastructure improvement, and cultural preservation.
“For tourism to thrive, every local government must be actively involved—identifying their unique attractions, creating enabling environments for tourism businesses, and ensuring that both residents and visitors benefit from tourism-driven economic growth,” Prince Fadina added.
Next Steps: Action and Impact
This engagement marks the beginning of a new era for South-West tourism. ATPN, under Prince Fadina’s leadership, will immediately activate:
A South-West Tourism Coalition, bringing together government agencies, industry professionals, and investors.
Local Government Engagement Framework, in partnership with DAWN Commission, to deepen tourism participation at the grassroots.
Strategic Investments in Tourism Infrastructure, ensuring that the region becomes a preferred destination for both local and international tourists.
With the Ogun State Government’s commitment and ATPN’s strategic vision, a brighter future for South-West tourism is within reach. This is more than just a conversation—it is a movement to unleash the full potential of tourism as a powerful engine of economic transformation.
The future of ATPN starts now, and together, we are raising the bar.