NANTA National Executives Tour Ibadan Facilities Ahead of 50th AGM
The National Executive Council of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) on Monday embarked on a facility tour of hotels and event halls in Ibadan, Oyo State, in preparation for the association’s 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to hold between April 14 and 18, 2026.
Led by the National President, Mr. Yinka Folami, the delegation—which included national and zonal executives—inspected facilities to ensure adequate planning for the landmark golden anniversary event. Among those on the tour were the association’s Financial Secretary, Yinka Ladipo; National PRO, Mrs. Lola Adewole; Deputy President 2, Dr. Tokunbo Dagunduro; National Auditor, Johnson Ugochukwu; Lagos Vice President, Yinka Olapade; The Chief Administrative Officer Stanley Diagi, Western zone Vice President, Otunba Babatunde Adesokan; Zonal Secretary Mr. Ogunosebikan Temitope; Prince Ajibade Olaleye; Zonal Financial Secretary, Dr. Femi Adegbola; Mr. Afolabi Olaseni; Zonal Welfare Mr. Olumide Olatundun, Mrs. Olaide Ogunkeyede ,Zonal Admin Mrs. Kehinde Kofolu and Zonal PRO, Obasa Oyebola.
The team also paid a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, where Mr. Folami commended him for his remarkable initiatives in the tourism sector and described him as “a true ambassador for tourism.”
He emphasized that NANTA, as the first-level regulator for travel and tourism operators in Nigeria, continues to partner with government and private agencies to strengthen the industry.
Dr. Olatubosun, in his response, noted that NANTA Oyo State chapter has remained a strong partner in the state’s tourism drive, citing their active participation in previous international summits.
He disclosed that the ministry is set to commence enforcement against quackery and fake travel agencies, a move already approved by the state executive council.
The commissioner also hinted that a section of the Ladoke Akintola Airport would soon be commissioned to boost air connectivity. He added that the ministry is ready to partner with NANTA to host a robust AGM and a befitting 50th anniversary celebration.
Highlighting Governor Seyi Makinde’s efforts in creating an enabling environment for tourism, Olatubosun explained that road infrastructure, the ongoing airport project, the Light-Up Oyo initiative to improve security and nightlife, and other developmental strides have positioned Oyo as the safest state in Nigeria. He revealed that tourist visits have grown from about 1,000 per weekend before 2019 to over 18,000 per weekend as of December 2024.
He further explained that under the Omituntun 2.0 agenda, the state has included expanding tourism and solid minerals sector, and today we have raised the bar in tourism management in Oyo State, and it will be difficult for anyone without passion for the sector to lower it.
Meanwhile, Mr. Folami stressed that Ibadan was deliberately chosen as the host city for the AGM because of its historical significance. “Our next AGM is very important because it will also mark our golden anniversary. We are bringing it to Ibadan, the city of firsts, to showcase its culture and civility. At this stage in Nigeria, it is vital that we place our culture at the forefront,” he said.
The 50th AGM, themed “Embracing Cultural Diversity from the City of Firsts,” is expected to draw tourism organizations, domestic and foreign airline operators, as well as governors of the six states of the Southwest to Ibadan.
