In a remarkable ceremony recently, Nigeria’s biggest travel trade professionals body, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) symbolically handed over the representation flag of Nigeria back to federal government through the office of the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative economy, ably represented by the Director, Special Duties, Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr Odinaka Anumba, at the ongoing World Travel Market (WTM) in London.
Similarly, the association, also appreciated the immediate past minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade John, for standing up for Nigeria when it mattered most, evoking emotions and tears streaming down the eyes of the Nigerian trade exhibitors, particularly the women.
NANTA President, Mr Yinka Folami, who led performance of the travel trade Olympic ceremony assisted by immediate Past President of NANTA, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye; NANTA First Deputy President, Pastor Mrs Chi Umeasiegbu; National Publicity Secretary, Mrs Lola Adewole; and the National Auditor Mr Johnson Ugochukwu, yesterday in London at grounds of Excel, Customs House, recounted the patriotic efforts of members of the association who stood sacrificially in gap for Nigeria at the world Travel market for three years between 2022, 2023, and 2024, adding that the return of Nigeria to the all important global industry market is a game changer that must be sustained.
“We didn’t plan this but it is our little contribution to have inspired the return of Nigeria, which has also stimulated the interest of other sister organisations and trade operators to return to this global facility where the future of our business is shaped and counted.
“For a decade, our flag was missing here at WTM and we decided to pick up the gauntlet, though very difficult but we proved to everyone, inspired ourselves to believe that Nigeria must not be left out and here we are” he explained further.
Addressing the immediate past Minister, Mrs. Lola Ade John, in the company of Mrs Toke Benson Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, NANTA President stirred up emotions, recounting how the former minister heeded the call of the association for Nigeria’s return to the global industry trade market and praised her doggedness and commitment at short notice to fly the Nigerian flag at WTM.
“We at NANTA love you and wish you well. For this record appearance of our dear country in the comity of tourism nations, we count you worthy of our deep appreciation and love, and to our dear Commissioner of Tourism in Lagos state, Toke Benson Awoyinka, we are glad for the interventionist role you played here, to our NANTA Partners, Ibom Air and Sabre, we remain grateful”, Folami stated.
Turning to Mr Odinaka Anumba, the NTDA Director, Special Duties, who stood in for Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative economy, NANTA President handed over the Nigerian flag, stating that the baton is now back to the Federal Government through its Ministry and agencies to lead from the front as done by other countries, praying for more sustainable future participation of Nigeria not just only at WTM but at other international trade events through effective mobilisation of the private sector.
“We are happy with your representation here on behalf of the minister and Nigeria. We know your capacity, Mr Anumba and trust that our message and desire for a greater Nigerian presence must be felt going forward and so we so preach and hand over the flag back to the federal government.” Mr Folami reiterated.
