Prof. Wasiu Babalola
As the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) approaches its pivotal Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for July 31, 2025, we find ourselves at a defining moment not only in leadership selection but in charting the future of Nigeria’s tourism, hospitality and creative landscape.
This election is not about personality’s sentiments but about a new objective driven FTAN that has the capacity and technicalities of negotiations that will encourage tranquility between the government and private sector while ensuring an enhanced robust support for the body and protection of its members.
Our industry requires a leader who understands its complex realities and is equipped with the vision, capacity, and character to unify our voice, reinvigorate our structure, and reposition FTAN as a respected national force.
The Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN) believes that Professor Wasiu Adeyemo Babalola will breathe fresh energy into FTAN with an all-inclusive administration that will support the aspiration of its members..
A Campaign Built on Vision, Not Vengeance
We are concerned about the tone of some campaign narratives. Unfortunately, the atmosphere has, at times, drifted from constructive engagement to pettiness and personal attacks. That is not the spirit the tourism sector deserves.
Professor Babalola, however, will be the President for all and lead on the principle of unifying and healing the wounds that must have been created by the scourge of this campaigned.
He has made it abundantly clear to his supporters: this campaign will reject bitterness, character assassination, and propaganda. His campaign is grounded in integrity, driven by a shared vision for the industry, and sustained by a commitment to issue-based discourse.
The Babalola Blueprint: A Five-Pillar Agenda
Professor Wasiu Babalola is not new to building institutional excellence and professional credibility.
He brings to the table a clear, actionable plan built on five interconnected pillars:
1. Institutional Reform and Transparency
He is committed to repositioning FTAN as a credible, professional, and policy-influencing body by streamlining operations, strengthening internal governance, and restoring trust across all member associations. FTAN must work efficiently, transparently, and with measurable impact.
2. Global Partnerships and Industry Development
Leveraging his global standing and international networks, Professor Babalola will attract technical support, training, and investment from reputable tourism organisations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, unlocking global opportunities for Nigerian tourism stakeholders.
3. Capacity Building and Professionalization
He will initiate robust sector-wide training programmes through and for all member associations, ensuring Nigerian tourism becomes globally competitive, compliant, and export-ready.
4. Digital and Destination Marketing Innovation
He will champion a Digital Tourism Visibility (DTV) Project, deploying data-driven marketing tools and platforms to promote Nigeria’s tourism destinations and assets domestically and internationally. It’s time for a tourism sector that is seen, felt, and celebrated, both online and offline.
5. Unity and One Voice for Member Associations
No more fragmented representation but strengthen internal solidarity. Under Professor Babalola, FTAN will provide one strong, inclusive voice that speaks for the entire ecosystem, from grassroots practitioners to boardroom leaders.
Under Professor Babalola’s leadership, FTAN will speak with one strong and united voice, representing all 23 member associations equitably including those that will be interested in joining because of the value centric federation that will be on the table..
Experience that Speaks for Itself: A Proven Track Record at FTAN
Professor Babalola is no stranger or a newcomer to FTAN’s vision or structure.
His contributions span across leadership and technical roles. He has actively served the federation in several national capacities, including:
● Member, FTAN National Committee on the Review of the NIHOTOUR and NTDA Acts (2022), where he contributed legal, academic, and industry insight to strengthen regulatory clarity and operational harmony within the tourism sector. He contributed alongside others on areas requiring review prior to the enactment of both Acts,
● FTAN Representative on the AfCFTA Review Committee on Tourism Services for Nigeria, advancing Nigeria’s interest in continental tourism trade negotiations under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
● Delegate to the 2021 FTAN Annual General Meeting and Panelist at FTAN AGMs, participating in strategic discussions that shaped FTAN’s post-COVID repositioning agenda.
These roles reflect more than interest, they reflect deep investment in FTAN’s growth, future, and unity.
A Bridge-Builder and Cross-Sector Leader
Professor Babalola’s candidacy is about unifying FTAN and positioning it for cross-sectoral influence. He is:
● A member of no fewer than four FTAN-affiliated associations which include:
o Fellow, Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN)
o Fellow and 1st National Vice President, Nigeria Hotel and Catering Institute (NHCI)
o Fellow, Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN)
o Fellow, Institute of Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), and
● Also a Fellow of:
o Association of Tourism and Hospitality Consultants in Nigeria (ATHCON)
o UK-based Institute of Hospitality (IoH), where he served as Nigeria Regional Chair and was honoured with the Heart of Hospitality Award in 2023 for his dedication to the industry.
Beyond tourism, he brings multidisciplinary expertise to the table and to reflect on issues and collaborations.
These include recognitions as a:
● Certified National Accountant (CNA)
● Chartered Certified Forensic Accountant and a Fellow of the Institute (FCCrFA)
● Chartered Arbitrator, among other prestigious designations.
His professional diversity underlines his broad insight and ability to engage across sectors, a critical quality in today’s interconnected economic and policy environment.
A Call to All Stakeholders
To every FTAN delegate, association, and stakeholder in the Nigerian tourism value chain: let this campaign be a celebration of ideas, not a battleground.
✅ Ask questions.
✅ Demand clarity.
✅ Choose leadership built on purpose.
✅ Support a campaign driven by vision.
Let’s Move Forward — Together
Professor Wasiu Babalola is ready. His track record, integrity, and unifying agenda speak for themselves. Let us give FTAN the leadership it deserves, not tomorrow, but now.
Let’s vote Professor Wasiu Babalola for FTAN President. Let’s build a value-driven FTAN together.
Chef Paulinus Okon is the National President, Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria.
