As the race for the National Publicity Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) intensifies, travel entrepreneur and industry stakeholder, Dr. Oludayo Taiwo Gideon, popularly known as GidiBoss, has unveiled a strategic vision focused on strengthening the association’s visibility, media relevance, and member engagement.
Speaking during a recent podcast-style campaign engagement, Dr. Gideon emphasized that his ambition goes beyond routine publicity, noting that NANTA, at 50, requires “intentional, structured, and forward-looking communication.”
According to him, “Publicity is not just about posting pictures. It is about shaping perception, protecting reputation, and amplifying the voice of members.”
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Five-Point Publicity Agenda
Dr. Gideon outlined a five-point agenda he intends to implement if elected.
Top on his list is quality representation, which he described as critical to positioning NANTA both locally and globally. He stressed that the association must project a unified and professional image that reflects its legacy and relevance.
He also highlighted the need for a stronger digital presence, noting that perception is increasingly shaped online. According to him, enhancing NANTA’s digital communication ecosystem will improve visibility and ensure the association controls its narrative.
On media engagement, he called for stronger relationships with national and industry media platforms, positioning NANTA as the authoritative voice in Nigeria’s travel space.
Dr. Gideon further emphasized the importance of member visibility, stating that many success stories within the association remain untold. He pledged to spotlight achievements and contributions of members across the country.
Perhaps most notably, he spoke about building a long-term narrative for the association, adding that publicity should go beyond announcements to shaping how NANTA is perceived in the future.
“At 50 years, the narrative of NANTA matters more than ever. We must position the association not just as a body, but as the voice and future of travel professionalism in Nigeria,” he said.
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Track Record in Industry Development
Beyond his campaign promises, Dr. Gideon pointed to his contributions to the travel and aviation industry as a foundation for his candidacy.
Through Aeroport College of Aviation, he has trained thousands of professionals now working across travel agencies, airlines, and aviation companies within and outside Nigeria.
He has also contributed to industry knowledge through masterclasses, mentorship programmes, and capacity-building initiatives, aimed at transforming travel agents into “travelpreneurs.”
Dr. Gideon has served on the NANTA Training Committee for over five years, contributing to training standards and professional development within the association.
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Creating Platforms and Expanding Industry Conversations
One of his notable contributions is the creation of the Travelpreneur Conference & Expo (TRAVCONEXPO), described as Nigeria’s first dedicated travel trade fair and conference.
The platform brings together travel agencies, airlines, tour operators, hospitality brands, and regulators to foster collaboration and growth within the travel ecosystem.
In addition, he has led and participated in several industry conversations, particularly during the COVID-19 period, where he hosted webinars and produced communication-driven initiatives to keep professionals informed and connected.
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Global Representation and Media Exposure
Dr. Gideon also referenced his role in representing NANTA at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London in 2022, where he led the association’s public relations efforts in the absence of the National PRO.
He noted that the NANTA stand gained significant visibility, with some of the media assets produced during the event later adopted by the WTM media team.
“That experience showed that when we represent our industry well, the world pays attention,” he stated.
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Experience in Publicity and Communication
At the association level, Dr. Gideon served as Public Relations Officer for NANTA Lagos Zone for two terms (2020–2024).
During this period, he produced audio-visual publications and facilitated national webinars, particularly during the pandemic, reinforcing the role of communication in times of crisis.
He noted that these experiences shaped his understanding of the importance of “intentional, inclusive, and forward-thinking communication.”
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Personality, Media Savvy and Digital Edge
Addressing questions about his suitability for the role, Dr. Gideon highlighted his natural inclination towards communication, storytelling, and engagement.
He has authored books, written articles, and spoken at multiple conferences, while also building strong digital platforms with active engagement across Instagram, TikTok, and other social media channels.
He described himself as “tech-aware and connected to the next generation,” adding that modern publicity requires both traditional media understanding and digital fluency.
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Call for Support
While acknowledging the competitive nature of the race, Dr. Gideon maintained that his campaign is focused on vision, structure, and measurable impact.
“This is not about noise. It is about building a communication system that truly represents our members and positions NANTA for the future,” he said.
He concluded by calling for the support of members, emphasizing his commitment to amplifying the voice of the association and showcasing the excellence within its network.
