The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) inaugurated the newly appointed Executive Members of its Lagos Chapter in a ceremony held on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at the prestigious Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
In his welcome address, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, Vice President, ATPN – South West Region disclosed that ATPN as a foremost national body championing tourism development in Nigeria, remains committed to fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders and driving innovative strategies that position Nigeria’s tourism sector for global competitiveness.
According to Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, “The new executive team is committed to increasing the visibility and productivity of the tourism industry in Lagos by over 200%. This will be achieved through strategic partnerships, innovation, professional development, and deeper community engagement.”
The Keynote Speaker, Dr. Kola Lawal, Chairman, ATPN Oyo Chapter delivered paper on the theme: “Collaborative Leadership: Unlocking the Full Potential of Lagos Tourism Industry”
From left; Dr. Kola Lawal, Chairman, ATPN Oyo State Chapter and HOD Tourism Management Technology, The Polytechnic Ibadan; Coordinator, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Lagos Campus, Mrs. Chinyere Uche-Ibeabuchi; Chairman, ATPN Lagos State Chapter, Alhaja Olabisi Kamar-Azeez; Mr. Andrew Osaigbovo Ehanire, BOT Secretary and representative representative of National President, ATPN and Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, Vice President, ATPN -South West Region at the event.
The Oath of Office was administered by Mr. Andrew Osaigbovo Ehanire, BOT Secretary and representative of National President, ATPN. He admonished the executives to be good ambassadors of the association shortly after the inauguration.
The newly inaugurated executive council members are Chairman, Alhaja Olabisi Kamar-Azeez; Vice Chairman, Mr. Olaide Osoba; General Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Oyira; Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Kolawole Paul; Treasurer, Dr. (Mrs.) Adedayo Oluwatoyin; Financial Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Akande; Welfare/Social Secretary, Mrs. Alo Adenike Christy; Assistant Welfare/Social Secretary, Mr. Abdulkareem Balogun; Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ogunye Oluwaseun; Director, Corporate Relations & Engagement, Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare; Director, Research & Education: Pastor Okunlola Gabriel and Director, Membership & Community Engagement, Amb. Rasaki Oliyide
The Special Guest of Honour, Aare Abisoye Fagade, Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) was represented at the event by the Coordinator, NIHOTOUR Lagos Campus, Mrs. Chinyere Uche-Ibeabuchi.
In her speech, the Chairman, ATPN Lagos State Chapter, Alhaja Olabisi Kamar-Azeez; said “With Lagos being the commercial and tourism hub of Nigeria, the Lagos Chapter is poised to champion initiatives that benefit practitioners and contribute significantly to the state’s economy. This inauguration is not only a celebration of new leadership but a renewed commitment to tourism excellence in Lagos and beyond”.
Among the personalities that graced the inauguration ceremony are Ms. Tracy Osakwe, Director of Tourism Promotions, Gambia Tourism Board; Mr. Odeyemi Odewale, Former Director, NIHOTOUR, Lagos; Mr. Apata Oyeniran, Tourism Editor of Independent Newspaper; Dr. Kola Lawal, Chairman, ATPN Oyo State Chapter and HOD Tourism Management Technology, The Polytechnic Ibadan; Mr. Lasisi Abiodun, Chief of Staff, Office of the Vice President, South West Region & Tourism Lecturer, Yaba College of Technology; Alh. Alaketu Abiodun, Secretary, Office of the Vice President, South West Region & the CEO Atlantic Palms Travels and Mr. Dayo, ATPN Chairman, Ekiti State Chapter.
