The newly elected National Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Otunba Babatunde Adesokan, has extended an olive branch to his former rival, Dr. Oludayo Taiwo Gideon, in a post-election reconciliation visit aimed at fostering unity within the association.
Adesokan paid a courtesy visit to Gideon at his Lagos office on Thursday, weeks after both men contested the National PRO position at NANTA’s 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abuja.
Gideon, a prominent industry stakeholder and zonal leader, was Adesokan’s sole challenger in what delegates described as a keenly contested election during the association’s golden jubilee AGM. Adesokan eventually emerged winner and was sworn in as National PRO.
Speaking after the closed-door meeting, Adesokan described the visit as a demonstration of leadership and inclusiveness.
He said, “NANTA is bigger than any individual ambition. Dr. Gideon ran a strong, issue-based campaign that enriched our democracy. Now that members have spoken, it is my duty to unify the house. I came to thank him, to listen, and to seek his wealth of experience as we project NANTA’s image under this new administration.”
The NANTA spokesperson stressed that his mandate is to promote and protect the collective image of travel practitioners, regardless of political divides within the association.
“I cannot do that effectively without the support of leaders like Dr. Gideon who command respect across zones. This is a call for partnership, not patronage,” he added.
In his response, Gideon commended Adesokan’s gesture, describing it as a timely step toward healing and unity after the election.
“Elections will come and go, but NANTA remains our common heritage. I congratulate Otunba once again and pledge my support to him and the President, Mr. Yinka Folami-led administration. My ideas, my network, and my voice are available to move NANTA forward,” he said.
He noted that the contest was issue-driven and reflected members’ desire for stronger communication and advocacy within the travel industry.
Observers present at the meeting described the engagement as a model of sportsmanship and a positive signal of an inclusive leadership style by the new NANTA executive.
Adesokan also revealed plans to establish a NANTA PR Advisory Council comprising past spokespersons and communication experts, with Gideon invited to play a key role. The council is expected to guide messaging on key industry concerns, including airline policies, visa challenges, and public perception of travel agents.
The meeting ended with a symbolic handshake and group photograph, signalling renewed unity as NANTA embarks on its next phase after its 50th anniversary celebrations.
