The Association of Hospitality and Tourism Consultants in Nigeria (ATHCON) held its 2026 Annual General Meeting, Conference and Induction Ceremony at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel and Towers, emphasizing the need for professionalism, strategic partnerships, manpower development, and innovation for sustainable growth in Nigeria's tourism and hospitality sector.
Industry leaders, policymakers, consultants, and professionals gathered to discuss improving efficiency and competitiveness. The conference theme was "Resolving Inefficiency Through Strategic Synergy and Manpower Optimisation: The Case for Management Consultation."
Keynote Address and Insights
ATHCON President, Pastor Olatunde Olaitan Oluloye, reaffirmed the association's commitment to promoting professionalism, raising industry standards, and strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors. He stressed that sustainable profitability depends on investments in human capital, noting that skilled and motivated personnel are crucial for transforming infrastructure and technology into value.
Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), commended ATHCON for advancing professionalism and capacity development. He urged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, build institutional capacities, and adopt innovative approaches to improve service delivery and create employment opportunities, enhancing Nigeria's competitiveness as a tourism destination.
FTAN President's Remarks
Dr. Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), highlighted the importance of innovation, collaboration, and strategic planning. He noted that inefficiency remains a major challenge limiting competitiveness and investment, calling for stronger institutional frameworks and professional management consulting services.
Induction of New Members
A major highlight was the induction of Honorary Fellows, Fellows, and Members. Honorary Fellows inducted include Mallam Abdullahi Idris, Rosana Forsuelo, Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, and Trevor Ward. Fellows inducted include Olugbenga Sunday, Abolaji Kelani, Solomon Uwakwe, and Pius Obaje. New members include Ebikaboere Seimodei, Funke Olusoga-Ogunlade, Joy Nyeso, Olufemi Olowoyo, Florence Oyelade Adedayo-Tayo, Sunday Omogoye Sampson, Sharafa Balogun, and Chibuikem Diala.
Speakers emphasized ATHCON's role as the apex professional body for hospitality and tourism consulting, committed to advancing professional excellence, promoting industry standards, supporting policy development, encouraging research, and fostering sustainable growth.
Election of New PRO
The AGM also elected seasoned journalist and tourism professional Paul Ukpabio as the new Public Relations Officer. Ukpabio brings extensive experience in tourism advocacy and is a member of several industry bodies, including NIHOTOUR National Alumni Executive Committee, SON Technical Committee on Tourism, ITPN, and ANJET.
ATHCON reaffirmed its commitment to promoting excellence, professionalism, innovation, and sustainable development across Nigeria's tourism and hospitality sectors through effective communication, collaboration, research, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives.
