By Frank Meke
She leads with grace and unwavering conviction. Call Bolaji Mustapha the “Mother Teresa of Nigerian Tourism,” and you won’t be wrong—provided you take a moment to review her achievements within barely two years at the helm of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP).
In an industry where government interest often turns into a game of chance, Mustapha stands out. Her signature humility, disarming smile, and tireless commitment have won her admirers across the tourism sector. With every engagement, her fan base grows steadily—and so does her impact.
Mustapha appears to possess a Midas touch, and her latest project—advancing the tourism agenda in Ondo State—is already gaining traction. Since assuming office in Ilorin, she and her team at NATOP have made it clear that they are committed to restoring Nigeria’s reputation as a prime destination on the global tourism map.
Across the country, NATOP members are championing integrity and faith in the Nigerian tourism experience. While they do not downplay the sector’s challenges, they consistently emphasize its possibilities. As visa restrictions and trade limitations continue to discourage outbound travel, NATOP is offering a compelling homegrown alternative—and it’s beginning to attract both attention and support.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State is among those who now believe in the NATOP vision. The association’s strategic focus on developing cultural and ecological tourism struck a chord with the state’s leadership. In true Ondo State fashion, nothing was spared in hosting distinguished tourism stakeholders at this year’s event.
The 9th NATOP Annual General Meeting, held in Akure, Ondo State’s capital, was anything but bland. The vibrant Ondo State Cultural Troupe set the tone with an immersive display of heritage and rhythm, effectively merging destination marketing with indigenous storytelling. The event reinforced the need to promote native languages and cultural identity as essential tools in tourism development.
Representing the governor, Deputy Governor Dr. Olajide Owolabi Adelami delivered a spirited address. He challenged NATOP to leverage its local and international influence to transform the state’s vast tourism potential. The speech positioned NATOP as a divine partner in the state’s effort to elevate tourism beyond lip service and into a space of strategic development.
This year’s theme provided a springboard for unlocking Ondo State’s largely untapped eco-tourism resources—many of which are ripe for investment and transformation into viable economic assets.
Aare Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), stressed the importance of training and retraining for sector growth. He affirmed that Nigeria can no longer afford to ignore reputation management and performance measurement in tourism. According to him, NIHOTOUR is a “destiny-shaping” institution, and not one that kills dreams. He warned that nations unwilling to adapt to the evolving dynamics of technology and global tourism will be left behind.
Speaking modestly but with assurance, Mustapha reiterated that NATOP’s presence in Ondo State was not accidental—it was strategic and intentional.
Nkereweum Onung, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and Chairman of NATOP’s Board of Trustees, expressed excitement at the event. His voice echoed through the magnificent Dome in Akure, Nigeria’s new cultural tourism hub. Onung commended Mustapha’s leadership for reviving NATOP and praised the resilience of young tourism practitioners who continue to hold Nigeria’s tourism flag high on the global stage.
Alexander Oziegbe Joy and Odion Chigbufe—NATOP’s Deputy General Secretary and National Treasurer, respectively—demonstrated that the association is in capable hands. Their professionalism signals a dependable partnership with government in reshaping the sector and advancing Governor Aiyedatiwa’s cultural tourism agenda.
Clearly, a movement to rebuild and reposition Nigeria’s tourism landscape has begun. And NATOP is not just in the driver’s seat—it’s blazing the trail with visible results. Fueled by Nigeria’s abundant heritage, hospitality, cuisine, fashion, and creative energy, the association is ready to deliver.
The spotlight is now on NATOP. Will it meet the expectations—or will the nation resume the search for yet another “Tourism Messiah”?
