The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) has reinforced its institutional presence in the Western Zone with the inauguration of new state chapter executives in Ondo and Ekiti States, alongside strategic engagements with key government stakeholders aimed at boosting tourism development and strengthening professional standards within the travel sector.
The two-day official assignment was led by the Second National Deputy President, Dr. Tokunbo Dagunduro, alongside the National Public Relations Officer, Otunba Babatunde Adesokan; Western Zone Vice President, Prince Abiodun Olaleye Ajibade; Western Zone Secretary, Mr. Olatundun Olumide; and Western Zone Financial Secretary, Dr. Adegbola Olufemi.
In Ondo State, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Afolabi Adesoji, who reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to collaborate with NANTA in strengthening tourism development and sanitizing the travel industry.
The Commissioner noted that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is familiar with NANTA and expressed openness to deeper collaboration, while stressing the need to curb fraudulent practices within the travel and tourism sector and assuring government support in protecting consumers and promoting ethical standards.
He further disclosed ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure, including approval for a major resort development along the state’s coastal corridor, aimed at unlocking Ondo’s tourism potential and attracting investors.
Following the engagement, the Ondo State Chapter Executive Committee of NANTA was formally inaugurated, with Alhaji Jimoh Ibrahim Akindele as State Coordinator, Evangelist Elisha Olorunda as Secretary, Samuel Temitope Olagundoye as Public Relations Officer, and Omojagbe Kemisola Ologbonjaye as Treasurer.
The event was attended by representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, NAPTIP, and the Nigeria Immigration Service, who joined other stakeholders in witnessing the inauguration.
Dr. Tokunbo Dagunduro congratulated the newly inaugurated executives and charged them to provide purposeful leadership, uphold the association’s constitution, and strengthen NANTA’s presence in Ondo State. Otunba Babatunde Adesokan urged them to project professionalism and integrity, while Prince Abiodun Olaleye Ajibade emphasized accountability, transparency, and effective membership mobilization.
In Ekiti State, the delegation also inaugurated the State Chapter Executive Committee, with Yusuf Olanrewaju Sikiru as State Coordinator, Olatunji Morenikeji as Secretary, Simeon Moka Adeoye as Public Relations Officer, and Sunday Kunle Olaolorun as Treasurer.
The ceremony attracted key stakeholders including representatives of security agencies, tourism officials, hospitality leaders, and government representatives, who all commended NANTA for its commitment to professionalism, ethical standards, and capacity development within the travel and tourism industry. Security representatives emphasized integrity, compliance with regulations, and proper guidance for travelers, while tourism and hospitality stakeholders called for stronger collaboration to drive tourism growth and economic development in Ekiti State and beyond.
Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, applauded NANTA’s contributions and urged members to promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage and tourism assets globally.
The engagement also featured a courtesy visit to the Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, where Commissioner Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare warmly received the NANTA delegation. He expressed delight at the visit, describing it as a long-awaited engagement, and encouraged NANTA members to see the ministry as their “home,” stressing that they should no longer remain distant from it.
He noted that the association had, in his words, been “running away from home,” and assured NANTA of the ministry’s readiness to support and collaborate in advancing tourism and the creative economy in Ekiti State.
Professor Bakare further called for stronger representation of NANTA within governance structures to enhance inclusiveness and policy development in the sector. Supporting this position, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Prince Banji Adelusi, urged members to embrace unity and peace as foundations for progress, while stressing transparency, accountability, and cooperation as essential for sustainable development.
Across both states, NANTA leadership reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening state chapters, promoting ethical practice, and deepening stakeholder collaboration.
The association described the successful inaugurations and engagements as a significant milestone in expanding its institutional footprint across the Western Zone and advancing the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s travel and tourism industry.
