By Wale Ojo-Lanre
We are living in a transformative era, a time when the old order is rapidly receding. A new paradigm has been thrust upon us, particularly in Nigeria’s tourism industry, shaped by classical policy summersaults, political instability, natural disasters like COVID-19, pestilences, and a troubling lack of competence at the helm of tourism establishments.
Our nation’s tourism sector has, frankly, been unfortunate.
The public sector, strategically positioned to provide focus and direction for tourism’s emancipation, has consistently lacked the political will to unearth its golden value for national growth.
In such a vacuum, the private sector must step up, keeping the public sector accountable and ensuring the tourism development train remains in motion. This is precisely where the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the umbrella body for all tourism associations in Nigeria, becomes of paramount importance .
The very fate of Nigerian tourism hinges on FTAN’s performance. Even when the Federal Government remained indifferent to tourism’s potential, FTAN stood its ground, engaging in visible activities that kept hope alive.
As a former PRO who served three FTAN Presidents—Mr. Goodie Ibru, Alhaji Munzali Dantata, and Chief Edem Duke , I feel a profound responsibility to illuminate the path forward as FTAN approaches its Annual General Meeting (AGM) (I voluntarily resigned under Chief Edem Duke, noting his lack of commitment to FTAN, which unfortunately led to the association’s decline into personal captivity ,when FTAN headquarters was shifted to his hotel in Calabar ).
FTAN’s foundational objectives are clear: to foster collaboration among tourism stakeholders, advocate for policies that promote tourism growth, elevate professional standards, and position Nigeria as a desirable global tourism destination. It aims to unite the private sector’s voice, drive innovation, and ensure sustainable development within the industry.
Honestly speaking, after Alhaji Dantata’s tenure, FTAN regrettably drifted away from its nationalistic objectives, succumbing to ego-tripping and becoming a vehicle for personal gain by those in the presidential seat. The association’s constitution was brazenly disregarded, particularly the crucial clause prohibiting employees from contesting for the presidency. Though a few of us, including this writer, vehemently opposed this blatant pollution of FTAN’s sacred constitution, their machinations prevailed. Consequently, FTAN, a grand association meant to be led by employers, was reduced to an employee-led entity, with even ordinary hotel managers and employed travel agency managers assuming the presidency!
However, a beacon of hope emerged with the election of Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, CEO of Remlords Travel, a seasoned and experienced tour practitioner and, crucially, a chief executive of his own company and an employer of labor, in line with FTAN’s sacred code.
Since Mr. Onung assumed the leadership, FTAN has truly breathed a sigh of relief. Advocacy, effective management, meaningful interaction, strategic networking, and proper sectoral relationships have flourished.
FTAN’s glory has been restored precisely because, as an employer, he is not beholden to an employer who might compel him to use FTAN for personal or selfish corporate gain. Like Goodie Ibru and Alhaji Munzali Dantata, he has served the association selflessly, deploying his personal resources to enhance FTAN’s vibrancy and visibility.
He has set FTAN on an advanced journey back to greatness. He has revived its vibrancy, reignited its purposeful firebrand, and, through him and his EXCO, FTAN has regained its rightful place in the comity of active national and international tourism associations. He has meticulously reticulated FTAN back into its legal and operational status.
Now, he is departing. At the upcoming AGM, scheduled for the end of this month, Nkereuwem Onung will return to his business and properly assume his political assignment as SSA to the Governor on Tourism in his state.
He is leaving when FTAN has just begun to walk again, when a hitherto moribund and crippled association has found its feet, when a sick and sluggish association has been revived and injected back to life.
He is leaving when FTAN desperately needs a passionate leader who will not only maintain and sustain its nascent progress but ensure its blossoming into a spectacular and exciting future.
Since we cannot compel him to stay, our imperative is clear , we must find a successor with the capability and capacity not just to sustain his remarkable achievements but to surpass them, performing in an extraordinary manner. We need a young, vibrant, resourceful, and proactive soul who will build firmly and progressively upon the structures and formats so meticulously laid by Mr. Nkereuwem Onung .
To this end, I, Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq., former PRO of FTAN (having served three Presidents), former Vice-Chairman of ANJET, former Oyo NUJ Chairman, President of the Guild of Tourism Journalists in Nigeria, and an Associate Editor at Nigerian Tribune Tourism, strongly tip and unequivocally endorse Professor Wasiu Babalola as the next President of FTAN!
Before you question my conviction, consider his exceptional qualifications:
Professor Wasiu A. Babalola currently serves as the Director of the Africa Travel Commission and a Professor in the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Atiba University, Oyo, Nigeria.
Professor Wasiu A. Babalola is often regarded as a polymath, boasting diverse interests in hospitality and tourism management, operations, marketing, forensic accounting, international business, law, AI, and corporate strategic management, among others. He holds an impressive two PhDs: one in Hospitality Management and another in Forensic Accounting & Audit, affirming his joint expertise in both academic and professional domains.
A Certified Accreditor for Programme and Institutional Accreditation, Professor Babalola is a Professor of Hotel Management & Tourism and an Adjunct Professor of Tourism & Hospitality Law. His extensive academic journey includes degrees in Catering & Hotel Management, Hospitality & Tourism Management (BA, First Class), Law (First Class at LLB & Distinction at LLMs), Accounting (BSc & MSc), Business (MBA), Human Resources Management (MSc), Marketing, Corporate Strategic Management, Arbitration, and French, among others. He is also a Certified Cybersecurity for Higher Education Practitioner.
Notably, Professor Babalola holds the esteemed position of Senior Vice President for Africa at Continent Worldwide Hotels, contributing to an investment portfolio of over 100 hotels in 13 countries across four continents. Additionally, his roles as a Director & Trustee of the African Travel Commission and former Managing Director for West Africa at Swiss International Hotels & Resorts underscore his influential contributions to the hospitality and tourism industry across the continent.
Recognized for his outstanding achievements, Professor Babalola has been inducted into the Top 100 Tourism Personalities in Africa for 2024 and in Nigeria for 2018.
He was voted Nigeria Hotel Man of the Year 2021, honored as West Africa Tourism & Hospitality Educator of the Year 2021, and awarded the Institute of Hospitality – UK’s Hearts of Hospitality for outstanding dedication to the industry in 2023.
His leadership extends to serving as the Immediate Past Regional Chairman at the Institute of Hospitality, UK (Nigeria), and the 1st National Vice President of the Nigerian Hotel and Catering Institute (NHCI). He holds Fellowship status in numerous professional bodies and associations and is inducted as a Certified National Accountant (CNA).
He is also a Rotarian and Past Assistant Governor of Rotary District 9111 Nigeria, having served as the 36th President of the Rotary Club of Isolo, Nigeria, among other roles.
With this formidable resume, I strongly believe that Professor Wasiu Babalola is uniquely competent, fit, and proper to lead FTAN into its glorious future.
For FTAN to truly work and walk again, building on the remarkable foundation laid by the outgoing President, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, there is only one choice.
Let us all vote for Professor Wasiu Babalola.
He will take FTAN into the land of Glory
God bless us
Let’s keep FTAN Working .
Let’s make FTAN Walk .
Signed
Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre
Usi Ekiti