The 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), held on August 3, 2025, in Ondo State, brought together tourism stakeholders, experts, government representatives, and industry leaders for a high-impact gathering that blended culture, strategy, and a clear vision for the future of tourism in Nigeria. With the theme “Unlocking Nigeria’s Ecotourism Untapped Treasure: A Catalyst for Empowering Tourism Entrepreneurs,” the event emphasised both inspiration and action, calling for long-overdue investment in Nigeria’s vast ecotourism assets.
The event began with the playing of the Ondo State anthem, followed by a warm welcome and the formal introduction of the dignitaries. Representing the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, was the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami. Other top state officials present included Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Secretary to the State Government, and Prince Segun Omojuwa, Chief of Staff.
The gathering was further elevated by the presence of national and industry figures, including Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR); Professor Wasiu Babalola, FIH, an accomplished academic and tourism expert; Mr. Michael Williams, former Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau; Dr. (Mrs.) Olanma A. Ojukwu, founder of GOTA International Group; Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and the Continent Building Initiative; and Nkereuwem Onung, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and Special Assistant on Tourism to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
Alhaja Bolaji Mustapha, NATOP President, was the final dignitary to be introduced and received an enthusiastic welcome. Her recognition was immediately followed by a brilliant cultural performance from the Ondo State Cultural Troupe, showcasing traditional music and dances that celebrated the state’s vibrant heritage, setting an engaging tone for the discussions to follow.
Tourism Leaders Call for Action and Investment at NATOP’s 9th AGM in Ondo
During the official opening of the NATOP conference, Alhaja Bolaji Mustapha praised Ondo State for its warm hospitality and emphasised tourism’s role in national development, cultural preservation, and economic growth. She called for stronger support for entrepreneurs building Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Nkereuwem Onung, FTAN President and former NATOP President, reflected on NATOP’s 12-year progress and stressed the urgent need for policy support. He highlighted tourism’s power to create jobs and uplift communities, pledging continued advocacy.
Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, DG of NIHOTOUR, delivered a compelling speech about the agency’s commitment to sustainable tourism through training, funding, and public-private partnerships. Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s shift to oil in the 1960s, he urged national focus on tourism and challenged the audience to make tourism an aspirational career path, asking, “How many Nigerian children want to become tour guides?”
Voices of Vision: Industry Experts Share Practical Solutions for Nigeria’s Tourism Growth at NATOP AGM 2025
A highlight of the AGM was a powerful session led by tourism experts calling for practical, experience-driven strategies to boost Nigeria’s tourism economy.
Michael Williams, a Jamaican tourism consultant and former MD of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, stressed the need for improved visibility and signage at tourist sites. Comparing Nigeria with Jamaica, he noted that simple infrastructure like signposts can significantly increase engagement. In his presentation on The Benefits of Eco-Tourism, Williams outlined its economic, environmental, and community advantages, emphasising its potential to empower rural communities and protect Nigeria’s natural heritage.
Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, challenged Nigeria to turn its rich cultural assets into emotional, story-driven tourism experiences. Citing global tourism successes like Jamaica and France, he argued that infrastructure alone won’t drive growth—connection and cultural pride will. He illustrated this with the story of a foreign guest touched by the Yoruba “Osuba” greeting, showing how emotional resonance can build tourist loyalty. Akinboboye’s rallying cry: “Attractions won’t bring tourists. Only destinations will.”
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The Deputy Governor: Ondo’s Commitment to Repositioning Tourism
In his goodwill address, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, warmly welcomed NATOP and thanked them for bringing the AGM to the state. He admitted that Nigeria has long overlooked its tourism potential but assured everyone that Ondo is charting a new course under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a tourism professional and enthusiast.
Dr Adelami acknowledged and celebrated the efforts of private investors, such as Otunba Akinboboye and Hon. Jibayo Adeyeye, founder of Nibanlola Resort, who have contributed to the state’s tourism revitalisation. He went on to affirm the state’s commitment to elevating Idanre Hills into a globally recognised destination. The Deputy Governor described it as a “must-visit location” that represents Ondo’s broader vision for tourism development, one that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and economic opportunities.
Conclusion: From Conversations to Concrete Action
The NATOP AGM 2025 in Ondo was more than a gathering—it was a rallying point for transforming Nigeria’s tourism sector. Centred on the theme “Unlocking Nigeria’s Ecotourism Untapped Treasure: A Catalyst for Empowering Tourism Entrepreneurs,” the event called for practical action over talk.
From cultural displays to expert panels, a unified message emerged: Nigeria holds immense tourism potential through its people, landscapes, and stories. But unlocking this potential requires grassroots investment, policy reform, and belief in Nigeria’s unique identity.
The conference emphasised that tourism is about more than destinations—it’s about creating jobs, reconnecting diasporans, preserving heritage, and building national pride. Delegates left energised and ready to turn big ideas into concrete impact.
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