The western zone of the National Association of Travel Agency of Nigeria NANTA has elected new executive members that will run the affairs of the association for the next four years
At the zonal election which was held at Premier Hotel Ibadan, Pastor Hezekiah Olubode Afolabi emerges the Vice president while Ajijola Bewaji becomes the Zonal General Secretary.
Others includes Alhaji Qassim Saheed Babatunde, Treasurer, Mrs Omolola, Adeyemi,Financial Secretary, Erelu Funmi Rotiba , Internal Auditor, and Mr Olaleye Ajibade Abiodun PRO While the outgoing vice president Mr Tokunbo Dagunduro was appointed as ex officio members of the association
The National President of the association, Mr Benard Bankole who led some member of the National Executive to Ibadan expresses satisfaction with the process and maturity display by members during the conduct of the election
Bankole who commended Tokunbo Dagunduro led executives for unprecedented achievements and contributions to the growth of the association urged the newly executives to continue where their predecessors have stopped and promote unity and peace in the association
“ In election there is no looser there is no winner, NANTA Wins because you are all striving to promote the association and take it to the next level so let’s work together as a team”
Speaking on the contributions of the Association to the GDP of the nation, Bankole said” We travel agencies sold about $1.1b which is about 500 Billion In the past year. We want the federal government to know that we travel agency are contributing a lot to the GDP in term of employment in terms of revenue taxes, the government need to understand there is value in travel and tourism businesses
“ Dubai today is built on their aviation and tourism sector why should ours be an exception we have the population to support it why are we not focusing on it, oil can dry up tomorrow but people cannot depreciate like that, the government need to pay attention to the industry more than ever before”
While Highlighting his achievements the outgoing VP, Tokunbo Dagunduro said the association was able to increase number of members from 72 to 136 and Associate members to 50 through consistent effort and series of awareness program
Dagunduro is contesting for the post of National Treasurer in the next AGM of the meeting schedule to hold in Kano between in March 2020