The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has set in motion plans to redefine the South-West’s tourism landscape through strategic collaboration, visionary leadership, and a unified approach to development.
In a landmark engagement, the President of ATPN, Prince Adetunji Fadina, led a high-powered delegation to meet with the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, to discuss a transformative partnership between ATPN and the Ogun State Government.
The meeting underscored a shared commitment to harnessing Ogun State’s tourism potential as a key driver of economic growth, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
The Deputy Governor,who warmly welcomed the ATPN delegation, acknowledged the vital role of tourism in job creation, revenue generation, and global visibility for the state.
She pledged Ogun State’s readiness to collaborate with ATPN, ensuring that tourism development aligns with the administration’s broader economic agenda.
On the need for the Southwest to speak with one voice, Fadina, an experienced tourism strategist and destination consultant, emphasized the urgency of a South-West coalition to harmonize tourism policies, attract investment, and create a seamless experience for visitors across the region.
He stressed that by speaking with one voice, stakeholders can amplify their impact, unlock new opportunities, and position the region as Nigeria’s premier tourism hub.
“In the South-West, we have everything—history, culture, heritage, ecotourism, religious tourism, and a thriving creative economy. What we need now is a coordinated strategy that brings everyone to the table: state governments, private sector players, community leaders, and international partners. Tourism is an economic asset, and we must activate its full potential,” Fadina stated.
He pointed out that a key pillar of this initiative is the engagement with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission to drive local government participation in tourism.
He recognised that sustainable tourism begins at the grassroots, adding that ATPN will work with DAWN and key stakeholders to ensure each local government area actively contributes to tourism development, infrastructure improvement, and cultural preservation.
“For tourism to thrive, every local government must be actively involved—identifying their unique attractions, creating enabling environments for tourism businesses, and ensuring that both residents and visitors benefit from tourism-driven economic growth,” Prince Fadina added.
He noted that this engagement marks the beginning of a new era for South-West tourism, adding that ATPN, under Fadina’s leadership, will immediately activate the engagement of stakeholders.
DAWN, a South-West Tourism Coalition, bringing together government agencies, industry professionals, and investors.
About The Author
