The President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Prince Adetunji Fadina, led a high-level delegation to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ogun State, where he met with the Honorable Commissioner, High Chief Sesan Fagbayi, the Permanent Secretary, and Directors to chart a new course for structured tourism development in the state.
In his opening remarks, Prince Fadina set the tone with a clear and powerful statement:
“We are not here for a ceremonial visit. We are here for a mission.”
A mission to:
✅ Strengthen the foundation of Ogun State’s tourism economy
✅ Reinforce ethical and structured tourism management
✅ Establish a long-lasting partnership between ATPN and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
This engagement marked a defining moment in Ogun State’s tourism development journey, with a focus on four critical goals:
1️⃣ Developing a well-structured tourism framework for sustainable growth
2️⃣ Ensuring full local government participation in tourism development
3️⃣ Driving youth-led tourism innovation through the launch of the Idea Hangout Café in Ota
4️⃣ Recognizing the Commissioner, PS, and Directors as custodians of Ogun State’s tourism vision
Unlocking Ogun State’s Tourism Potential
Prince Fadina emphasized that Ogun State is blessed with rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural attractions, but its full potential remains largely untapped due to the absence of a structured framework and sustainable tourism policies.
“Tourism is a powerful economic driver that, when properly managed, creates jobs, fosters community development, and attracts investment.
The structured involvement of local governments is critical in ensuring that tourism thrives beyond major cities, empowering communities and preserving our heritage,” he said.
Commitment to Public-Private Partnerships & Induction of Key Officials
The Honorable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, High Chief Sesan Fagbayi, warmly welcomed the ATPN leadership, commending the association’s visionary approach to professionalizing and expanding Nigeria’s tourism industry.
He pledged full collaboration with ATPN to strengthen Ogun State’s tourism infrastructure, attract private sector investment, and create innovative tourism experiences that will drive local and international visits.
In recognition of their commitment to advancing Ogun State’s tourism sector, ATPN formally inducted:
⭐ Hon. High Chief Sesan Fagbayi, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, as an Honorary Fellow of ATPN
⭐ The Permanent Secretary as an Honorary Member
⭐ All Directors of the Ministry as Members of ATPN
This symbolic induction solidifies the Ministry’s leadership role in driving ethical, structured, and sustainable tourism development in Ogun State.
The Idea Hangout Café in Ota: A Hub for Youth-Driven Tourism Innovation
One of the key projects introduced during the meeting was the Idea Hangout Café in Ota—a creative space dedicated to tourism, technology, and cultural entrepreneurship for young people.
Prince Fadina noted that the future of Ogun State’s tourism depends on youth engagement, digital innovation, and storytelling. The Idea Hangout Café will serve as:
✔ A tourism innovation hub for young entrepreneurs
✔ A platform for digital storytelling and marketing Ogun State’s attractions
✔ A collaborative space for culture, tech, and hospitality ideas
The Way Forward: Strengthening the ATPN-Ogun State Collaboration
Following extensive discussions, ATPN and the Ministry agreed to:
✔ Develop a Tourism Masterplan for Ogun State to guide long-term growth
✔ Establish Local Government Tourism Committees for community-driven initiatives
✔ Encourage public-private partnerships for tourism infrastructure development
✔ Leverage technology and digital platforms to boost Ogun’s tourism visibility
Building the Future of Ogun State’s Tourism Industry
“This is not just a meeting; it is a transformational moment for Ogun State’s tourism sector,” Prince Fadina said in his closing remarks. “With structured policies, strong leadership, and an inclusive approach, Ogun State can become a national and global tourism powerhouse.”
With this renewed partnership, Ogun State is set to embrace a new era of sustainable tourism growth, positioning itself as a key destination for culture, history, and innovation in Nigeria.
