The tourism landscape of Southwest Nigeria is set for a major transformation as the President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Prince Femi Fadina, embarked on a strategic two-day engagement in Ibadan, fostering collaborations to unlock the region’s vast tourism potential.
A key highlight of this tour was a high-level meeting with the Director General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Mr. Seye Oyeleye, and his team. The discussions centered on forging a robust partnership to drive a sustainable tourism agenda that will reposition the Southwest as a premier destination for heritage, culture, and eco-tourism.
Mr. Oyeleye, recognizing Prince Fadina’s visionary leadership and commitment to tourism advocacy, commended his unwavering dedication to destination development. He reaffirmed the DAWN Commission’s readiness to collaborate with ATPN and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) to implement strategic initiatives that will harness the economic and social potential of tourism in the region.
The DAWN Commission was also applauded for its numerous development-driven initiatives that have strengthened the Southwest, particularly its role in the establishment of the Amotekun Security Network. The Commission’s commitment to regional security has not only enhanced safety but has also created an enabling environment for tourism investments and intra-regional travel.
Speaking with passion and urgency, Prince Fadina emphasized the need for decisive action:
“The time is right—let’s unleash the tourism potential of the Southwest! Our region is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural wonders. We cannot afford to keep its immense opportunities untapped. This is the moment to unite, innovate, and create a thriving tourism economy that benefits our people and positions the Southwest as a leading destination in Africa.”
Prince Fadina further highlighted the importance of intra-regional tourism, stressing that a well-coordinated tourism strategy across the six Southwest states would significantly boost local economies, create jobs, and enhance cultural exchange.
“What we are doing is to enhance the unique tourism potential of each region in Nigeria and develop an inter-regional tourism calendar aimed at promoting unity in diversity. We are kicking off from the Southwest, and we see DAWN Commission as a core strategic partner,” he stated.
This strategic engagement marks a new dawn for tourism in Southwest Nigeria, setting the stage for stronger synergies between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and development agencies. With ATPN at the forefront, the call to action is clear—beyond discussions, it is time for concrete steps to build a dynamic, resilient, and globally competitive tourism industry that will serve as a model for other regions in Nigeria.
